Proposal Deadline: July 14, 2020

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications that will accelerate the development of new or enhance/increase existing anaerobic digestion capacity and infrastructure in the United States. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the natural process in which microorganisms break down organic (plant and animal) materials. Food waste diverted from landfills and incinerators can be managed at AD facilities. The AD process generates renewable energy (biogas) and a product that can improve soil health (digestate).

EPA is soliciting applications for a wide variety of projects that are designed to increase the use of AD for management of organic materials in the United States. It is anticipated that applications will include projects that create new AD capacity, optimize use of existing capacity, or identify strategies that otherwise result in an increase in management of organic materials through AD. EPA also recognizes and encourages applications that demonstrate effective marketing and/or sale of AD products (e.g., biogas and digestate). Such projects are beneficial to the AD industry and can therefore build the foundation for development of additional AD infrastructure.

Applications must achieve one or more of the following objectives:

• Support state, tribal, and/or local government programs that seek to use AD to increase their organic waste diversion rates.
• Demonstrate solutions and/or approaches for increasing AD utilization that can be replicated by other communities, governments, or other entities; or
• Establish new or expand existing partnerships (public/private partnerships) that result in development of AD capacity.

Additional information, including the program RFP, can be found on grants.gov.