Innovative biogas systems turn dairy manure into renewable energy, cutting emissions and boosting farm profits.
U.S. dairy farms have significantly ramped up methane capture through biogas systems, with installed capacity more than doubling over the past five years. According to the American Biogas Council, this 130 % growth now includes 471 operational systems, processing manure from roughly 2.3 million cows.
These digesters convert manure-derived methane into renewable fuel to power homes, vehicles, and generate electricity. The captured biogas output—144,454 cfm—could supply energy to about 615,000 homes annually. Additionally, digesters reduce odors and yield organic fertilizer, supporting soil health.
The surge in biogas investment—nearly $3 billion in total, including $1.1 billion in 2024—reflects growing confidence in manure-to-energy infrastructure. Yet, only 14 % of U.S. dairy farms have embraced this technology, signaling a vast potential for scaling .
Model states like Wisconsin and California are leading the pack. Wisconsin has 54 active systems with room for 561 more sites, while California, already the top producer, is poised for major expansion. Nationwide adoption could quadruple energy output, powering up to 2.6 million households.
By converting methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into clean energy, dairy biogas systems offer a triple win: reduced emissions, improved farm economics, and enhanced rural sustainability. This positions manure-to-energy as a powerful lever in dairy’s climate response strategy.
Source: Feedstuffs – Dairy farms double methane capture with biogas systems https://www.feedstuffs.com/agribusiness-news/dairy-farms-double-methane-capture-with-biogas-systems
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