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Research & Action
Research & Action
The greater Hudson Valley is faced with a series of challenges that relate to transitioning towards a circular economy. This region needs a closed-loop production model that focuses on minimizing resource input, maximizing use of byproducts, and eliminating waste. By combining a series of technologies related to biogas production, new and innovative system designs can offering a series of solutions strategically aligned with a food-energy-waste-nexus. Success of these initiatives relative to sustainability, environmental justice, and workforce development, is highly dependent on capacity building efforts between stakeholders and the environment. The strength of these interdependencies is paramount to developing resilient and long-lasting business practices that maximize impact with credible, measurable claims and catalyze further investment. Two reports have been generated to share relevant background information on associated opportunities and outlined plans for public action:
Biogas Feedstocks In New York's Hudson Valley
Biogas Feedstocks In New York's Hudson Valley
Assessment Of Resource Potential
Circular Biogas Systems For NY's Greater Hudson Valley
Circular Biogas Systems For NY's Greater Hudson Valley
10 Proposals For Discussion & Implementation
4 Drivers For Change
4 Drivers For Change
Through these four perspectives, the proposed installations can help the region accomplish its economic development goals in an environmentally just manner while setting the necessary foundations for scaling related infrastructure. Investments in biogas production technologies are paramount for long-term community growth, increasing workforce skills, and proliferating green jobs. With this strategy, the public can engage with many regional stakeholders, and welcome a unified pathway for sustainability.
Excess Food Waste
Excess Food Waste
The NYS Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law goes into effect January 2022 and requires large generators of food scraps to redirect this biomass for beneficial use. The legislation includes anaerobic digestion as an industrial method for managing this waste.
Invasive Species
Invasive Species
Aquatic water chestnut thrives in freshwater lakes and ponds throughout NYS overtaking local biodiversity, depleting dissolved oxygen levels, and preventing recreation & tourism activities. This feedstock can produce 50% more renewable biogas than manure from dairy cows.
NY Climate Act
NY Climate Act
The NYS CLCPA has declared an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels), 70% renewable energy by 2030, and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Bioenergy serves a primary and necessary role in the IPCC’s 1.5° C emission reduction pathway.
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice
The Just Transition Group will prepare a workforce development program that will allocate at least 35% of the benefits associated with NY’s clean energy and efficiency initiatives with environmental justice communities. Biogas systems are solutions that invite opportunities for all.
Background & Proposals
Background & Proposals
Through these four perspectives, the proposed installations can help the region accomplish its economic development goals in an environmentally just manner while setting the necessary foundations for scaling related infrastructure. Investments in these technologies are paramount for long-term community growth, increasing workforce skills, and proliferating green jobs. With this strategy, the public can engage with many regional stakeholders, and welcome a unified pathway for sustainability.
Assessment Of Resource Potential For Biogas Feedstocks
Assessment Of Resource Potential For Biogas Feedstocks
Biogas production has the potential to evolve into an environmentally beneficial and economically viable industry in New York State’s lower Hudson Valley. This form of renewable energy infrastructure is complementary to the state’s climate change mitigation goals, and new low carbon fuel standards have created profitable incentives for the construction and operation of anaerobic digesters (AD). This study aims to identify, collect and collate quantitative and qualitative data on available biogas feedstocks inclusive of excess food waste, biosolids, animal manure, landfills, biocrops (crops grown specifically for AD), invasive species, and compost. The area of focus spans 10 counties, between New York City and Albany, which covers approximately 7,200 mi² and is home to over 2.3 million people; Columbia, Dutchess, Delaware, Greene, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. By mapping the availability of these bioresources, corporations and policy makers can use this data as a foundation for designing and implementing an integrated bioenergy system throughout the Hudson Valley.
Circular Biogas Systems For NY's Greater Hudson Valley
Circular Biogas Systems For NY's Greater Hudson Valley
This report offers 10 circular biogas production system designs for the greater Hudson Valley which covers an area extending from the northern limits of NYC and up through the capital district. These investments are necessary for long-term growth, increasing the workforce skills of citizens, and facilitating sustainable solutions for the greater Hudson Valley. Each integrated technological design offers innovative solutions that are iconic representations of circular production systems and treat available resources as high value materials for a regenerative production cycle; reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. Overall, this initiative will help NYS transition from its outdated linear business practices to more sustainable solutions that align with current legislative initiatives and meet the evolving and necessary demands of a low-carbon future. Each component plays an indicative and strategic role in the greater mission of achieving international sustainability, and these precedents can be scaled and replicated across the state, country, and world to truly empower the people, planet, and prosperity.
Join Our Sustainability Initiative
Join Our Sustainability Initiative
Hudson Valley Biogas' initial feedstock assessment and the resulting 10 Circular System Proposals have begun to write the next chapter of this region’s environmental movement. Everyone can share in these initiatives and unite around a common goal of a responsible society. Become part of this movement and learn to live, serve, and maintain the beauty of the Hudson River Valley.
Our vision
Our vision
Just as the Hudson Valley gave birth to the modern American environmental movement in the 1960s, we are again positioned to design a system of prosperity and sustainability to inspire the nation. With renewable energies as the primary focus for the future, we have the opportunity to consider new and innovative technologies that will propel and encourage others for generations to come. We can join together and share promises of hope, love, and security for the future. May you be inspired.
“Kunnskap for en bedre verden” - “Knowledge for a better world” - NTNU
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