OUR APPROACH:

1. Cross-sector collaborative development of anaerobic digestion for biogas production and ecological restoration Carol L. Williams Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin Photo: Tul’s Dairy, Butler County BIOENERGY + ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION = BIOECONOMIC GROWTH Photo: kewauneecares Together, We Can Make It Happen! OUR APPROACH: THE CHALLENGE: OUTCOMES: • TO-DATE: • Commitment of partners • Support of University leadership • Form cross-sector consortium to design & deploy anaerobic digester using dairy manure, perennial grass crops & public land management residuals • Catalyze bioeconomic growth • Expansion of grass-based bioenergy requires overcoming market inertia. Proven, here-now technology offers a pathway for creation of value-added products & services. • Restore ecosystem services • Agricultural grasslands are sources of biomass for feed, fiber and fuel, as well as soil and water protection. Expansion of grassland acres could expand these benefits. To expand grass agriculture there must be economic benefits that compare to row crop production. • Conservation grasslands provide soil and water quality enhancement, wildlife habitat, and hunting and recreation opportunities. To reliably provide these benefits, grasslands must be managed. Payments for ecosystem services and use of management by-products in supply chains could off-set management costs. • Utilize excess farm-nutrients • Wisconsin is a dairy leader but faces substantial challenges in farm nutrient management and subsequent impacts to water quality. • IN PROGRESS: • Feasibility study • Design • Implementation plan • FUTURE: • Engage rural/ag stakeholders • Co-located experimental systems • Provide education & outreach • Evaluate performance of linked landscape & digester system • Re-design adaptively • Generate & distribute renewable CNG/LNG • Generate value-added co-products • Expand grassland on private lands • Reduce costs of public grasslands management • Replicate collaborative model & distribute to others +