ALBANY, Mo. – Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) successfully launched its Horizon II information session on March 1st, attracting approximately 75 individuals eager to learn more about this innovative sustainable agriculture initiative.
A pilot project led by RAE seeks to lease 6,000 acres of highly erodible land this year in the Grand River basin of northern Missouri and Southern Iowa, ground that will ideally have previously been planted to soybeans. RAE will convert the land to native prairie, which will be sustainably harvested as feedstock to produce renewable energy. Horizon II will also provide incentives to grow cover crops on production agriculture land that will also be harvested for renewable energy.
During the event at the Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center in Albany, Missouri, RAE founder Rudi Roeslein outlined the company’s vision for Horizon II. He emphasized the project’s potential to transform highly erodible land into income-generating and environmentally restorative prairie landscapes, which are also exceptional wildlife habitat, benefiting both landowners and the wider community.
Multi-dimentional Horizon II Project – Advantages Over Other New Energy Sources
“Horizon II is about more than just renewable energy,” Roeslein explained. “It’s about providing environmental resources for our land, revitalizing rural economies, and creating a haven for wildlife. We’re excited by the positive response from landowners who share this vision.”
This multi-dimensional approach is significantly more beneficial than energy-only alternatives like wind or solar. The RAE team received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, which provides funding for the project.
Steve Mowry, RAE’s Director of Land Development and Prairie Establishment, delved into the financial benefits for participating landowners. He explained the $160 per acre annual rent and additional revenue from harvesting prairie biomass.
It’s Not Too Late to Act: Become a Part of the Legacy
Landowners will have no out-of-pocket cost for converting their participating acres
to native prairie. The harvested native prairie biomass will be feedstock to create Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) at a Horizon II anaerobic digester system to be located in Gentry County, Missouri.
The session concluded with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to address their questions and concerns directly to the Horizon II team. The enthusiastic response illustrated the potential of this groundbreaking project to bring positive change to the region.
Landowners with highly erodible land interested in participating in Horizon II, especially those planning to plant soybeans in 2024, are encouraged to contact Steve Mowry directly at smowry@roesleinae.com | 816 830 6900.
About Horizon II
Horizon II is an $80 million, five-year pilot project funded by the USDA. It aims to demonstrate a market-based approach to sustainable agriculture by planting prairie grasses and cover crops on highly erodible land. The project will produce renewable natural gas, enhance wildlife habitat, improve soil health, and offer various economic opportunities for landowners.
About Roeslein Alternative Energy, LLC
Roeslein Alternative Energy (RAE) is the owner, operator, and developer of renewable energy production facilities that convert agricultural and industrial wastes, along with renewable biomass feedstocks to renewable natural gas and sustainable co-products. RAE engages in these business operations with a focus on incorporating native prairie restoration. RAE recently merged with its parent company, Roeslein and Associates, in July 2023, with its principal offices located in St. Louis, Missouri. RAE was launched in 2012 by Rudi Roeslein, co-founder and chairman of St. Louis-based Roeslein and Associates, Inc. (a global leader in engineering, modular fabrication, and construction of industrial plant facilities). Visit our website https://roesleinalternativeenergy.com/ We also invite you to explore Prairie Prophets at https://prairieprophets.com/.