California Bioenergy

California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio) is a leading developer of dairy digesters for generating renewable vehicle fuel and electricity from biogas. Founded in 2006, the company partners with dairy farmers to design, build, own and operate waste-to-energy projects that capture fugitive methane from manure and convert it into renewable natural gas (RNG) or electricity. As of December 2022, CalBio had over 50 operational manure digesters across dairies in California and other western states.

CalBio's technology helps dairy farms reduce greenhouse gas emissions by preventing the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from manure storage. The captured methane is refined into RNG, which can be used as a low-carbon fuel for vehicles or converted into electricity. CalBio's projects provide environmental benefits by reducing emissions, improving local air and water quality, and supporting the sustainability of family dairy farms.

In December 2022, CalBio announced a strategic partnership with Brookfield Renewable to scale its growth, with Brookfield committing up to USD 500 million in funding. CalBio has established plans to more than double its RNG production over the next five years through continued expansion in California and other states. As of 2022, the company's projects were reducing emissions by over 1 million metric tons of CO2e per year.

In October 2022, CalBio and Chevron formed a joint venture to build infrastructure for dairy biomethane projects in California's Merced County. Chevron will provide funding for up to seven digesters and take 100% of the RNG produced to market as a low-carbon transportation fuel.

Key customers and partnerships

In August 2022, CalBio collaborated with Bloom Energy on a pioneering project at Bar 20 Dairy Farms, using renewable biogas from manure digesters to generate electricity from fuel cells. This project powers an onsite microgrid and electric vehicle fleet, exemplifying a closed-loop, clean energy system.

CalBio has established unique ownership structures allowing dairy farmers to invest in and benefit from its cluster projects while supplying manure feedstock. The company works closely with leading dairy cooperatives such as California Dairies Inc., Land O'Lakes, and Dairy Farmers of America, whose member farms participate in CalBio's digesters.

To support its methane reduction goals, CalBio partners with utilities like SoCalGas, enabling the injection of dairy-derived RNG into pipelines for distribution as a vehicle fuel. The company has also received incentive funding from state agencies.