Killington in Vermont has joined Aspen, Colorado in announcing it will have methane powered lifts this winter.
But the methane – which is used to power a turbine to generate electricity comes from a different source. While Aspen is using gas trapped in old mine workings to cover all the resort's power needs, Killington is buying in enough methane generated green energy to cover the operating requirements of one of its gondolas from a green energy company that makes methane from cow manure.
Green Mountain Power mix the 'cow waste' with waste water from the dairy process and leave it to brew for about three weeks before warming it to generate a lot of methane. This in turn powers a turbine.
'Cow Power ' is a popular initiative in Vermont at it not only has positive PR spin-offs for innovative green energy creation, but also highlight's the state's strong dairy industry (think Ben and Jerry's…)
"Large customers like Killington Resort with significant demand can make important contributions to the continued development of this innovative renewable resource," said Mary Powell, President and CEO of Green Mountain Power. "Through their investment, they will help us continue to expand the GMP Cow Power program making this opportunity available to more Vermont dairy farms. These farms are the backbone of Vermont's agricultural economy; therefore Killington is to be commended for its commitment to both renewable energy and Vermont farming."