Spanish to Burn Artichokes for Fuel
EarthVision Environmental News

05/02/00

http://www.earthvision.net/ColdFusion/News_Page1.cfm?NewsID=10085

[Fair Use: For Educational/Research Purposes Only]

LONDON, May 2, 2000 - While most utilities burn fossil fuels to produce electricity, two power stations in northern Spain will begin burning artichokes to produce electricity.

The Independent reported that Spanish farmers are growing genetically modified artichokes that grow to be three meters high for use in two special power stations. These power stations will generate enough power for 60,000 people in the northern towns of Villabilla de Burgos and Alcala de Gurrea. The power stations are expected to be operational in two years.

According to the article, the twin power stations will burn 105,000 tons of dried and pulped artichokes each year. European Union subsidies and price guarantees from the electricity generators convinced farmers to grow the modified vegetable.

While burning plants for energy is not a new idea, the biomass sector has recently been revised due to environmental concerns. An earlier article reported that a proposal was in place in another part of the country to burn the waste from olive oil production to produce electricity.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000