A biodigester in Germany.Bids are out to begin constructing a biodigester facility in the city of Auburn, Cayuga County, according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.

CH-Auburn, a subsidiary of Poughkeepsie-based CH Energy Group, expects to start building the facility at the city's wastewater treatment plant, off North Division Street, early this spring.

The $11.6 million project will convert methane gas from the city landfill and sludge from other municipalities into low-cost electricity and hot water. It is expected to be running by Jan. 1, 2009.

Auburn will use the electricity to power its wastewater treatment plant and to sell to businesses at the nearby technology park. The city anticipates gaining some $2.5 million a year in energy savings, sales and tax credits.