Biogas from anaerobic digestion

V3.2

This methodology covers projects that produce biogas from anaerobic digestion of agricultural products, residues and wastes. It includes both energy production from biogas and the production of digestate, a valuable organic amendment.

Methodology name	Biogas from anaerobic digestion
Version	3.2
Methodology ID	RIV-ENGY-01-ADGAS-V3.2
Release date	June 20th, 2025
Status	In use

Glossary

Glossary

Biogas	A mixture of gasses produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, primarily composed of biogenic methane and carbon dioxide. It can be used directly as a renewable energy source, or can be purified to biomethane.
Biogenic methane	Methane produced from the decomposition of organic matter, as opposed to methane derived from fossil fuels. It has a slightly lower global warming potential than fossil-based methane.
Biomethane	Methane that has been purified from biogas to meet quality standards for natural gas. It can be used for heating, electricity generation, or as vehicle fuel.
Dedicated crop	Crops specifically grown for use as feedstock in energy production, such as maize or sorghum, as opposed to crops grown for food or other purposes. They are cultivated during the main growing season and harvested at maturity.
Digestate	The nutrient-rich residue left after the anaerobic digestion of organic feedstock, which can be used as a fertilizer or soil conditioner.
Energy cover crop	Crops like clover or rye that are grown during the off-season for use as biogas feedstock. They prevent soil erosion and are harvested for energy production, unlike traditional cover crops, which are mixed into the soil.
Feedstock	Organic materials used as inputs in the production of biogas through anaerobic digestion, such as agricultural residues, food waste, or manure.
Methane	A colorless, odorless flammable gas (CH₄) that is the main component of natural gas and biogas. It is a potent greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere.
Nitrous oxide	A potent greenhouse gas (N₂O) occasionally emitted during anaerobic digestion, especially with high-nitrogen feedstock. It has a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide.