CalBio's Strategic Expansion: Upgrading Renewable Energy Generation with Mainspring Linear Generators

CalBio Expands Mainspring Linear Generator Deployment

California Bioenergy LLC, known as CalBio, has announced a significant expansion of its renewable energy capabilities by acquiring an additional eight Mainspring Linear Generators. This move will enhance biogas upgrading operations at two of its California sites: the North Visalia and South Tulare cluster locations, aiming to increase its energy generation capacity to 5.3 MW across five different sites by the end of 2026.

A Leverage in Dairy Biogas Innovation

CalBio has been at the forefront of dairy digesting technology in the United States, leading the efficient utilization of dairy biogas to produce clean, renewable energy. The company, which was the first to employ linear generators fuelled by dairy biogas, has significantly expanded its reach across various dairy clusters throughout California. These advancements not only serve to improve local air quality but also provide an essential new income stream for regional dairy farmers.

N. Ross Buckenham, the Chairman and CEO of CalBio, emphasized the importance of continual innovation and efficiency in achieving their state-wide goals for methane emission reductions. "We are proud to lead in delivering the valuable benefits of Mainspring's power design to the dairy industry, while supporting our local family dairies and communities," Buckenham stated.

The Journey So Far

CalBio embarked on its journey with Mainspring Linear Generators back in 2022, initiating a 1-megawatt (MW) installation at its Hanford cluster upgrading facility. Since then, the company has successfully deployed additional generators, including a 1 MW system at Buttonwillow and 1.5 MW at a standalone dairy digester project in Merced County. With the integration of the new generators at North Visalia and South Tulare, CalBio looks to consolidate and enhance its operations further.

Adam Simpson, Chief Commercial Officer of Mainspring, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic partnership, stating that working with CalBio—a leader in agricultural sustainability—represents an extensive opportunity for operational enhancements within the dairy sector.

Environmental Impacts

The deployment of CalBio's operations is estimated to significantly cut down California's dairy methane emissions, translating to an annual reduction of approximately 1.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). This reduction is comparable to taking over 430,000 gasoline-powered vehicles off the roads, showcasing the profound environmental impact of their initiatives.

As CalBio and Mainspring push forward with their collaboration, the focus remains on delivering reliable local energy while also providing long-lasting environmental and economic advantages to family dairy farms and surrounding communities.

Modern Technology Meets Traditional Farming

The Mainspring Linear Generators, chosen for their unique blend of fuel flexibility, rapid dispatch capabilities, and cost-effective design, promise to enhance operational efficiency. Their extremely low nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions (less than 1.5 ppm) comply with the highest air quality standards without necessitating additional after-treatment solutions.

Founded in 2006, CalBio has been instrumental in the development and management of renewable natural gas production from dairy waste, partnering with local dairy farms and agencies to help meet methane reduction objectives. Currently, the company oversees over 120 dairy digester projects across California, Midwest, Northwest, and Southwest regions.

Mainspring Energy, established to deliver low-emission power solutions, began commercializing its Linear Generators in 2020 and has already demonstrated substantial capacity development catering to various sectors, including Fortune 500 companies and public utilities.

Looking Ahead

As both companies work in tandem to foster an ecosystem of sustainable dairy farming, the long-term vision aims at not only generating energy but also reinforcing rural energy resilience, thus maintaining a commitment to environmental stewardship and economic vitality within the agricultural community.

Both CalBio and Mainspring remain focused on utilizing innovative technology to drive enhancements in the dairy sector, ensuring that California remains a pioneer in sustainable practices within agriculture.