Using Biogas as a Fuel for Trucks

Anaerobic digestion on the farm has been promoted for decades as an effective method to reduce pollution and produce fuel. However, because of the high cost and problems associated with anaerobic digestion of animal manures, plus the lack of return on the investment, there are relatively few digesters being installed in the United States. Most of the biogas produced by anaerobic digestion is used to generate electricity. Grid interconnect agreements require lengthy negotiations and are difficult to finalize. Usually the electrical rates received are below the cost of production because equipment for electrical generation is expensive to install and expensive to maintain. By showing that biogas can be used as a fuel in trucks and/or tractors, anaerobic digestion would be more attractive.