A photo from open sources
The use of cheese as a source of electrical energy rather reminds the plot of some science fiction film, for example “Asterix and Obelix”. But the French managed to translate this plot into reality by launching a unique power station that runs on whey.
It’s no secret that in the production of the famous Beaufort cheese a specific byproduct is produced – whey. Exactly scientists managed to process this serum into biogas, representing a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide.
To get a similar gas, the researchers added to the serum appropriate bacteria. After the reaction, gas flows to power station and begins to be processed into electric energy.
Director of a company that invented and designed a similar power plant France Dekker calls whey “our fuel.” By The consistency of the substance resembles yogurt.
The fact is that after separation of fat from milk in the composition only the whey and cream remains of the dairy product. Then cream processed into cheese, butter or protein powder, which can Serve as a dietary supplement.
The rest of the serum is transferred to a container with bacteria, which, using natural fermentation, turn it into biogas. A similar process occurs in the stomach of a cow.
The resulting gas is supplied to the engines of the power plant, which heat water to 90 degrees. This is how it works out receive a sufficiently large amount of electrical energy. According to official statements, for a year of operation the power plant will be able to produce about 2.8 million kilowatt hours, providing electricity and a half million people.
It is worth recalling that the first such cheese processing plant It was launched 10 years ago. Since then, more has been built about 20 small factories in France and other European countries, as well as In Canada. In the near future, such power plants will open in Australia, Italy and Uruguay.
Power Station Time
