In the latest edition of Astute’s People Powered Profile series, Dan Bisset, VP – North America, explores the transformative world of biogas with Jessica Niekrasz, Vice President of Operations at Bioferm.
“It was not a natural pathway for me,” Jessica reflects, as she recounts her move into the biogas industry in 2015.
Coming from a marketing background, she was at a point in her life where she wanted to return to work after being a mother while making a meaningful difference.
“I knew that if I went back to work, I wanted to make a difference in the world. And I feel like that’s something our industry offers.”
Since then, Jessica’s career has spanned facility ownership, policy advocacy, and leadership in EPC operations. “I’ve just become its biggest cheerleader,” she says, encapsulating her enthusiasm for the field.
Collaboration as a foundation
Jessica’s entry into the biogas sector began with the purchase of two facilities in Madison, Wisconsin: the Dane County Community Digester and a farm-based project.
“The community digester was unique because it was a county-based project,” Jessica explains. “We had responsibilities not only to local government but also to farmers. It required a lot of communication and openness to ensure everyone’s needs were met.”
The farm project, however, was an entirely different experience. “It was a handshake agreement the entire time,” she recalls. “That taught us so much about trust, transparency, and understanding the business needs of our partners. We quickly learned that open communication was non-negotiable.”
Jessica’s experience working with local farmers and governments shaped her perspective on partnerships. “Sometimes things go wrong,” she admits. “But it’s better to have those tough conversations upfront than to hide the problem and have someone else find it later.”
Advocating for Biogas in Wisconsin
Jessica’s passion for the industry didn’t stop at operations.
Recognizing the untapped potential in Wisconsin, she co-founded the Wisconsin Biomass Energy Coalition, a 501(c)(4) dedicated to advancing biogas opportunities in the state.
“We advocate for more digesters and sustainable energy solutions,” she explains. “Right now, we’ve got some legislation moving through the Assembly and Senate, which is exciting.”
Her advocacy work reflects her commitment to driving innovation in the sector. “There’s so much opportunity here, and I want to be part of shaping that future,” she adds.
Evolving Trends and Challenges
Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Jessica highlights the pivot from electricity to renewable natural gas (RNG).
“When we first started, it was all about electricity and power purchase agreements. But as wind and solar became cheaper, we saw that shift to RNG around 2018 and 2019,” she explains.
Looking ahead, she sees opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and other biogas byproducts. “It’s fascinating to see where investment and interest are going,” she says. “I wish I had a crystal ball, but the potential is immense.”
However, Jessica is candid about the challenges ahead.
“The biggest challenge is workforce. If you’re not running, you’re not making money. We need qualified technicians, operators, engineers, and project managers to make this industry thrive.”
She also points to regulatory uncertainty and interconnection challenges with utilities as obstacles to growth.
Making Biogas a Career of Choice
Despite its potential, Jessica and Dan acknowledge that biogas doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves.
“Someone once called biogas the ‘ugly stepsister’ of renewables,” Dan says, “but it really should be Cinderella.”
To change this, Jessica emphasizes the importance of visibility and education.
“We need to partner with universities and show students that biogas is an essential part of the circular economy. It’s low-hanging fruit, we’re always going to eat, throw out food, and create waste streams. This industry is about turning that into something meaningful.”
She also highlights the personal fulfillment many in the sector find.
“My junior team members tell me they love that their work aligns with their values. They feel like they’re part of something bigger, contributing to sustainability and the circular economy.”
Advice to Her Younger Self
When asked what advice she’d give her younger self, Jessica doesn’t hesitate. “Trust your instincts. Your instincts are good, and they’re there for a reason,” she says.
She also stresses the value of learning from mistakes.
“Don’t be afraid to be wrong. There’s growth in every mistake you make. Ask questions, seek guidance, and don’t shy away from learning. It doesn’t make you weak – it makes you stronger because you’re weaving together knowledge that leads to success.”
Jessica Niekrasz’s journey from marketing to biogas advocacy and operations is a testament to the power of passion and persistence.
Her insights underscore the potential of biogas as a cornerstone of sustainable energy and highlight the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation.
