The Power of Pig Poop: Renewable Energy Created from Manure

Published by HEC, Aug. 24, 2020
Written by Suzanne Vanderhoef

Roeslein Alternative Energy is using swine manure to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), which can be used to power homes and cars. The company, in partnership with Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork producer, has nine manure-to-natural-gas facilities in Northern Missouri. The pig manure is deposited in large lagoons covered by impermeable covers. The process of anaerobic digestion produces methane which is captured, refined, and injected into natural gas pipelines.

Roeslein is also in the process of creating RNG from the digestion of native prairie grass which will be planted on marginal land along waterways to capture carbon in the soil, provide wildlife habitats, and alleviate flooding.