The potential for renewable gas production and clean energy often dominate the spotlight in the anaerobic digestion technology world. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that's been rapidly gaining traction across all sectors that create organic waste. In the absence of oxygen, micro-organisms break down organic matter during anaerobic digestion, releasing a combination of methane and carbon dioxide - also known as biogas. From wastewater treatment plants and composting facilities to campuses, grocery stores, and food processors, various establishments can benefit from AD. Biogas from anaerobic digestion provides an alternative to non-renewable and polluting energy sources, while utilizing waste as a resource. In fact, the Innovation Center for US Dairy estimates that the United States currently has the potential to generate 11.7 million megawatt-hours of electrical power from an aerobically digesting manure and food waste alone. The benefits of AD, however, often overshadow the benefits of the residues and nutrient management from the digestion process. Utilizing AD residues and properly managing related nutrients, such as phosphorus, can make-or-break potential projects. The value of the AD nutrients can take a project considered uneconomical, based solely on biogas or energy production value, and make it worthwhile.
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