Biomass to Gas | Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion technology has been utilized for energy since the mid-1800s. However, the improved technology and abundance of feedstocks, the ability to effectively and environmentally process waste streams, and the significant potential for electricity generation have brought this process to the forefront as a promising “new” renewable energy source.

Anaerobic digestion converts organic matter into methane in the absence of oxygen. When harnessed through an efficient system, anaerobic digestion can successfully convert feedstocks (such as manure) into both a nutrient-rich slurry and a biogas that is roughly 65% methane.

Canada is currently behind Europe, where anaerobic digestion technology has developed rapidly and where there are financial incentives in place to promote energy from biogas. Part of the focus of the CanmetENERGY is finding ways to accelerate the development and deployment of anaerobic digestion technologies that can be used alone or in combination to recover and optimize energy. The challenge is to ensure that these technologies are feasible under the economic, climatic, and regulatory conditions unique to Canada.

Bioenergy researchers at CanmetENERGY are often asked to provide their expertise and their specialist knowledge on a wide range of topics, including anaerobic digestion.