Biogas Capture and Utilization: An Effective, Affordable Way to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Meet Local Energy Needs

The document argues that capturing biogas—primarily methane—from organic waste sources is a cost-effective method to mitigate climate change and displace fossil fuels. It details the technical and economic viability of landfill gas (LFG) projects, wastewater treatment anaerobic digestion, and agricultural manure digesters, while identifying policy barriers such as high capital costs and grid interconnection issues.

• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a shorter atmospheric lifespan than carbon dioxide, making its reduction highly effective for near-term climate impact. In 2007, the United States emitted 699.9 million metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2E) of methane, representing 9.9% of total national GHG emissions.
• Landfill gas (LFG) capture is a mature technology; as of December 2008, 485 projects across 43 states provided electricity for 870,000 homes and heating for 534,000. The EPA identifies approximately 520 additional landfills as strong candidates for new projects, which could power another 700,000 homes.
• Biogas capture from wastewater is economically viable, with the potential to produce electricity as low as $0.038 per kWh over a 20-year repayment period, which is lower than national retail rates ranging from $0.057 to $0.228 per kWh. However, adoption is low; only 106 of roughly 1,000 large facilities currently use biogas for heat or power.
• Agricultural anaerobic digesters can be profitable for farmers, with payback periods as short as 3 to 7 years, provided they meet minimum size requirements (300 cows or 2,000 swine). The EPA estimates that implementing these systems at 6,000 additional swine and dairy operations could reduce annual methane emissions by 27.3 MMTCO2E.
• Widespread deployment of biogas technology is hindered by high up-front capital costs, lack of financing, regulatory barriers, and difficulties with grid interconnection. Proposed solutions include a national renewable energy standard or a carbon tax/cap and trade program.
• If all currently feasible LFG and agricultural projects were implemented, the U.S. could reduce methane emissions by up to 102.3 MMTCO2E. Additional benefits include reduced SO2, NOx, and particulate matter emissions by displacing coal, improved local air quality through odor reduction, and the elimination of fecal coliform bacteria in water supplies.

APA

Environmental and Energy Study Institute (2009). Biogas Capture and Utilization: An Effective, Affordable Way to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Meet Local Energy Needs. https://www.eesi.org/files/biogas_issuebrief_061609.pdf

Chicago

Environmental and Energy Study Institute. Biogas Capture and Utilization: An Effective, Affordable Way to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Meet Local Energy Needs. 2009. https://www.eesi.org/files/biogas_issuebrief_061609.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Environmental and Energy Study Institute |title=Biogas Capture and Utilization: An Effective, Affordable Way to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Meet Local Energy Needs |date=June 2009 |url=https://www.eesi.org/files/biogas_issuebrief_061609.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{environmentalandenergystudyinstitute2009biogas, author = {{Environmental and Energy Study Institute}}, title = {{Biogas Capture and Utilization: An Effective, Affordable Way to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Meet Local Energy Needs}}, institution = {Environmental and Energy Study Institute}, year = {2009}, month = jun, url = {https://www.eesi.org/files/biogas_issuebrief_061609.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }