AD is the conversion of organic materials by micro-organisms in the absence of oxygen into biogas and digestate. It is a natural process that takes place in a series of sealed and airtight tanks ensuring there are no odours associated with the plant. The biogas is then cleaned and upgraded to biomethane which can be used as a renewable replacement for fossil fuels, such as natural gas, in homes, industry and transport. This entire process is natural, with all inputs and outputs recycled, leaving no waste. The first anaerobic digestion plant was built in 1859 and the technology has advanced steadily since then. Today the technology enables countries such as Denmark to replace 34% of their natural gas consumption with biomethane, with an ambition to replace 100% by 2030.

Biogas is a mixture of methane, CO2 and small quantities of other gases produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. The precise composition of biogas depends on the type of feedstock and the production pathway. The methane content of biogas typically ranges from 49% to 56% by volume, with most of the remainder being CO2.

Biomethane (also known as “renewable natural gas”) is a near-pure source of methane produced by “upgrading” biogas in a process that removes any CO2 and other contaminants present in the biogas. Biomethane is indistinguishable from natural gas and can be used without the need for any changes in transmission and distribution infrastructure or end-user equipment and is fully compatible for use in natural gas vehicles.

Biomethane will play a vital role in reducing emissions across key sectors of the Australian economy — including heating, industry, transport, and power generation — while supporting the decarbonisation of agriculture and food production. As a renewable gas chemically identical to natural gas, it can flow through existing infrastructure, allowing homes and businesses to transition to sustainable energy without major change.

Most people primarily know carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It is true that CO2 harms our environment when it is released into the air, but carbon dioxide also has many different applications across a wide range of industries. At AgriBiogas, we capture this CO2 from the air and use it. Carbon dioxide is used in the Food and Beverage industries for carbonating drinks like beer, soft drinks and wine. Carbon dioxide can carry energy as a refrigerant. Solid CO2, better known as dry ice, keeps food products cold while they are being transported.

Our facilities utilise locally produced agricultural derived feedstocks such as multi-species grass silage, wholecrop arable crops as well as farmyard manure and animal slurry from local farms. The feedstocks used to produce the biomethane are carefully managed by the experienced team at AgriBiogas. We have created the Bio-nutrient Cycle, which utilises a pioneering range of practices and technologies to develop renewable biomethane and organic fertiliser to enhance rural economies. AgriBiogas engage with farmers and guide them through the process, enabling them to generate sustainable feedstock for the facility while simultaneously reducing their need for expensive chemical fertilisers.

The renewable biomethane and CO₂ we produce comply with the RED II and RED III sustainability standards — global benchmarks for renewable biofuels. While developed for the EU, these frameworks align closely with Australia’s transition toward certified low-carbon energy. By applying these principles, Agribiogas ensures international best practice in emissions reduction, traceability, and sustainable biomethane production.

At AgriBiogas, we pride ourselves on operating our facilities using best practice to eliminate any issues in terms of odour or noise. Following this best practice, we currently operate 22 AD facilities without complaints or issues. The biology inside our digesters only works when there is an absence of oxygen. Our whole process must be done in sealed air-tight digestion tanks because of this. The solid feedstocks we use are stored in buildings. Liquid feedstocks are stored in covered tanks and our biofertiliser is applied using the latest low emission technology available.

Noisy equipment is housed in sound-proofed buildings to reduce noise pollution around the site. This is important for the health and safety of our staff as well as local residents and businesses.

• Ingests and learns from real-world process data to continuously optimize performance

• Deploys on-site, with agents that update control setpoints in real time

• Improves sustainability, traceability, and biogas quality

• Goes beyond digital twins—acts like a digital organism at the industrial edge