Biogas plant fuelled by chicken manure

Ten million euros was invested in the project, which is expected to meet the energy requirements of 4 600 households when it becomes fully operational.

Located at Gut Mennewitz near Koethen, 100km south of the German capital, the innovative plant has been designed to produce heat and fertiliser as well as electricity.

Seventy percent of the energy comes from chicken manure and the remainder from corn and grass silage.

The project is intended to serve as a model for the egg and poultry industry, said Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel, whose department stumped up almost 10 percent of the cost.

It is an advancement on other biogas plants which can only use a maximum 30 percent of chicken droppings because of their high nitrogen content, which can pollute the water.

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