Anaerobic digesters are used in a variety of places today, from livestock farms to single-family homes. They are a creative and innovative way to reduce emissions of gases that contribute to climate change and enjoy the byproducts of this sustainable energy solution. What are some of the benefits of anaerobic digestion?
Anaerobic Digestion 101
Anaerobic digestion is a process that uses anaerobic bacteria to break down waste from organic sources, like animal manure or food scraps. When this waste is put into an anaerobic digester that is free from oxygen, the process will occur and byproducts like biogas will be produced. Thanks to advances in this technology, the process can be performed on a large scale, like at a livestock farm, or on a smaller scale so that homeowners can take advantage of affordable energy.
Anaerobic digesters can break down anything that is biodegradable and produced by a plant or animal. This has made it a popular choice for landscaping companies, colleges, farms, municipalities, and other businesses that have large amounts of organic waste. There are three outputs at the end of the process that can be used: biogas, a nutrient-rich liquid known as digestate, and a solid byproduct that is similar to compost.
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What Are the Benefits of Anaerobic Digestion?
1. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Anaerobic digesters help reduce the amount of emissions from your property in two ways. First, they move waste that would produce methane into a controlled environment so that it will not contribute to climate change. This dramatically reduces the environmental hazards associated with things like running a livestock farm. Second, anaerobic digestion also allows you to use biogas instead of traditional energy. This lowers your usage of traditional fuels that might not be good for the environment, like propane, oil, and other fossil fuels. Biogas can be used to produce heat or electricity, so you can reduce fossil fuel consumption and stop methane from entering the atmosphere.
2. Reduced Waste
Anaerobic digestion uses waste that would typically be transported to landfills. By repurposing the waste and turning it into energy, you can lower the amount of waste products that your home or business generates. In addition to waste reduction, the anaerobic digestion process also allows you to get the most out of the things that you already have. For example, crops that are rotten or in un-sellable condition can now be turned into fuel. When you are getting the most out of everything that you produce, you will lower your expenses and run as a more environmentally friendly business, farm, or household. IREA can help you get started.
3. Better Water Quality
Animal waste sitting on your property can impact the groundwater supply and degrade the quality of it. Even if you do not have a private well on-site, it’s a good idea to limit any contaminants that might degrade water quality.
4. Less Odor
Anyone living or working on a livestock farm understands how strong the smell can be. Even if you do not have manure and merely have waste from plants, it can still lead to a distinct and unpleasant smell. Using an anaerobic digester will reduce the smell on your property because the entire decomposition process will take place inside the tanks that make up the system. You will also free up storage space requirements for organic waste and can instead focus on storing and using your biogas and digestate.
5. Renewable and Sustainable Energy and Fuel
Being energy dependent is a challenge, regardless of what type of property you live on. When your energy spending is subject to the whims of utility companies and market rates, prices can rapidly rise and lead to increased debt. Investing in a renewable fuel source like biogas is a great alternative that gives you energy freedom. Depending on your needs, biogas could be used to light your home, heat buildings, cool spaces down, or even run vehicles. Many different types of “off the grid” living feel like you are roughing it, but anaerobic digestion allows you access to all the comforts of home without the need to adjust your lifestyle. If you have neighbors who are also interested, you can explore options that you both will contribute to and benefit from.
Explore the Power of Anaerobic Digestion with IREA
IREA is a global leader in renewable energy solutions, serving the industry since 2016. Our experience, innovation, and strategic thinking enable us to develop and integrate a complete range of innovative renewable energy systems, including solar panels, wind turbines, and anaerobic digestion systems. All our customized renewable energy solutions are designed to meet your needs and minimize waste for a healthier world. To learn more, get in touch with us today at (202)-957-4131; info@IREA-LLC.com; www.IREA-LLC.com.