Case Study
Old River Dairy — Bakersfield, CA
Large-scale dual covered lagoon anaerobic digester system producing 13,000 MWh/year of renewable energy from an 8,400-cow dairy operation.
The Challenge
Problem
California Bioenergy (CalBio) needed a complete design-build anaerobic digester system for an 8,400-cow dairy that could produce renewable biogas to fuel three 1,000 kW generators. The project required meeting California Water Board Tier 1 Liner Design Requirements with double liner systems and had to be completed within an aggressive construction schedule.
Our Approach
Solution
EFI served as the digester technology provider, installing double liner systems in each lagoon to meet Tier 1 requirements, followed by 3rd-party liner integrity surveys. Baffles and mixers were installed to maximize biogas production. Gas collection covers with storage capacity, and an air injection system for H2S removal designed by Dr. Doug Williams, completed the system. Process design by Dr. Hector Cumba.
Outcomes
Results & Metrics
Key Outcomes
- 13,000 MWh/year of renewable energy produced
- 3 MW of generation capacity (3 x 1,000 kW generators)
- 1.5 million+ SF of geomembrane installed
- Passed 3rd-party liner integrity surveys with zero leaks
- Completed within aggressive construction schedule
- Continues to perform as designed
“The project team delivered a complex dual-digester system on an aggressive schedule. It continues to perform as designed, producing 13,000 MWh per year of clean energy.”
Project Manager, ABEC Bidart-Old River LLC (CalBio)
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