In an effort to boost renewable energy efforts, Alabama is investing over a million dollars in alternative energy sources throughout the state.  From converting cooking oil to bio-diesel in Henry County to creating electric energy from yard waste in Fultondale; the state is getting serious about finding new cheaper forms of energy.  One of the most notable opportunities is taking place in Tuscaloosa, where the city has teamed with the University of Alabama to use the methane collected from the waste water treatment plant as a replacement for natural gas.

The plant currently produces a small amout of methane, but Dr. Stephen Ritches has a plan to produce much more.  The extra methane would be used as an energy source for the plant – which would  lessen the city’s need for natural gas.

The grant for this research is worth $198,000 dollars.  The state estimates, if the project succeeds, the extra methane will save the city of Tuscaloosa $78,000 a year in energy bills.  Even the dark clouds of recession are subject to silver linings.  We are becoming more diligent and creative to become more sustainable, efficient and inexpensive.  Hopefully the wast water plant idea works well enough to spread throughout the state.

To learn more about this project click here.