2,000 Biogas Experts Gather to Turn Waste Into Clean Energy

Nearly 2,000 professionals from around the globe converged on Detroit this month for four days of breakthroughs in an industry that's quietly solving two problems at once: waste and energy.

BIOGAS AMERICAS 2026 shattered previous attendance records, with experts gathering to share the latest technologies for converting organic waste into clean, renewable energy. The exhibit hall was the largest in the event's history, reflecting explosive growth in a sector most Americans don't even know exists.

"This year's conference shows how much our country needs our biogas industry to recycle the millions of tons of organic residue that we produce each year into renewable energy and fertilizer," said Patrick Serfass, Executive Director of the American Biogas Council. Every day, farms, food processors, and cities generate massive amounts of organic waste that traditionally ended up in landfills.

The biogas industry intercepts that waste and transforms it through natural processes into fuel that can power homes and businesses. The leftover material becomes high-quality fertilizer, completing a full circle from waste back to productive use.

Conference sessions tackled cutting-edge applications like using biogas for maritime fuels, helping ships transition away from diesel. Attendees also explored best practices for on-farm production, where dairy and livestock operations can turn manure into a revenue stream while reducing emissions.

Federal and state policy updates drew packed rooms, as regulatory support for renewable energy continues growing. Professionals also learned new strategies for quantifying carbon reductions, a crucial step as companies seek to document their climate impact.

The Ripple Effect

The extended format this year added a BIOGAS 101 session for newcomers, helping more people enter this expanding field. A facility tour gave attendees hands-on looks at working systems, while a special young professionals event invested in the industry's future leadership.

The networking opportunities proved especially valuable, with deals and partnerships forming throughout the four days. When specialists from different parts of the supply chain connect in person, innovations accelerate and projects that might have taken years can launch in months.

The American Biogas Council's next gathering, BUSINESS OF BIOGAS, happens October 20-22 in St. Louis. As more communities recognize biogas as a practical solution for waste management and renewable energy generation, these connections become even more critical for scaling up what works.

Every ton of organic waste converted to biogas is a ton that doesn't release methane in a landfill while simultaneously displacing fossil fuels.