Anaerobic Digester Workforce Training Curriculum Development

Jennifer ProntoWaste to Worth conference

Denver, CO April 5, 2013

The Anaerobic Digester Workforce Development Project is a NYSERDA funded project aimed at developing and delivering

high quality educational programs targeted to a range of workforces within the dairy farm-based anaerobic digestion

sector of the clean energy field in NYS

Project components

• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development

Project components

• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development

• Virtual discussion group

Hey Bob, my hydrogen sulfide

levels are so high!

I’m really interested in building a new

digester at my farm!

Dirk, how do you find the performance of the

microturbines?

Kathy Barrett – talk at 8:40

Project components

• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group

• Resource library

Project components

• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group• Resource library

• Educational curriculums

Six technical short-courses were developed, intending to provide

educational training to persons who are involved in the planning and

implementation of dairy farm-based anaerobic digestion systems and to

those currently or who would soon be managing an operating system.

Project components

• On-farm AD diagnostic lab development• Virtual discussion group• Resource library• Educational curriculums

• Public relations short-course

One of the barriers to growth of the AD industry in New York State, as identified by current AD

operators, is the lack of a trained, skilled workforce to service and maintain different

aspects related to the AD and biogas systems. These courses are aimed at developing a

workforce to support this need, and to eliminate this barrier to growth.

On-farm Renewable Energy Generation WorkshopIs this the right workshop for you?

1) Do you want to know more about on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD)?

2) Do you get contacted by producers interested in pursuing on-farm anaerobic digestion?

3) Do you find yourself in the position of being interviewed about anaerobic digestion, and not knowing what to say?

… DID YOU ANSWER YES? THEN COME TO THE RENEWABLE ENERGY WORKSHOP AND AD SYSTEM TOUR!

The morning session will provide a basic overview of on-farm AD in order to help you to: - better interact with interested producers - create legislation that directly supports on-farm AD, and/or - provide current and accurate information to the public and to the media.

A tour of the AD system in the afternoon will also give participants a chance to view the newly installed on-farm AD diagnostic lab. The first of its kind in the U.S. for use on a production dairy, this lab is intended to facilitate co-digestion of manure and food waste, and to prevent operational failures.

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On-farm Renewable Energy Generation Workshop

Course overview:

Introduction and course objectivesAD system overviewNYS current AD statusBenefits of on-farm ADOn-farm AD system feedstocksOn-farm AD system componentsRenewable energy generation and utilization AD EconomicsChallenges of on-farm ADResources for reliable AD/biogas Related further information (other sources)Educating others

Common terminologyReliable estimates and values for AD systems

On-farm Renewable Energy Generation WorkshopPublic relations short course

Morning media tours 9:00am – 9:30am: Welcome and refreshments9:30am – 11:30am: Farm tour 11:30am – 12:30am: Lunch12:30am – 1:00pm: A farmer’s perspective of owning and operating

an AD 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Workshop via Powerpoint presentation2:00pm: Questions/discussion and workshop wrap-up

Technical Feasibility of on-farm Anaerobic Digestion short course

This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• understand basic anaerobic digester (AD) system components• evaluate the technical feasibility of a dairy farm AD system • explore funding options • understand the time-frame and effort required of an AD project

The symbols on the map represent on-farm digesters that are in the following stages:

Technical Feasibility of on-farm Anaerobic Digestion short course

Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesAnaerobic digestion in New York StateBasics of anaerobic digestion (microbiology, chemistry, physics)FundingLaws, regulations, agreements, permits, and codesFeasibility parametersFeasibility studies (who, what, when, why, how)Sensitivity analysis on key assumptions (inputs, revenue, contracts)

Introduction to Financial and Economic Evaluations of Biogas Systems

This 1-day course will offer a balance between lecture-style instruction and hands-on experience using the Economic Assessment Model.

This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• quantify assumptions and risks,• predict costs and revenues of an AD system, • conduct an economic analysis,• utilize the Economic Assessment Model

Short course includes an Economic Assessment Model Instruction Guide

Brent Gloy is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. He teaches and conducts research and Extension programs in the areas of agricultural finance and agribusiness management.

