Program on the Environment

Waste generation in the United States has surged in recent years, driven by escalating quantities of food waste, manure, wastewater, and landfill waste. While biogas has emerged as a potential solution to address waste management challenges, the quality of raw biogas often falls short of meeting modern societal needs. My project at AgroFora Bioenergy Systems explored the potential of hydrogen injection technology to upgrade raw biogas into biomethane, presenting opportunities to tackle waste management practices, reduce emissions, and meet the growing demand for clean energy and fuel in the United States. Drawing on insights from industry experts and utilizing data from sources such as the American Biogas Council, my research examined key aspects of the biogas market, including reactor locations, state waste quantities, and market players. The findings suggest that biomethane holds significant promise and value within the current regulatory and economic landscape, with potential for strategies like optimizing the operation of existing biogas plants and leveraging hydrogen injection technology to enhance their performance and impact. My findings underscore the substantial potential for upgrading biogas with hydrogen to create biomethane, offering both financial and environmental benefits. By contributing to environmental conservation, public health, and sustainable energy, the widespread adoption of biomethane could play a crucial role in fostering a greener and more resilient future in the United States.