California State Fair To Feature First Known Amusement Ride Powered Solely By Cows

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Move over horse power, cow power could be the next big thing! The California State Fair today announced that the event will host the first known amusement ride powered entirely by cow manure.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company and developer BioEnergy Solutions will power a children's train ride with renewable biogas, made from California dairy cows. The ride, "Barnyard Animal Train," is owned by Ray Cammack Shows and will be located in the Kaiser Permanente Kids Park at the State Fair. Kids will have the opportunity to take a ride and learn more about renewable energy options for the future and about being environmentally conscious.

"Powering a children's ride at the state fair with biogas is a celebration of the great efforts of California's dairy farmers to help us meet our energy needs," said PG&E Vice President of Gas Transmission and Distribution Robert T. Howard. "We're proud to partner with these innovative dairy farmers and demonstrate the potential for the state's agriculture and power sectors to work together to meet California's climate goals."

Biogas is gas produced by the anaerobic digestion or fermentation of organic material, such as cow manure, but may be made from any biodegradable waste. After purification, the gas produced (methane) is the same as the natural gas we use today. In addition to providing PG&E customers with a clean and renewable resource, biogas provides the dairy farmers in PG&E's service area with a new source of revenue and removes methane, a potentially hazardous greenhouse gas, from the air.

Fairgoers can learn more about this source of green energy at the California State Fair. The exhibit and ride will be here in the Kaiser Permanente Kids Park starting Friday, Aug. 15 through Labor Day.

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