Egg producer to install biogas digester

Darling Downs Fresh Eggs will become the first Australian egg producer to install a biogas digester to power its poultry business. The project is expected to reduce the business’s current grid electricity usage by 60% in the first year.

Quantum Power, a leading biogas-based renewable energy company, will work with RCM International to design and deliver the $2.86 million biogas digester power plant at the Pittsworth farm.

“We’re expecting a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 1000 tonnes per annum, through the reduced electricity and LPG usage,” said Quantum Power CEO Richard Brimblecombe. “The plant will also reduce the site’s methane emissions by over 6000 tonnes CO₂e per annum.

“While Darling Downs Fresh Eggs will access power from the grid in peak periods, the digester will product sufficient energy to operate 100% of the business’s energy requirements in all other periods.”

Darling Downs Fresh Eggs CEO Geoff Sondergeld said the business expects cost savings of more than $250,000 in the first year.

“This project will achieve efficiencies by capturing biogas generator heat for use in chicken rearing sheds and hot water for the grading floor - almost eliminating the need for a separate gas source for heating,” Sondergeld said.

Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) CEO Oliver Yates said the bioenergy project will demonstrate the potential for the industry to convert its waste products into a valuable renewable energy source, cutting energy costs, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and reducing its reliance on traditional electricity and gas supplies.

The CEFC and National Australia Bank (NAB) are co-financing the project with the balance of project costs met by a $333,823 grant from the Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program. Darling Downs Fresh Eggs will fund any extra costs.

Darling Downs Fresh Eggs produces point-of-lay pullets and shell eggs and also mills and wholesales stock feed.