New Energy Mapping Tool from DNR

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has produced a new tool for those interested in pursuing renewable energy resources. IDNR’s interactive online map helps interested parties to identify areas in Iowa that have potential for the development of large anaerobic digesters. Biogas produced in such digesters can be used as a substitute for natural gas to produce electricity and heat.

Most organic waste streams – such as manure, food waste, and by-products from ethanol and biodiesel production – can be used as feedstocks in an anaerobic digester. The online tool contains information about the producers of the most abundant potential digester feedstocks in Iowa: animal feeding operations, ethanol and biodiesel facilities, and food industry.

One of the map layers combines all this information, ranking different areas of the state based on the available digester feedstocks. The mapping tool also includes other relevant information, such as municipal electric and gas utilities and wastewater treatment plants.