Biogas industry sees ‘record-breaking’ growth in 2024

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The U.S. biogas industry experienced record-breaking growth in 2024, according to new data from the American Biogas Council (ABC). Over the past year, 125 new biogas projects were launched, marking a 17% increase from 2023 and bringing the total number of biogas facilities in the U.S. to nearly 2,500. Investments in new projects exceeded $3 billion, a 40% increase compared to the previous year.

Farm-Based Biogas Surpasses Landfill Projects for the First Time

For the first time in history, the number of farm-based biogas facilities surpassed landfill gas (LFG) projects. In 2024, 93 new farm-based biogas plants were commissioned, compared to 24 landfill projects. The total number of agricultural biogas systems grew from 522 in 2023 to 615 in 2024, indicating an 18% increase.

Environmental and Economic Impact

Biogas facilities convert manure, food waste, and wastewater sludge into renewable natural gas (RNG), electricity, heat, and organic fertilizers. In 2024, biogas production increased by over 10%, reaching 1.4 million standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). This output is equivalent to generating electricity for 2.4 million homes or reducing emissions from 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars.

Future Prospects

ABC experts estimate that only 10% of the U.S. biogas industry’s full potential has been realized. The country could develop more than 20,000 additional biogas projects, significantly reducing methane emissions, lowering reliance on chemical fertilizers, and creating thousands of new jobs.

"Biogas is an energy source with enormous potential. It cuts emissions, provides clean energy, and helps efficiently recycle organic waste," said ABC Executive Director Patrick Serfass.


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