Dairy cows graze in a field with overhanging mist

Anaerobic Dairy Digester Technical Assistance Group

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Anaerobic dairy digesters are enclosed, oxygen-free, engineered systems that use biological processes to break down manure and convert it into biogas and other useful byproducts. Dairies are increasingly interested in this technology to manage manure, reduce emissions, generate renewable energy, and support nutrient recovery. 

In collaboration with WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture & Natural Resources and the Department of Animal Sciences, the WSU Energy Program provides technical assistance to awardees of the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Anaerobic Dairy Digester grant program, and others working on anaerobic digestion, nutrient recovery, and related technologies. To support awardees, the Energy Program leverages connections across the university and state agencies to bring tailored expertise based on specific project needs. Additionally, the Energy Program is developing a white paper providing an overview of Washington’s anaerobic digester industry, and its challenges and opportunities. This work will be informed by expert opinions in our upcoming technical forums.  

Aerial view of biogas plant for biomethane production
Image credit: scharfsinn86 / Adobe Stock

Focus Areas

  • Direct Technical Assistance to owners, operators, and developers of Anaerobic Dairy Digesters
  • Strategic reviews of policies, programs, economics, technologies, and other issues underlying effective anaerobic digesters and dairy farms
  • Interagency connections for various sectors that intersect for dairy anaerobic digesters (solid waste, carbon markets, agricultural management, nutrient management, electricity generation)

News and Information

Dairy Digester Grant Program

This Washington State Department of Commerce program funds projects to build, repair, or upgrade digesters that capture methane from dairy manure and other organic waste. In 2026, seven projects have been supported.

Anaerobic Digestion

Research, tools, and case studies from CSANR and partners to help producers, advisors, and decisionmakers understand the operation, benefits, tradeoffs, and economic and policy factors of dairy digesters.

Program Contacts

Georgine Yorgey

Director, WSU Energy Program

Email: yorgey@wsu.edu 

Matthew Booth

Energy Program Coordinator, WSU Energy Program

Email: Matthew.booth@wsu.edu Phone: (360) 956-2049

Program Funding

The Dairy Digester Technical Assistance Program is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, via the Washington Department of Commerce. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.