Back in the day, the normal practice was to carve a ghoulish face into your everyday turnip, but nowadays it’s the glow of an orange pumpkin that resides on our doorsteps during the spooky month of October.
You know what pumpkins are for, but can we use them to make electricity? Well, sustainable energy production experts Axpo Biomasse Ag, based in Switzerland, do just that!
How Are Pumpkins Used for Electricity?
Every year when the autumn season rolls in, Swiss farm Juckerhof in Seegräben, has a slew of famous faces on display… only these displays are made from pumpkins. Once finished, these pumpkins are given to the Jona biogas plant, which is used for energy through biogas generation.
How does Biogas come from Pumpkins?
Firstly, pumpkins must be fermented before biogas, electricity, heat and fertiliser can be generated. Axpo Biomasse uses the Kompogas technology, which is a continuous fermentation of organic waste. In this case, pumpkins are placed in the fermenter.
The pumpkins are placed in the fermenter for two weeks at a consistent temperature of 55*C, with a little help of microorganisms.
This process brings about carbon-neutral methane, which can then be converted to green electricity and heat at a combined heat and power station. Hey presto! Electricity!
How Much Electricity Can Be Generated by Pumpkins?
The biogas plant, located nearby to the scenic Lake Zurich, pumps out approximately 950,000 kilowatt hours of electricity into the grid each year. This would suffice for about 200 homes for a whole year!
Pumpkins for the Community
This method of pumpkin energy generation also contributes to the community of Jona by improving their environmental impact. Biomass uses organic waste therefore creates electricity that is good for the climate. In Jona, they save around 680 tonnes of CO2 annually which helps them reach their net zero goal!
It doesn’t end there. After the fermentation is complete, a residue is left over that can be used as a natural fertiliser in the agriculture sector and even domestic gardens – completing the natural cycle for the organic waste!
Generate Your Own Electricity with Solar.
You may not have the means to reuse this season pumpkins for electricity but solar panels can! With solar on your roof you can:
- Generate your own electricity.
- Reduce energy bills.
- Store energy you have generated with a battery storage system.
You could also receive solar for free through government-backed energy upgrade schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4).
Energy Advice Helpline offers solar lease packages for as little as £50 a month if not eligible for solar through government grants. For more information on this route click the button below.
