The Digest’s 2025 Multi-Slide Guide to novel anaerobic digestion systems

This presentation by Shulin Chen of Washington State University aims to reduce the production cost of pure biomethane derived from waste through an intensified anaerobic digestion (AD) system. The IVAD system integrates a hydrothermal reactor, a hyperthermophilic anaerobic acidification reactor, and a pressurized thermophilic anaerobic methanogenesis reactor to improve digestibility and methane purity. The project reached milestones with TEA results showing positive predictions for levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and energy return on investment (EROI). The project has reduced LCOE and increased EROI compared to baseline technology. Industry partners’ involvement should accelerate commercialization.