A project to convert leftover food into fuel will begin construction in the spring at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and will be the first of its kind nationwide.

The plan will introduce to campus a dry fermentation anaerobic bio-digester–a mechanism designed as a home base for creating energy. By putting the leftover food in, the machine creates either electrical or heat energy to be transferred out directly from the source.

Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Tom Sonnleitner hopes for the project’s completion to be around late August to early September 2010, and for it to be fully operational shortly after.

With an energy output of 400-500 kilowatts, the bio-digester will have the power to cover nearly 5 percent of UW-Oshkosh’s energy needs, which could power up to 700 homes, according to Sonnleitner.

He added the reason for its large energy output is the distinct process known as dry fermentation. This process is valuable because it produces neither smell nor waste, making the project ideal for large communities like UW-Oshkosh.

The power for the bio-digester itself will come from leftover food on campus, an innovative way to remain highly sustainable while still producing little waste, Sonnleitner said. Food waste from the surrounding community, expired grocery store products and yard waste will also be used to make it a low cost affair to operate.

With plans to build the largest sustainable building in Wisconsin, powered by the bio-digester, UW-Oshkosh hopes to set a high standard, as well as gain national attention for its efforts, he said.

Chancellor of UW-Oshkosh Richard Wells showed interest in potentially collaborating with the UW-Madison College of Agriculture in order to work in the best interests of the state of Wisconsin and its universities.

Wells said the inspiration for such a project came in large part from the students of the university. UW-Oshkosh has been an advocator for campus sustainability for nearly seven years, much of the initiative being voted on and suggested by students.

Sonnleitner agreed, hoping that collaboration with UW is imminent.

Wells added the UW-Oshkosh campus hopes their move towards a more sustainable future sets a standard for communities statewide and, eventually, nationwide.

Hoping for less reliance on fossil fuels and a completely sustainable campus by 2025, he said his university — the third largest in Wisconsin — has a massive commitment to research and development of sustainability.

The project, totaling just over $2 million, hopes to power the UW-Oshkosh campus’ heating and electricity needs.

Sonnleitner said he hopes for grants to come into the university to fund the project. With a combination of grants, the UW-Oshkosh Foundation and financial investments, the project can maximize profitability.