Biogas production for electricity from fruit waste: a case study of Gemah Ripah biogas plant, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Gemah ripah biogas (GRB) plant is the first biogas project in Indonesia that utilizes a 100% fruit waste as a feedstock. Now, the biogas has been operating for almost 9 years. To get objective performance study in the biogas plant existing, it important to analyze biogas production, electricity generation and energy and environmental benefits of the GRB plant. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the typical demonstration model in utilization of fruit waste. Regarding the observation, technically GRB has operated in appropriate function. GRB was designed for 4 T/day feed and supplies 148.5 kWh/day electricity. The further analysis exhibited that GRB project is required to be optimized for maximum energy and environmental benefits because biogas plant feed only 0.35 T/day (8% of feed design) and supplies electricity only 0.45 % of its supplies. For biogas quality, data showed that the biogas plant produces methane and carbon dioxide with average content of 59% and 37% which is already within a good standard. GRB need some of recommendation for maximum operation which is discussed in this article. Nevertheless, operating as an example of a sustainable renewable energy model, GRB can decrease of waste discharge to the landfill and utilization of waste at the source. The operation model of GRB plays an important role in reducing greenhouse, mitigating pollution and generating renewable energy.