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Submitted by Win Colwill:

A 2 kilowatt photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of the Columbia Area Career Center in 2007 by Columbia Water and Light in cooperation with the Columbia School District. The system supplies electricity for the building and enriches the school curriculum. Separate solar data collection units provide information about the amount of solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and humidity. Computer systems collect and analyze the data. The students are using the solar data in their studies of science and technology.

The solar information is also available to the public through a link on the City of Columbia’s web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

Submitte by Win Colwill:

Methane gas, naturally created from decomposing garbage in Columbia’s landfill, is producing electricity for Columbia residents.  This potent greenhouse gas, rather than being released to the atmosphere, is collected and burned in a large electric generator. The biogas energy plant came online in June 2008.  It can produce 2.1 megawatts of renewable power and is expected to supply approximately 1.5% of Columbia’s electricity with a full year of production.

The construction cost of the biogas plant was within the $3 million budgeted amount.  It was partially funded through a 2006 bond issue passed with overwhelming public support.  In the near future a new bioreactor will be added at the landfill. It is anticipated that over the next 5 to 10 years as much as 2.5% of the Columbia’s electricity could be generated by the landfill gas facility.

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/11_30_07columbias.php