The Potential of Biogas in Minnesota, the U.S., and the World

This presentation explores the global and regional potential of anaerobic digestion (AD) for bioenergy as a contributing climate solution. Drawing on recent research, the quantity of waste biomass — such as crop residues, livestock manure, organic municipal waste, and wastewater—can be converted into biomethane, enabling significant carbon dioxide avoidance and renewable energy production without the negative land and water impacts. Recent studies highlight that AD could offset up to 3–5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, supply up to 27% of global natural gas demand, and provide substantial nitrogen recovery for sustainable fertilizer use. Quantifying the potential and understanding the prominent position AD could have will provide a strong baseline understanding for the other presentations on the logistical, economic, and policy challenges that should be addressed to realize the full potential.