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First part of the Germany renewable energy tour
By Jason | August 23, 2011
“Find a niche market to fill a gap and just act!” This is the model followed by the Krinner company located near StraBkirchen, Bavaria. Christmas tree stands that easily keep the tree straight have saved many marriages are the staple for a business that has now expanded worldwide and offers its products in 55 countries. The Krinner family homesteaded their farm in this region in 1579.
We had the opportunity to tour a 375 acre solar farm that is located on land owned by the Krinner family. They manufacture a four-foot, zinc-coated steel ground screw that holds the solar panels upright and withstand the snow and wind loads. This large solar farm has a capacity of 50 megawatts and is a unique business model where the manufacturer of the solar panels financed the project. This investment of 150 million Euro was guaranteed by a 20 year power agreement for the electricity produced by their feed-in tariff. Community support/investment was incorporated in this project as the local town people own 4 megawatts of the solar panel park.
This is an impressive sight to see all of the solar panels evenly spaced with a 30 degree angle and facing the south. This project was built in 2009 and proper engineer ensures that the snow falls off the panels easily and the rain successfully cleans the solar panel. Grass was seeded below the panels before their placement. Previously the land had produced sugar beets, onions, or maize/corn.
This business model is very impressive, however it was a matter of making things happen at the right time. Currently German Energy policy does not allow them to use “working” agriculture lands to qualify for a renewable energy feed-in tariff. This feed-in tariff is a fairly high price paid for the electricity in the early years and over the course of the 20 year agreement the price is reduced. Consumers also have to pay a higher price for their electricity in an effort to help finance the project.
When I think about the possibility of a project like this being able to materialize in South Dakota I know that it would be pretty difficult. The price of solar panels continues to decrease, but we still need to develop the technology to properly store the electricity to provide a nice base-load source of power. Consistent power and a consistent price would be a nice match; and perhaps offset the low price of electricity that we are fortunate to enjoy.
Visiting the Straubing center of Excellence for Renewable Resources reminded me of visiting a facility similar to the Washington Pavillion in Sioux Falls; although this facility is solely focused on agriculture renewable energy. We had the chance to view various feedstocks for 2nd generation biofuels along with the typical bio-fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. Their biodiesel is made using rapeseed or canola oil which is comparable to the soybean oil we have in South Dakota. Wood chip biomass was a highlight because they offered various examples on how to produce the chips from trees that have little value.
When we think about 2nd generation biofuels and producing that biomass; plants that are a perennial prove to have many rewards. For example miscanthus would continue to grow each year, and would not require the plant to be seeded each spring. Some places in South Dakota have experienced very wet spring seasons, and the ability to secure a market to produce biofuel from miscanthus could be a helpful type of plant. However the amount of volume required to handle based on the energy content of miscanthus is an issue; as we know many researchers are looking for ways to breakdown the product early in the process. Transporting large amounts of a 2nd generation biofuels product is a huge issue, which could be overcome with the proper enzyme and pelleting process that could be initiated in the field or on local farms.
Gaubodenvolksfest in Straubing, Bavaria was an enjoyable close to the day to fully experience the German culture. This folk festival is the 2nd largest event following the Oktoberfest. The music and atmosphere reminded me of the State Fair, but various people were sporting the proper “folk” attire. Our entire delegation took part in the festivities and felt at home hearing the live band play “Sweet Caroline”. A song we all gladly joined in singing the words!
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