Anaerobic digestion turns animal waste into renewable energy and farmer income

A new bioenergy system that converts animal waste into a high‑efficiency fuel is poised to boost farm revenues while addressing the growing need for domestic power generation. The technology adapts a centuries‑old method of drying and burning manure—originally used to heat homes in regions lacking timber—by processing the waste into a standardized, low‑moisture pellet that can be burned in conventional stoves or co‑fired with other fuels in larger heating installations.

Developed by a consortium of agricultural researchers and energy engineers, the system captures methane and other combustible gases released during controlled drying, then compresses the residue into uniform briquettes. Farmers can sell the pellets directly to local utilities or use them to power on‑site equipment, creating an additional income stream and reducing reliance on external feedstocks. By turning a readily available by‑product into a renewable energy source, the approach offers a scalable solution that aligns with national targets for cleaner domestic energy and provides a cost‑effective alternative to fossil fuels.