Anaerobic Digestion Technology

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a natural process in which bacteria breaks down biodegradable material in an oxygen-free environment and converts it into methane. By recreating this process in a controlled environment in anaerobic digesters, AD becomes a form of waste-to-value technology that allows us to capture the methane and convert it into biogas and soil amendments.

Further purification converts biogas into biomethane, also known as renewable natural gas (RNG). Biogas can also be converted into electrical energy and thermal energy. 

Anaerobic digesters may be stand-alone digesters, or they can operate on-site at wastewater treatment plants and on farms. Feedstock for anaerobic digesters includes pig and cow manure, silage, food waste, among other forms of organic waste. Feedstock should always be carefully considered in the development of anaerobic digestion projects.

Anaerobic Digestion Statistics

Anaerobic digestion projects contribute to energy generation and climate change mitigation by turning waste into low-carbon fuel and natural agriculture products such as fertilizer, which can replace synthetic variations that are detrimental to ecosystems and the health of humans and wildlife. 

The environmental benefits of anaerobic digestion are recognized by the Innovation Center for US Dairy, which leverages AD to achieve sustainability goals while providing a waste management solution for cow manure. 

Because state renewable portfolio standards (RPS) consider biogas from anaerobic digesters a form of renewable energy, AD is aiding the nation’s transition to renewable energy. 

The value of AD projects is reflected in these statistics: 

• RNG derived from animal manure, food, and green waste via anaerobic digestion have a lower carbon intensity than natural gas derived from fossil fuels. These forms of RNG are also carbon negative. 
• According to the EPA, manure-based anaerobic digesters reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 5.29 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2020. 
• In the US, the equivalent of around 1.59 million megawatt-hours of electricity was generated by manure-based anaerobic digesters in the US.
• An estimated 1 billion kilowatt-hour of electricity was generated by anaerobic digesters at municipal sewage treatment plants and industrial manufacturers in 2020.

Recent Projects

Nexus PMG’s global experience in waste-to-value projects includes AD projects in the US and Mexico.

To learn how Nexus PMG can help protect your interests, secure underwriting and deliver on time and on budget, contact the Nexus PMG team today.

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Nexus PMG

Nexus PMG is the point where project finance, development and operations connect. Our focus is providing world-class advisory services to infrastructure investors by delivering technical, operational, and financial diligence on projects that reduce carbon intensity and enhance resource efficiency. Our integrated business lines provide end-to-end services within each targeted sector including development, preliminary engineering, contract structuring, EPC, commissioning and startup, operational readiness, and process improvement.

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