The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized POET Biorefining, Ashton IA, and East Kansas Agri-Energy LLC, Garnett KS, with the Energy Star award for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, according to EPA information.
The Energy Star program recognizes projects that reduce emissions and use at least five percent less fuel than state-of-the-art, comparable separate heat and power generation. To apply, projects must be in commercial operation, operating within the emission limits stipulated in their permits, and have a minimum of 12 months and 5,000 hours of measured operating data.
In April 2004, POET began full production at an ethanol plant in Ashton. Electricity is generated by a natural gas-fired turbine, which requires approximately 16 percent less fuel than typical on-site thermal generation and purchased electricity. Based on this comparison, the system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 18,900 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from 3,100 cars or planting 3,900 acres of forest.
The East Kansas Agri-Energy dry mill ethanol plant in Garnett began production in 2005. The steam turbine system generates approximately one-third of the facility's electrical demands. It requires approximately 23 percent less fuel than typical on-site thermal generation and purchased electricity. Based on this comparison, the plant reduces carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 14,500 tons per year, which is equivalent to removing the annual emissions from 2,400 cars or planting 3,000 acres of forest.
Dry mill ethanol facilities require large-scale, constant electricity and thermal loads, making these facilities an excellent fit for this innovative technology. The highly efficient and economical systems can use a variety of fuels, including natural gas or biomass. They can also improve the overall environmental benefits of biofuels by reducing the greenhouse gases associated with ethanol production, EPA said.