September 26, 2024

Geothermal gasses could be used to produce livestock feed in world-first research

Research is underway in Rotorua, New Zealand, to create livestock feed from methane and CO2 emissions, captured from geothermal power stations, in a project that could generate NZD 500 million (US$313 million) for New Zealand by 2045, NewstalkZB reported.

The process involves producing protein-rich biomass by using microorganisms that feed off the greenhouse gas emissions. This biomass would then be converted into livestock feed, offering an innovative use for geothermal emissions.

Upflow Business and Innovation Director Andy Blair explained in an interview with Mike Hosking that the team is currently testing the scalability of the system. The goal is to determine how it can be made economically viable and sustainable for the commercial market.

Blair noted that the feed would likely be used as additives rather than bulk food, due to the production costs involved.

-      NewstalkZB