Anaerobic DigestionAnaerobic Digestion

Summary & Comments Summary & Comments on 2010 CRS Reporton 2010 CRS Report

J. Robert Paterek, Ph.D.

Bioenergy Science & Eco-engineering

July 2010

Anaerobic Digestion – CRS Report

Prepared byKelsi

BracmortAnalyst in Agricultural

Conservation and Natural Resource Policy

Prepared for Members of US Congress

and Committees

Submitted on January 4,

2010

1. Development of clean energy sources

2. Reduction of greenhouse gas emission

Congressional Concerns Addressed by Report

GoalsGoals

• Capture methane released from conventional manure handling

• Potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Produce clean renewable energy

• encourage anaerobic digestion development• encourage anaerobic digestion development

• count captured methane as carbon offset• count captured methane as carbon offset

• consider additional financing options• consider additional financing options

CRS Report’s Mission to CongressCRS Report’s Mission to Congress

Partnership Agreement (MOU) between USDA Partnership Agreement (MOU) between USDA and the Innovative Center U.S. Dairy and the Innovative Center U.S. Dairy

Anaerobic Digestion

Natural biological process which happens when bacteria breakdown organic material in environments with no oxygen present.

7

Anaerobic Lagoon

Completely Mixed Tank Reactor

Plug Flow Digester on

Common Digesters Used Common Digesters Used by Farmers and Industryby Farmers and Industry

Dairies

Feedlots

Poultry

Swine

Manure SourcesManure Sources

Meat Products and Renderings

Bakeries and Food Preparation

Cheese and Dairy Products

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Co-Digestion ResidualsCo-Digestion Residuals