A dairy farm in Steuben County, New York, is using cow manure to produce biogas, which is then used to power a cryptomine and data centers. The operation, run by Ag-Grid Energy, is the first of its kind in the country and could be a game-changer for the tech industry.

RNG and Data Centers

The use of renewable natural gas (RNG) from cow manure could provide a reliable and high-capacity fuel source for data centers. Biogas proponents argue that RNG is a sustainable way forward, but critics fear it could lead to the proliferation of factory farms and increased pollution.

Ag-Grid Energy’s project claims to recycle over 45,000 gallons of food waste per day and the manure of 4,000 cows. The company wants to work with mid-sized dairies to create on-site power generation for small-scale data centers.

Concerns and Benefits

While some see the use of RNG as a positive step towards reducing emissions, others are concerned about the potential environmental impacts. The digested waste, or digestate, can be more polluting than undigested manure, and the use of RNG could lead to increased dependence on factory farms.

However, the use of RNG could also provide a new revenue stream for farmers and help to reduce waste. As the demand for data center power continues to grow, the use of RNG could become a more viable option.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.