SUPPORTING ANAEROBIC DIGESTION IN COMMUNITIES

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications that will demonstrate means of accelerating the development of new or enhance/increase existing anaerobic digestion capacity and infrastructure in the United States from food waste. This funding announcement supports the priorities detailed in President Biden’s Executive Order 13985 titled Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and Executive Order 14008 titled Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the natural process in which microorganisms break down organic (plant and animal) materials. Food waste diverted from landfills and incinerators can be managed at AD facilities. The AD process generates renewable energy (biogas) and a product that can improve soil health (digestate). Food waste AD reduces landfill methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas 28 to 36 times more effective than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period.