Michigan State University’s Anaerobic Digestion For Sustainable Energy

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Michigan State University is reshaping the landscape of sustainable energy by converting organic waste into renewable resources. Through pioneering work in anaerobic digestion, the university has developed a model that combines environmental responsibility with scientific innovation. These efforts support cleaner energy production and promote long-term strategies for agricultural and municipal waste management.

The role of ADREC in advancing anaerobic digestion

The Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center at MSU has played a key role in this transformation since 2008. Designed as a hub for research, outreach, and applied science, ADREC brings together interdisciplinary expertise in microbiology, chemistry, engineering, and agriculture. Its mission is to convert diverse organic waste streams into clean energy and valuable byproducts, including digestate for soil enrichment and biogas for electricity generation. The center’s model emphasizes technical innovation and public education, working closely with industry stakeholders.

Operational success of the South Campus digestion facility

One of MSU’s flagship anaerobic digestion sites is located on South Campus. This facility processes about 15,000 gallons of animal and food waste each day, including manure from livestock, cafeteria scraps, and pre-consumer food waste. The process yields 6,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity daily and produces 15,000 gallons of digestate.

The nutrient-rich digestate is applied across more than 1,000 acres of university farmland, improving soil fertility and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Over 15 years of groundwater monitoring near the application sites have shown no contamination, confirming the environmental safety of digestate when managed correctly.

Environmental benefits and safety measures

Along with energy and soil benefits, MSU is proactively addressing concerns about emerging contaminants such as PFAS and pharmaceuticals in organic waste. Researchers are conducting targeted studies to measure and manage these risks. This commitment ensures the sustainability of anaerobic digestion while safeguarding environmental and public health.

The university’s work also contributes to protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem. Nutrient runoff has long threatened the region’s water quality. By recovering and reapplying nutrients in digestate, MSU reduces runoff and helps maintain cleaner waterways.

The new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center

MSU is investing $30 million in a new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. The facility will increase research capacity in livestock care, waste-to-energy systems, and nutrient recovery technologies. It is designed to advance practical solutions for integrating animal agriculture with renewable energy, supporting both academic inquiry and public service.

The center will serve as a national model for how modern agricultural practices can align with sustainability goals, creating benefits for farmers, researchers, and the environment.

The university’s model demonstrates that waste can be a strategic resource when supported by science and collaboration. From converting cafeteria waste into power to restoring soil health with digestate, MSU is proving that waste-to-energy systems can support environmental, economic, and academic outcomes.

Sources:

• Michigan State University