The Kompogas plant in Chavornay uses organic waste and saves CO2

The new Kompogas plant in Chavornay (VD) begins operation on 20 June 2011 and will immediately start to feed power from biomass, the new renewable energy source, into the public grid. The system uses around 20,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, and from it produces heat and organic fertilisers as well as green electricity. On Saturday, 25 June 2011 it is officially opened together with the local population.

Power from new renewable energies and the reduction of CO2 for climate protection are key topics of discussion. The new Kompogas plant in Chavornay on the site of the Compostière de la Plaine de l'Orbe (CPO) is making an important contribution in both areas: it uses around 20,000 tonnes of organic waste annually.

In Switzerland, over 250 communities are already delivering their organic waste to the Axpo Kompogas AG plants. The communities which are connected to the "Strid" (Société pour la gestion des déchets du Nord vaudois) can now also benefit from the services offered. With the new fermentation plant, the organic waste will be used in a targeted manner as a regional resource.

The organic waste will be fermented and used to produce 4.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green electricity - enough to supply over 1,000 homes. The companies which are based in the neighbouring areas and on the "le Grand Pâquier" site will also profit from the new Kompogas plant. In future, they will be heated with the waste heat created during the production of the green electricity. As a result, fossil fuels can be saved, and there will be a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.

The organic waste is cleansed of bacteria during the fermentation process (sanitized) and can then be re-used as liquid fertiliser and digestate for the local soil. This completes the materials cycle.

Axpo Kompogas AG celebrates its 20th birthday

The opening ceremony and the open door day in Chavornay are part of the anniversary celebrations at Axpo Kompogas AG, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The company was founded by environment pioneer Walter Schmid. At the end of the 1980s, he was already experimenting with kitchen waste on his balcony: "I filled a bucket with kitchen waste and closed the lid. Later, I tried to ignite the gas collected with a cigarette lighter. There was a huge bang. And there was a huge mess, but one thing was clear: the stuff had power." Today, Axpo Kompogas AG is the leading user of organic waste in Switzerland and the Kompogas technology is in global demand.
The Kompogas plant in Chavornay opens its gates on 25 June 2011 and invites the population to come and take a look. An alpine horn duo, a big band and donkey rides will provide entertainment, along with a bouncy castle for the kids.