Cargill to convert pig waste to energy on South African farm

Cargill to convert pig waste to energy on South African farm

Cargill is to build an anaerobic digester on a pig farm in South Africa, the first time such technology will be used in the country. The digester, which will convert pig effluent into power, is to be built at Humphries Boerdery Pty Ltd, a family-run pig farm business, situated north of Johannesburg.

The technology, which is being funded by Cargill's environmental finance group, allows the methane from the pig effluent to be captured and converted into power, providing a self-sufficient and constant supply of electricity to the 400-acre farm. The proposed installation follows successful projects on pig farms in Mexico and the Philippines.

The project, which will be developed under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism by EcoSecurities, will allow Cargill access to the carbon credits generated from the system.

Commenting on the project, Rebecca Willson, general manager of Cargill's environmental finance business in Africa, says: "We are thrilled to be installing this state of the art technology at Humphries' farm. Among the many benefits of the digester is that it provides the farm with a constant source of renewable power, while reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere."

Willie Humphries, owner of Humphries adds: "This project will have a significant and positive impact on our operations and we're delighted to be working with Cargill and EcoSecurities on this innovative means of producing power."

Henk Sa, country director of EcoSecurities South Africa says: "The project is a great example of sustainable development in the country only made possible by the additional income from the sale of carbon credits by the project. EcoSecurities sees this as the start of many similar projects in the region now that the Clean Development Mechanism has picked up speed throughout South Africa."

The digester, currently being built in South Africa, is expected to be installed by the end of the year, with registration of the project due to be completed by the first quarter of 2008.

Editor's Notes:

Cargill

Cargill is an international provider of food, agriculture and risk management products and services. With 153,000 employees in 66 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com

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