In our previous article, we used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Livestock Anaerobic Digester Database to explore how digester technology is being used across the US. We identified two key takeaways:
- Who uses it most: Dairy farms are the main group adopting this technology.
- Farm size: Medium-sized dairy farms are the most common users, and there are many different types of digesters being used.
Now, let’s delve deeper into a critical aspect of digester technology – biogas utilization. We’ll explore its diverse applications on U.S. farms, from fueling vehicles to generating electricity, and unveil the range of digester sizes in use.
Biogas End Uses
Biogas offers a diverse range of applications, catering to specific needs across various industries. This graph illustrates the breakdown of biogas utilization from digester facilities.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) emerges as the leading application with 126 projects. Leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure, CNG presents a convenient choice for vehicle fuel due to its ease of storage and transportation. Cogeneration, the simultaneous generation of electricity and heat, follows closely with 90 projects.
Beyond CNG and cogeneration, the data showcases the versatility of biogas. Applications include direct electricity generation (74 projects) and pipeline injection for wider distribution (73 projects). Additionally, some facilities (13) utilize biogas directly for heating purposes via boilers or furnaces. This flexibility empowers farms to tailor their biogas usage based on specific needs and local resources. For example, a dairy farm with a fleet of vehicles might prioritize CNG production, while a facility located near a power plant could focus on electricity generation or pipeline injection.
Biogas Production Capacity
This graph shows how much biogas the digester projects produce each day. A significant portion (94) falls under “Up to 250,000 cubic feet.” This reflects the prevalence of smaller-scale digesters, likely focused on on-farm energy needs or serving local communities.
However, the data also reveals a robust presence of larger facilities. A total of 62 projects produce between 251,000 and 500,000 cubic feet of biogas daily, and an additional 17 facilities exceed 750,000 cubic feet. This variety shows how adaptable the biogas industry is.
- Smaller digesters: These are a good fit for individual farms or remote communities. They can provide a sustainable source of energy.
- Larger digesters: These facilities have the capacity to supply power grids or fuel industrial applications. The varying production levels show how the industry can meet a wide range of needs.
Electricity Generation Capacity
This graph shows how much electricity these digester projects can generate each year. A significant portion (86 projects) fall within the “Up to 3 Million kWh/yr” category. This suggests that many digesters are sized specifically to meet the electricity needs of the farm or contribute to local power grids.
The data also shows there are a good number of larger-scale projects. The “3-6 Million kWh/yr” (42 projects) and “6-9 Million kWh/yr” (26 projects) categories show the potential for substantial electricity generation from these systems. There are even 14 projects exceeding “9 Million kWh/yr” which shows that some digesters can be real power generators.
The different electricity generation capacities again highlight the versatility of the biogas industry. Smaller digesters can be ideal for individual farms or remote communities, helping them generate clean energy independently. Larger facilities can supply power grids or significantly contribute to regional electricity needs.
Key Takeaways
By looking at biogas generation capacity, we can gain valuable insights for farmers considering digester technology.
- Flexible production: Biogas digesters can be scaled to different sizes. There are options for those that meet the energy needs of a single farm, all the way up to ones that can generate electricity for power grids.
- Sized for your needs: Farmers can choose a digester size that directly matches their operational energy needs. This allows them to be energy independent or contribute to the larger electricity grid.
SKS Development is a leading provider of renewable energy solutions, helping you turn manure into a valuable resource. Our experienced team will work with you to understand your needs and develop a solution that meets your operational and investment goals, building the right facility for your farm.
To learn more about biogas and how it can benefit your dairy farm, please reach out to the SKS team. We would be happy to answer your questions and help you get started on your path to a more sustainable and profitable future.