Looking at the future of dairy farming and seeking ways to ease the burden of mounting energy costs, Fairvue Farms, with support from local and state leaders, has partnered with PPM Energie, a company based in Germany and Austria, to build a BioEnergy Plant featuring an anaerobic digester, at their Woodstock farm.

Paul Miller, who owns the farm with his wife, Diane, is excited about the partnership and the possibility of bringing an anaerobic digester, the first of its kind in this part of the country, to Fairvue Farms.

PPM’s spokeswoman Kathryn Moschella said the company was hired by the dairy farm to design and build the BioEnergy Plant, “We approached Fairvue Farms for PPM Energie back in July,” she said, explaining that she, along with the Millers, have been seeking grant funds, specifically block grants, and lobbying lawmakers for assistance with building the plant.

The $2.4 million project would be an educational prototype, and a technological advancement, providing “green” jobs for local residents, some of which might even be long-term , as PPM considers establishing a Connecticut branch in Woodstock, Putnam or Pomfret.

Anaerobic digestion, the breakdown of organic materials through the use of anaerobic bacteria, produces a biogas that can be converted into energy. PPM Energie has, according to Miller, perfected this process and will be able to provide Fairvue Farms with the ability to harness that energy, allowing Fairvue Farms to supplement not only their own energy needs, producing enough electricity to more than cover last year’s $150,000 electric bill, but enabling them to help others.

According to a document shared with Putnam Selectmen in mid-February , “the digestion of the waste which the farm produces in large amounts would help prevent the excess nutrients from seeping into the aquifers of Woodstock and Putnam, which would protect the drinking water and the environment of the surrounding communities... ”

Putnam Mayor Robert G. Viens wrote a letter in support of the project, following the presentation to the board, though he said Putnam might not be directly involved with grant money. Viens agreed that the anaerobic digester would ensure cleaner run-off at the local aquifer and said, “Green energy is something everybody should be interested in…it’s good for everyone.”

Additionally, Fairvue’s presentation said, “the thermal heat generated from the conversion of methane gas to electricity can be offered to schools located near the farm.” Miller believes The Hyde School and Woodstock Middle School will greatly benefit from the installation of a BioEnergy Plant at the farm, as may local businesses.

Fairvue Farms made an official presentation in Woodstock, and has received support from First Selectman Allan D. Walker, Jr. who said, “It just made sense to be on board,” and, “It’s good for the farmer, good for the community .” Walker was intrigued by the project that would help to keep a dairy farm in operation, and pleased that Miller was willing to share the benefits of the plant with the community.

Miller, who was flown overseas by PPM Energie in November to check out how other systems work and look, said that the system will not look like the incinerator in Dayville and hopes that local residents will warm to the idea of the BioEnergy Plant. In addition, those living near the farm would notice a distinct decrease in odor once the plant was established.

There is no date for construction, as work on obtaining grant money continues . “I just hope we get the money in line for 2011,” said Moschella,