The objective of this project is to demonstrate that resilient, locally generated energy generated through anaerobic digestion can be provided to a military base 24/7. This energy source can also act as a battery and provide energy for up to a week during elevated alert conditions without any external inputs. This study will demonstrate the commercial viability of the facility, thereby minimizing, or eliminating, the need for direct Department of Defense (DoD) funding.

The technology used in the process is anaerobic digestion. An anaerobic digester (AD) is essentially a compost pile in an enclosed tank. By providing an ideal environment inside the tank, the naturally occurring organic decay is accelerated and rapidly produces methane. AD systems have a technical readiness level of 9. There are over a thousand commercially successful ADs operating in Europe driven by their aversion to landfills and their prevailing environmental sensitivity. In the U.S., ADs exist primarily on farms or in special cases where large volumes of waste must be handled onsite. Operation of ADs is an existing core competency of wastewater treatment plant operators since the resulting waste sludge must be disposed.

Anaerobic digestion is a valuable alternative energy process to generate resilient and reliable electricity. All organic material decays and produces methane gas. By harnessing this methane and producing energy, the DoD improves the energy resilience of military installations. By investigating the commercial aspects of an AD facility from a utility perspective, this study will complement the current ESTCP project EW22-7278 lead by Colonel Pfluger at U.S. Army Garrison West Point which is reviewing AD from the military perspective. Commercially viable facilities will minimize or eliminate DoD capital funding requirements. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2026)