The program funds comprehensive feasibility studies for organic waste-to-energy systems that generate local energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Studies must build on business case analysis and explore systems generating energy from landfill gas, anaerobic digestion, or energy recovery from wastewater, landfills, or aerobic composting.

Feasibility studies should confirm the practicality of constructing and operating proposed systems, incorporate stakeholder engagement, complete system design, quantify costs and revenue streams, assess environmental and social impacts, confirm partnerships, and detail business models including ownership and financing.

Required/Expected Study Components:

• Detailed project design and system specifications
• Verification of local organic waste feedstock availability
• Verification of buyers for energy and other products
• Detailed financial analysis (costs, revenue projections, ROI, funding options)
• Stakeholder engagement and public consultation
• Regulatory approval processes and impact assessment
• Climate risk assessment (required for projects over $2 million)
• Equity assessment analyzing impacts on equity-deserving groups

Eligible Energy Sources:

• Upgrading or direct use of landfill gas
• Anaerobic digestion of local organic waste (food waste, yard waste, biosolids, construction/demolition organic waste, agricultural or forestry waste)
• Energy recovery from composting, wastewater, or landfill geothermal systems