Introduction to Financial and Economic Evaluations of Biogas Systems

Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesIntroduction to the economics of AD systems

The key components of the economic analysisCapital investmentsOperating revenues and/or cost savings Operating costsSummary

Introduction to the financial concepts and principles required to evaluate AD systems

The time value of money principleThe role of the discount rate and the planning horizon Determining the economic profitability of an AD project

Introduction to a spreadsheet based decision tool for AD systemsThe inputs required Interpretation of the spreadsheet results

An AD case study

This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• Plan and implement a farm-based AD system• Consider design options to best suit farm needs• Perform basic operation and maintenance tasks

This intermediate-level course will be most helpful for technicians, farmers, managers, etc. from farms who have made the decision to install an anaerobic digester and who have a working knowledge on the subject. Audiences that may also find this course useful are ag consultants, engineers, and contractors and service providers.

Practical Considerations and Implementation of Anaerobic Digestion Systems short course

Practical Considerations and Implementation of Anaerobic Digestion Systems short course

Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesPractical ConsiderationsDesign Considerations: What producers should knowSafetyConstruction/Contracting ManagementConsiderations of AD process performanceValue added venturesAdditional resources

Biogas Clean-up and Utilization short course

This intermediate-level course will be most helpful for the person in

charge of operating and maintaining a farm digester.

A number of different audiences may be interested in attending, including:

• extension professionals• service contractors• equipment suppliers• safety professionals

• wastewater facility operators• dairy cooperative representatives

This course will provide participants with the tools they need to:• Effectively utilize biogas • Consider different biogas clean-up technologies

Biogas Clean-up and Utilization short course

Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesBiogas basicsBiogas utilizationBiogas clean-up technologies

Moisture removalHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: physical/chemicalHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: microbial biological fixationHydrogen sulfide removal from biogas: AD influent additivesCarbon dioxide removalEquipment options and vendors

AD Technician’s Start-up and Operation short course

This advanced-level course covers AD system design considerations, AD biological and chemical processes, daily operation, preventative and corrective maintenance of mechanical, gas, and electric components, troubleshooting digester performance issues, record keeping, and safety. It will be most helpful for technicians, farmers, and AD managers from farms that have an anaerobic digester and who have a working knowledge on the subject. Audiences that may also find this course useful are ag consultants, engineers and contractors, and service providers.

Is this the right workshop for you?

1) Are you hoping to prepare yourself or someone else to operate an on-farm AD?

2) Are you interested in using an on-farm lab to monitor the impacts of co-digestion?

3) Do you need assistance with troubleshooting AD performance issues?

… DID YOU ANSWER YES? THEN COME TO THE TECHNICIAN’S START-UP AND OPERATION COURSE!

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AD Technician’s Start-up and Operation short course

Course overview:Introduction and course objectivesStandard performance indices SafetyMonitoring AD system parameters Operation Start-up AD System OperationsTroubleshooting digester symptomsMaintenanceAdvanced management of digester chemical and biological processesPublic relations/Media outreach

Course curriculums available

• Introduction to Farm-based Anaerobic Digestion• Technical Feasibility of On-farm Anaerobic Digestion • Economic Feasibility of On-farm Anaerobic Digestion

and Economic Assessment Model Instruction Guide • Practical Considerations and Implementation of

Anaerobic Digestion System from Planning and Design to Construction

• Technician’s Start-Up and Operation • Biogas Clean-up and Utilization Systems Selection,

Operation and Maintenance

Considerations

• Length of course and timing• Expertise – train the trainer needs• Which comes first – the market or the

knowledge?• Certification demands/value• What does it mean that the most basic

courses are our most popular?

Thank you

Jenny Pronto: jlp67@cornell.edu

Curt Gooch: cag26@cornell.edu

www.manuremanagement.cornell.edu

http://www.boston.com/business/blog/filter/2006/07/business_filter_38.html