An Integrated Solution for Solid Feedstock Handling

By HoSt Bioenergy North America

The U.S. renewable natural gas (RNG) industry is entering a new phase.

After years dominated by manure-based digestion, developers are increasingly turning to co-digestion—combining manure, food waste, and agricultural residues like sugar beets and potatoes.

This shift reflects both regulatory momentum and market necessity, offering higher gas yields, improved stability, and better economics when supported by the right technology.

A Market Shift Toward Co-Digestion

Historically, RNG projects focused on mono-digestion of dairy manure, driven by incentives favouring methane capture from livestock. Today, developers are embracing co-digestion to pursue higher-value RINs and operational stability through balanced organic mixtures.

This change reflects emerging regulatory frameworks that reward feedstock diversity, the pursuit of higher-value RINs, and the operational stability gained from balanced organic mixtures.

Regulatory Drivers: BRRR and RIN Allocation

The EPA’s Biogas Regulatory Reform Rule (BRRR), finalized under the RFS Set Rule for 2023–2025, introduced the Cellulosic Converted Fraction (CCF) methodology.

This allows RNG producers to more accurately classify biogas from mixed feedstocks, distinguishing between D3 (cellulosic) and D5 (advanced) RINs.

The result: better valuation for cellulosic-heavy projects and clearer tracking of feedstock contributions.

Technology Innovation: HoSt’s Solid Feeding System

HoSt’s Solid Feeding System is a comprehensive solution for co-digestion feedstock handling. It includes:

• A solid feeder: handles a wide range of solid materials

• An optional hammer mill to reduce particle size

• A blend unit that creates a pumpable slurry from solid and liquid substrates

One system can serve multiple digesters, prevent clumping and floating layers, and enhance bacterial access—boosting digestion efficiency. It’s adaptable to various feedstock types and contamination levels.

Process Guarantees and Customer Benefits

HoSt offers process guarantees covering feedstock handling, gas production, upgrading, and uptime through multi-tier service contracts. This shifts technical risk from the customer to HoSt, streamlining execution and improving reliability.

Proven Expertise and R&D Capabilities

With a dedicated R&D lab, HoSt tests and validates before field implementation. This ensures reliable performance across a wide range of feedstock types.

Backed by hundreds of successful organics projects across Europe, HoSt brings unmatched co-digestion expertise to the U.S. market.

Why Co-Digestion Matters

Co-digestion improves biological stability, enhances breakdown of starchy materials, and offers feedstock flexibility.

As the U.S. RNG market embraces this model, HoSt’s integrated technology and global experience make it a trusted partner for performance, reliability, and compliance.

HoSt’s Solid Feeding System is more than equipment— it’s a strategic solution for the future of RNG in the US.

With integrated technology, process guarantees, and deep expertise, HoSt is helping shape the next generation of renewable energy projects.

For more information, read our Efficiency Magazine.