August 31, 2025. A recent report estimates Minnesota has the potential to produce enough biogas to meet over 13% of the state’s natural gas demand. The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI)’s new report, The Biogas Opportunity for Minnesota Farmers: A Business Guide for On-farm Anaerobic Digestion, is a roadmap to capitalize on that opportunity.
Anaerobic digestion is the breakdown of organic waste—like manure and food waste—in the absence of oxygen. It can create biogas to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), electricity, vehicle fuel, and heat. The digested materials from anaerobic digestion can also be used as fertilizer, animal bedding, and more.
“On-farm anaerobic digestion is not a new concept, but this guide shows the potential for Minnesota farmers to expand the use of digesters and create a bigger market that would help power the state’s economic engine,” says Luca Zullo, AURI’s Senior Director of Science and Technology. “In addition to being another revenue source, on-farm digesters offer other benefits like producing renewable energy, enhancing water quality, and reducing odor and greenhouse gases.”