Anaerobic digestion
Learn about using anaerobic digestion to produce energy on your farm. This technical information is for Ontario producers.
Overview
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the process where organic materials in an enclosed vessel are broken down by micro-organisms in the absence of oxygen.
AD produces biogas, which consists primarily of methane and carbon dioxide. AD systems are often referred to as biogas systems.
An AD facility produces biogas from feedstocks like:
- manure
- crop materials
- food processing by-products.
The biogas generated may be used to produce electricity, heat or renewable natural gas (RNG).
Regulatory requirements
O. Reg. 267/03 allows certain farm-based digesters to receive up to 50% of off-farm feedstocks. The digestate effluent is considered an agricultural source material and is applied to cropland as a nutrient source. Learn about the rules and regulations for the design and operation of a regulated facility:
- 2022 Regulatory requirements for regulated mixed anaerobic digestion facilities
- 2021 Off-farm anaerobic digestion materials protocol
- 2021 Odour guidance for on-farm anaerobic digestion
Operations
Learn about the opportunities and limitations related to using biogas from anaerobic digestion.
- Producing biomethane and renewable natural gas from farm and food-based biogas systems
- Energy yields from a farm-based anaerobic digestion system
- Vehicle conversion to natural gas or biogas
Safety
Learn about the safety challenges to consider when designing and operating an AD facility.