In a bid to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, twenty high school students explored two significant renewable energy sites in Stanislaus County. This hands-on educational experience offered students a glimpse into the workings of sustainable energy production and its future prospects.
The students visited the Keyes Road plant, which has been producing ethanol from Midwestern corn since 2007, and a Monte Vista Avenue dairy farm that began converting manure into gas for PG&E earlier this year. Both sites are owned by Aemetis Inc., a company at the forefront of renewable energy, operating an ethanol plant and a biogas pipeline hub serving 15 dairy farms across Stanislaus and Merced counties.
Organized by the Oakland-based nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS), the tour is part of an initiative aimed at providing career training opportunities in sustainable industries. “It’s kind of inspiring,” expressed Nicholas Perez, a senior from Johansen High School, who plans to pursue agricultural business. “It’s really cool to see the process.”
Aemetis’s workforce includes 48 employees in ethanol production and 20 in dairy biogas, with current vacancies for a mechanic and an engineer, according to ethanol manager Eddie Turnbough. The free educational program commenced with a visit to DeHart Technical School in Modesto, where students learned about various energy-saving techniques in heating, cooling, plumbing, and electricity.
Further enriching their understanding, the students were introduced to the renewable energy sources powering the Turlock Irrigation District. Notably, solar panels strategically positioned to shade canals as part of a UC Merced research project are gaining widespread attention.
Insights from the Dairy Farm Tour
The tour included a visit to S&S Dairy, home to around 1,900 milking cows and additional livestock at various growth stages, supplying the Turlock cheese plant owned by the Dairy Farmers of America. The Central Valley hosts numerous processing facilities where thousands are employed in diverse production roles.
Contrary to idyllic perceptions of dairy farming, conventional farms like S&S often feature bare ground rather than lush pastures. This reality draws criticism regarding animal welfare. However, Jessica Cardoso, an Aemetis project manager and tour guide, offered a different perspective. Raised on a dairy farm and now an engineer, Cardoso assured that cattle have access to shaded stalls, unrestricted food, and necessary veterinary care.
“The number-one priority is a healthy, happy cow,” Cardoso told the students, emphasizing the direct link between animal welfare and milk production.
The Role of Manure in Renewable Energy
A dairy cow’s daily diet can reach 150 pounds, producing approximately 10 gallons of milk and 120 pounds of manure. This waste is processed in lined lagoons, mixed with water for irrigation and fertilization of feed crops. However, concerns about its impact on groundwater are under state review.
The lagoons emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Aemetis addresses this by capturing methane in digesters, where bacteria convert manure into a gas that PG&E can distribute with a reduced climate footprint compared to traditional gas. The S&S digester’s capacity of 9 million gallons, sealed with plastic tarps, impressed Jennifer Valenzuela, an aspiring engineer from Pitman High School, who appreciated the potential to harness methane for practical use.
Experiencing the Ethanol Plant
During their visit to the ethanol plant, students noted the aroma reminiscent of baking bread, a result of yeast fermentation during ethanol production. The plant produces about 180,000 gallons daily, which are transported for blending with gasoline to mitigate fossil fuel climate impact.
Since its inception, Turnbough has overseen operations at the plant, which receives regular corn shipments from farms in Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska. Despite the transportation distance, the overall climate benefits of ethanol production remain positive.
Adjacent to the plant, an A.L. Gilbert feed mill shares a Union Pacific Railroad spur, illustrating the region’s facility integration. Some historical silos in Modesto are being repurposed into a restaurant and event venue.
Throughout the program, students learned about additional training opportunities, including offerings at Modesto Junior College, and were encouraged to consider apprenticeships or internships. Ephram Castro, from Central Valley High School, plans to pursue a career in pipeline welding, exploring avenues with PG&E or at trade school.
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