Assessing the Benefits and Costs of Anaerobic Digester CHP Projects in New York State

This project presents the results of one-on-one interviews with wastewater utility staff to document factors that drive biogas energy projects forward and those that hold them back. While some utilities reported that the biggest hurdle to implementing cost-saving, renewable energy is a perception of “inadequate payback,” many others faced local obstacles related to lack of outside funding, pressing demands for limited capital, and utilities’ own decision-making processes. The report documents the unique, local nature of biogas project decisions, and notes opportunities to increase consistency and accuracy in financial decision making. It suggests approaches for increasing the value of biogas and for maximizing cost savings through pursuit of favorable agreements with electric power providers Published by WE&RF. 64 pages. Online PDF. (2017)

Originally funded as WERF project ENER7C13e.