By Jamie Martin
Michigan State University (MSU) is leading a national movement to transform food and farm waste into clean energy and useful resources.
By using advanced anaerobic digestion (AD) systems, MSU is helping reduce pollution, protect the Great Lakes, and support clean energy goals.
Anaerobic digestion is a natural process that uses microorganisms to break down organic waste like livestock manure and leftover food.
This process produces biogas, which can be used as electricity or renewable fuel, and digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct used as fertilizer.
MSU’s Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (ADREC) was founded in 2008 and has become a national model.
Since 2013, the university has operated a large AD facility that processes 15,000 gallons of waste daily and generates 6,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity every day.
The digestate produced is safely used as fertilizer on over 1,000 acres of university farmland. Soil testing ensures the right amount of nutrients is applied to avoid pollution. Continuous monitoring over 15 years has shown no groundwater contamination.
“We at ADREC welcome policymakers, industry leaders, philanthropists and the general public to join us in supporting this transformative work,” said Wei Liao, ADREC Director.
MSU is also investigating the presence of harmful contaminants such as PFAS, heavy metals, and microplastics in the waste stream. So far, most substances are either undetected or very low. Safety remains a top priority, with MSU aligning all efforts with environmental regulations.
Liao emphasized that anaerobic digestion helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, recover nutrients, and improve rural economies. In fact, this technology could meet 2–4% of Michigan’s electricity demand or 10–15% of gasoline needs through renewable natural gas.
With support from the State of Michigan, MSU is building a $30 million Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, furthering its commitment to converting waste into useful resources.
This innovative approach can become a national model for sustainability, making waste a valuable asset for a healthier planet.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: National