berita.suaramerdeka.com, Semarang – The cattle waste which often time is left unexploited may actually be utilised as the raw material of alternative energy. The Team at the Master Programme of Energy Sciences at the University of Diponegoro has even taken a bold step to promote manure utilisation to be converted into biogas as an alternative energy.

They took a glance at Gunungpati region which holds such potentials. “We have identified there are a number of areas in the City of Semarang with alternative energy potentials. One of the areas is Sumurejo Village, Gunungpati Subdistrict in which the inhabitants are predominantly cattle farmers,” uttered the Head of Master Programme of Energy Sciences, Dr. Jaka Windarta, at the Graduate School Building of the University of Diponegoro yesterday.

Cow manures, as in other animal waste products have the biogas potential. It is an alternative energy produced by the fermentation of anaerobic organism and biodegradable organic materials. Organic materials which may be converted into biogas include animal manures, domestic wastes, and even human excrements. “Methane is produced out of these processes. These fuels may be utilised for household needs or beyond,” Jaka explained.

The Dean of Graduate School which oversees the Master Programme of Energy Sciences, Prof. Dr. Purwanto added that after seeing the potentials, his office decided to visit Sumurejo Village.

They also involve BIRU Team (Domestic Biogas), to provide the enhancement to the community. In responding to the pledge of Three Pillars of Tertiary Education, the academic society has selected Sumurejo Village as a place where they contribute their knowledge as the site is the domicile of “Rejeki Lumintu” Catte Farmers’ Group. The group has the potentials for biogas development produced by cow manures. These activities expect to provide options of ecologically friendly alternative energy for the surrounding community.

(Source: http://berita.suaramerdeka.com/smcetak/manfaatkan-limbah-ternak-untuk-energi/)