CSANR > Resources > Anaerobic Digestion > How Digester Projects Get Built

How Digester Projects Get Built

Developing a digester project typically involves multiple stages and partners.

Project development stages

Feasibility assessment
Evaluate farm conditions, goals, and potential system designs
Project design and partnerships
Work with developers, engineers, utilities, and advisors
Financing and incentives
Secure funding through grants, loans, and private investment
Permitting and approvals
Meet environmental, utility, and local regulatory requirements
Construction and installation
Build and commission the system
Operation and maintenance
Manage daily operations, monitor performance, and maintain equipment

Projects often involve a mix of partnerships:

The structure of these partnerships can significantly affect both risk and long-term outcomes.

These WSU Extension publications the process for of building anaerobic digesters and associated technologies on dairy farms:

Completing a Successful Feasibility Study for an Anaerobic Digestion Project (2018)
Explains how feasibility studies help farmers, developers, lenders, and other partners evaluate technical, financial, market, management, and permitting considerations before moving forward with a digester project.
Anaerobic Digester Project and System Modifications: An Economic Analysis (2015)
Summarizes major costs, revenue sources, and economic tradeoffs for different dairy digester system configurations, including combined heat and power, boiler, and renewable natural gas systems.
A Climate Roadmap for Washington State Dairy (2025)
Provides Washington-specific context on dairy manure management, anaerobic digesters, incentives, technical assistance, and the partnerships needed to support climate-smart dairy investments.