MACOMB - Illinois pork, poultry and dairy farmers have an opportunity to learn more about turning manure waste into energy at a free workshop that will be held Friday, February 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Spoon River College Community Outreach Center, 2500 E. Jackson Street in Macomb.

Anaerobic digesters turn animal waste into methane gas that can be used to generate electricity and produce heat. This form of renewable energy using biogas is underdeveloped in Illinois. To educate producers on the possibilities and benefits of this form of renewable energy McDonough Power Cooperative, Adams Electric Cooperative, Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative, Menard Electric Cooperative, Spoon River Electric Cooperative and Western Illinois Electric Cooperative are co-sponsoring the seminar along with the Illinois Farm Bureau, the Illinois Pork Producers, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Midwest Clean Energy Application Center and other organizations.

“The electric cooperatives’ short term goal is to provide information and help educate producers about the possibilities of anaerobic digesters and adding an income stream to a farm operation,” says John Freitag, vice president of operations for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives headquartered in Springfield. “Longer term, we would hope to play a role in helping to get a digester project developed in the rural area we serve.”

The workshop presents strategies and steps to develop successful anaerobic digestion project. Participants will hear from experienced professionals, government regulators and Department of Energy allies about the opportunities of biogas. Technical experts will be on hand to provide support and answers about navigating the intricacies of future energy projects in order to comply with regulations, increases energy efficiency, and improve an ag producer’ bottom line.

The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register or to learn more about the event contact one of the local electric cooperatives or go to www.midwestcleanenergycenter.org