New Report Suggests Building 300 Anaerobic Digesters in New York to Combat Methane Emissions

A new report from Energy Vision suggests that significantly bolstering anaerobic digestion (AD) infrastructure in New York could reduce methane emissions by 15 percent.

The report, titled "Putting New York's Organic Waste to Work", highlights the role of mitigating methane emissions in addressing climate change over the next five to 20 years.

"It is critical we remain open to all ideas that can help us meet our state's ambitious climate goals," said New York State Senator Sean M. Ryan (D-61), in a statement. "I look forward to taking part in substantive conversations in Albany about the policy recommendations Energy Vision has put forward."

Organic waste currently contributes to one-third of New York's methane emissions, prompting a recommendation to construct an additional 300 anaerobic digesters across the state. These sealed environments capture methane-rich biogas from decomposing organic waste, converting it into renewable electricity or refined into renewable natural gas (RNG), the most environmentally friendly fuel.

With 200 ADs already operational in New York, the proposed expansion could create approximately 8,000 jobs and attract $ 3.4 billion in federal and private sector investment.

"To achieve New York's climate goals, we need to make use of all of the forms of renewable energy available to us," said New York State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, in a statement.

This initiative aims to propel New York halfway towards achieving the Global Methane Pledge goal of reducing anthropogenic methane emissions 30 percent by 2030. The RNG produced could power 32,000 refuse trucks, replacing diesel demand.