Fugitive methane emissions from two agricultural biogas plants

Abstract

This study quantified fugitive methane (CH4) losses from multiple sources (open digestate storages, digesters and flare) at two biogas facilities over one year, providing a much needed dataset integrating all major loss pathways and changes over time. Losses of CH4 from Facility A were primarily from digestate storage (5.8% of biogas CH4), followed by leakage/venting (5.5%) and flaring (0.2%). At Facility B, losses from digestate storage were higher (10.7%) due to shorter hydraulic retention time and lack of a screwpress. Fugitive emissions from leakage were initially 3.8% but were reduced to 0.6% after the dome membrane was repaired at Facility B. For biogas to have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions and provide a low-carbon fuel, it is important to minimize fugitive losses from digestate storage and avoid leakage during abnormal operation (leakage, roof failure).