Join us for a clean energy outing and tour of the EnergyXChange “A Renewable Energy Center” in Burnsville, NC.
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In 1994 the Yancey and Mitchell County landfill closed and local leaders went to work on ways to use the space and harness the landfill gases. While two of North Carolina’s most rural counties, Yancey and Mitchell County is home to some of America’s most creative artists and beautiful native plants. This led to the idea to turn the former landfill into a place where developing artists could work and grow while at the same time supporting greenhouses that cultivate endangered flora while utilizing the landfill gas.
EnergyXchange’s mission is to apply the use of renewable resources and practices for educational opportunities and economic development in the fields of art and horticulture.
True to its mission, EnergyXchange has made big strides in both harnessing otherwise harmful landfill gases and educating the community while providing opportunities for financial as well as creative cultivation to the community. In 1999 the landfill gas system was activated – a beautiful homage to Earth Day. Landfill gases are made up of about 50% methane, the primary component of natural gas, 50% carbon dioxide, and a small amount of other organic compounds. The collection system launched at EnergyXChange prevents these gases from seeping upward and fleeing into the air. This is an incredible feat as it lowers greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to smog and climate change.
So, what exactly is EnergyXChange doing with the landfill gas it captures? Well, they are harnessing the gas and using it as an energy source to run their facilities. Methane gas from the decommissioned landfill powers a hot shop for glass blowers, a pottery kiln, and supplies radiant heat for the studios, greenhouses, education center, offices and art gallery.
You’re probably wondering “how did this marvelous idea come about?” The idea for EnergyXchange was created through the partnership of three organizations–Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development Council (BRRC&D), HandMade in America (HandMade), and Mayland Community College (MCC)–all recognized for their strong track records in education, the promotion of crafts, and community and resource development and environmental protection in Western North Carolina. The nonprofit corporation, EnergyXchange, was formed September 13, 1999 and received its tax exempt status in 2000.
EnergyXchange has become one of the nation’s model energy recovery projects and is used regionally, nationally, and internationally as an example of successful small landfill gas projects. The EPA Methane to Markets Program included EnergyXchange in a 2008 landfill gas workshop in Poland and was included on a tour of Western North Carolina by Gov. Beth Perdue and Sen. Joe Sam Queen in the spring of 2010. Also in 2010, delegations from Mexico, Canada, Brazil and India toured EnergyXchange to gain insights into developing similar projects.
The tour of the EnergyXChange will consist of:
- An explanation of how the Landfill Gas is extracted from the landfill
- The clay studio and kiln
- The glass studio
- Greenhouses and an explanation of how the Landfill Gas provides heat for our buildings
- We will complete the tour with an outdoor green potluck picnic, please bring a sustainable dish to share with others!
For more information on this incredible organization and its projects as well as pictures please visit their website.
For question please contact Education and Outings Coordinator: Isabelle Rios at isabelle@wnca.org or by calling her at 828-258-8737 ext. 201.
- What: EnergyXChange Tour
- When: Friday, May 23rd
- Where: 66 Energy Exchange Dr, Burnsville, NC
- Time: Tour will begin at 11 AM ; Potluck will begin around 12:30 .
- Cost: FREE for WNCA Members; $5 for non-members; *Special* $20 -includes 1 year membership-