Unlocking Energy Solutions from Agriculture and Organic Waste
Seneca focuses on nature-positive energy models that generate revenue through core operations while supporting climate and ecological outcomes. We work with partners to surface commercially viable opportunities linked to agricultural and organic waste, including biogas, composting, and solar integration. These approaches contribute to climate mitigation and circular resource flows, and may be structured through blended capital or other investment mechanisms suited to local contexts.
We prioritize projects that recover value from organic waste and land-linked systems, and that demonstrate clear commercial potential through core operations and ecological benefit.
What We Shape
Biogas
Seneca engages with biogas models that use anaerobic digestion to convert agricultural residues, food waste, and animal manure into methane-rich gas for electricity, heating, or fuel. We focus on systems that are logistically viable at scale, particularly where organic waste is concentrated and can be consistently sourced from agricultural operations, food processing, or industrial supply chains. These models reduce methane emissions, improve waste management, and offer reliable energy generation in settings where infrastructure and feedstock availability support commercial deployment. Biogas can also complement regenerative agriculture and circular resource flows, with potential for blended capital structures.
Broader Waste-to-Energy
We also explore other waste-to-energy models that convert organic or mixed waste into usable energy through processes such as gasification or pyrolysis. While less central to our current work, these approaches may be relevant in contexts where organic waste streams are abundant and infrastructure is in place.
Organic Conversion
Seneca supports investment models that turn agricultural and organic waste into useful products such as compost, biochar, and nutrient-rich fertilizers. These outputs can improve soil health, support regenerative agriculture, and reduce landfill pressure. We focus on approaches with clear commercial potential, especially where waste streams are consistent and product markets are accessible.
Solar Integration
We work with partners on solar energy applications that enhance agricultural and aquaculture productivity, including agrovoltaics and floating solar. These models offer dual revenue potential by combining income from farm operations with returns from solar energy generation. We focus on approaches that improve land and water efficiency and support climate resilience.
Why It Matters
Bioenergy offers a powerful way to reduce waste, generate clean energy, and support regenerative systems. The global market is valued at over $340 billion and is projected to reach nearly $1 trillion by 2032. Seneca is exploring biogas, composting, waste-to-energy, and solar-integrated approaches, particularly where they intersect with agriculture and aquaculture.
These projects can help reduce methane emissions, improve soil health, and create new income streams for farmers and cooperatives. When designed with ecological integration and long-term viability in mind, bioenergy can complement land use, food systems, and urban resilience strategies—making it a valuable part of nature-positive finance.
What We’re Learning
Bioenergy works best when it is part of a broader system. Integration with regenerative agriculture, aquaculture, and urban resilience is key. We’re seeing that small-scale, locally adapted projects, such as composting hubs, biogas digesters, and solar-integrated aquaculture, can deliver meaningful environmental and economic benefits when designed with community needs and ecological context in mind.
However, many bioenergy efforts remain siloed or overly technology-driven. Verification and monitoring are still difficult, especially for decentralized systems. Seneca is focused on supporting bioenergy projects that reduce waste, improve energy access, and contribute to regenerative land use and food systems.
