Description

The Acorn Renewable Energy Cooperative will be presenting a free program on biofuel and methane gas energy production on farms as part of its Energy Education Program Series, at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, May 16 at the Ilsley Library Community Room (rear entrance). This informative program will be presented by Netaka White, Bioenergy Program Director at Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (VSJF) and Marie Audet, Co-Owner of Blue Spruce Farm in Addison, Vermont.

White will moderate a series of short videos that illustrate the importance and availability of biofuel energy from Vermont farms. White has been the Bioenergy Program Director at the VSJF since May, 2008. Prior to joining VSJF, he was co-founder of Vermont Biofuels Association and served as its Executive Director from 2004-2008. White has been actively involved in sustainable biofuels policy and in planning and implementing the VSJF Vermont Biofuels Initiative which provides technical assistance and grant making in three main areas; biofuels research and demonstration, biofuel infrastructure development, and biofuels education and outreach.

Audet will show a short video produced by the Public Broadcasting Service about her farm, and present a program on how the methane gas digester there transforms cow manure and other farm waste into electricity to power homes in Addison County. Audet’s Blue Spruce Farm was the first “Cow Power” farm in Vermont, The "Cow Power" program was established by Central Vermont Public Service to recycle farm waste to produce methane gas, which in turn produces electricity. CVPS has touted Cow Power as the most consistent source in their renewables portfolio.

Both speakers will be available to answer your questions about how we can all support the production of energy from renewable sources, and how farmers and the environment can benefit from energy production on their land.

The Co-op welcomes sponsors to support future community education programs on energy efficiency and renewable energy production. Contact elizabethgolden@shoreham.net for more information on how you can sponsor our educational program series.

The Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op is a member-owned energy cooperative serving residents and businesses in Addison, Rutland, and Chittenden counties. The Co-op provides education, outreach, services and products that help members of area communities take steps to make the transition from our present reliance on fossil fuels to greater use of renewables and local solutions. Members pay $35 annually and receive discounts from affiliates and partners on energy products and services, as well as discounts from local community partners. For more information, or to join the Acorn Renewable Energy Co-op please visit www.acornenergycoop.com or call 802-385-1911.