Agricultural anaerobic digesters transform manure and organic materials into renewable energy, either for selling to the grid or for on-farm use. These digesters play a crucial role in reducing methane emissions, which is vital for achieving short-term climate goals. Additionally, they produce nutrient-rich digestate that can enhance crop yields when applied to fields. CANZA’s research highlights a national anaerobic digester and upcycling network as one of Canada’s top actionable strategies to significantly reduce emissions in the food system.
CANZA is progressing on our journey to determine how best we can effectively support farmers and communities with scaling networks of agricultural biodigester projects across the country. We have set a high-level strategy that requires collaboration involving government, industry, and other stakeholders.
This has been done effectively in other parts of the world. Now it is time for Canada to catch up.
Advocate with senior government policymakers in partnership with existing industry voices to help facilitate the required government policy and community support
Host Canadian-relevant knowledge and a shared service center
for farmers, operators, and project developers in partnership with existing biogas knowledge leaders and farmer resources
Co-lead and support commercial excellence efforts to attract the capital required for industry growth
Support creation of additional value opportunities, such as methane credits, to increase biodigester revenue potential and price certainty or lack thereof from carbon markers (e.g., CFR, OBPS) become clear
Coordinate technology optimization efforts and sharing to improve industry profitability