Turn Waste Into Energy in Just Three Days
Get hands-on experience converting organic waste into usable energy through biogas and biodiesel systems. This immersive boot camp introduces participants to real-world applications of biomass energy, from small-scale systems to municipal infrastructure, while building practical skills in design, production and evaluation.

This program is currently full—join the waitlist to be notified if space becomes available.

This three-day, hands-on boot camp provides both a theoretical foundation and practical experience in two key renewable fuel technologies: biogas (75%) and biodiesel (25%). Participants will engage in lab-based activities producing both fuels, explore system design and operation, and examine how these technologies are applied across scales—from farms to wastewater treatment facilities.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will:

  • Understand the fundamentals, terminology, and processes behind biogas and biodiesel systems
  • Gain hands-on experience with fuel production and system operation
  • Learn how to design and size biogas systems for different applications
  • Evaluate the benefits, limitations, and feasibility of biomass energy projects
  • Explore real-world applications through a tour of a municipal wastewater biogas facility

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the boot camp, participants will be able to:

  • Design and operate a small-scale biogas system
  • Analyze and assess biomass energy project proposals
  • Apply technical knowledge to real-world energy challenges
  • Understand how waste-to-energy systems contribute to a regenerative energy future

Training Format

  • Type: Hands-on biomass energy training
  • Duration: Three (3) instructional days
  • Focus: 75% biogas / 25% biodiesel
  • Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Program Components

Participants will work with systems and concepts including:

  • Anaerobic digestion and methane production
  • Biodiesel processing from used cooking oils and fats
  • Small- and large-scale biogas system design
  • Feedstock evaluation and system inputs
  • Energy generation and end-use applications

Daily Schedule Overview

  • Day 1: Introduction to biomass energy, system fundamentals, and lab setup
  • Day 2: Hands-on production, system design, and feasibility exercises
  • Day 3: Advanced applications, project evaluation, and facility tour
  • Order is subject to change

Location & Requirements

  • Primary Location: Moravian University classroom and outdoor tented space
  • Includes: Field visit to a municipal wastewater biogas facility
  • Environment: Indoor + outdoor, hands-on lab setting

Recommended Attire:
Comfortable, informal clothing that can get dirty.
Participants should be prepared for hands-on work with organic materials and exposure to strong odors during lab activities and site visits.

Instructor

The boot camp will be taught by Energypath alumnus Matt Steiman, Assistant Director of the College Farm and Energy Projects Manager at Dickinson College Farm. Steiman—recipient of the Epstein Lifetime Achievement Award—brings decades of experience in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy systems, including the development of biogas infrastructure and educational programming that bridges theory and real-world application. Since co-founding the 80-acre educational production farm in 2007 with Director Jenn Halpin, he has spearheaded the implementation of multiple renewable energy systems, including solar thermal, photovoltaic, electric vehicle, and biogas technologies. His work continues to bridge the gap between sustainable farming and renewable energy innovation.

Camp Details

  • Dates: July 13–15
  • Registration Includes: Access to the July 16 Energy Conference
  • Scholarships Available: Secondary educators, professors and college students
  • Capacity: Limited to 25 participants. Once capacity is reached, registrants will be placed on a waitlist.