Benefits and Tradeoffs

Anaerobic digesters can address multiple challenges on dairy farms, but outcomes vary depending on how systems are designed, operated, and integrated with other technologies.

Potential benefits

• Greenhouse gas reduction by capturing methane that would otherwise be emitted.
• Renewable energy production, including electricity or renewable natural gas, which may generate additional revenue.
• Odor reduction compared to untreated manure.
• Improved manure management, including more stable and uniform materials.
• Nutrient management opportunities, especially when paired with nutrient recovery systems.

Tradeoffs and challenges

• High upfront cost for construction and equipment.
• Ongoing operational complexity, requiring consistent management and maintenance.
• Economic benefit is often tied to incentives, energy prices, and policy.
• Variable performance that depends on feedstock, climate, and system design.
• Not a fit for every farm, especially where scale or infrastructure is limited.