Biogas Technology Research Articles

Study of the biogas plant with catalytic heating

Nowadays improving the methods of anaerobic processing of organic waste is an important topic in the development of biogas technologies. Different articles suggest different options to increase the efficiency of biogas plants. The use of catalytic heaters in biogas plants makes it possible to increase the efficiency of their operation. To study the features of using catalytic heaters, a scheme for the functioning of a biogas plant with catalytic heating was developed. The experimental studies with the use of the designed biogas plant with catalytic heating was carried out. Experimental studies of the designed biogas plant with catalytic heating showed the applicability of the proposed technical solutions for the catalytic heating system.

Prospects of the use of alternative energy sources in an ecological economy

The use of alternative energy sources in Russia should be considered as an important factor in the modernization of the productive forces, contributing to the solution of a number of important economic, social and environmental problems. One of these energy sources is biogas, which is used to produce two types of energy simultaneously: heat and electricity. The article substantiates the need for the introduction of biogas technologies, primarily in livestock complexes, and in the agro-industrial complex as a whole, for the processing of agricultural waste and the production of highly effective organic fertilizers. It is possible to use waste-free production technologies not only at large, but also at medium and small enterprises, and above all in eco-farms of various types. On the example of the farm “Lily of the Valley” of the campaign of JSC Green Valley of the Belgorod region, the cost and economic efficiency of a biogas plant for a year were calculated and its payback period was established. Conclusions are drawn that for faster implementation of biogas plants, it is necessary to pay attention to the experience of Western countries in the issues of state support for the development of dairy farming in terms of the use of administrative resources. So, as an example, to oblige the nearest enterprises to buy surplus electricity produced with the help of renewable energy sources at a reduced rate; to give a subsidy for each installation in the amount of 50% of the average cost; at times to increase fines for violating environmental legislation; develop tax incentives for those organizations that will comply with the technology of waste-free production.

Design of biogas upgrading processes based on ionic liquids

Biogas stands out as an alternative to traditional sources of energy since it presents a high methane content, and it is mainly produced by anaerobic digestions of organic wastes. Typical biogas streams do not only consist of biomethane but also carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide or siloxanes, depending on the source of the organic waste. Therefore, it is important to remove all these contaminants to obtain a high-quality stream in a process known as biogas upgrading. Currently, there is not a predominant technology, all of them presenting advantages and drawbacks to be solved. In this work, we test a biogas upgrading process based on CO2 chemical absorption by ionic liquids (ILs). The complete process was evaluated involving absorber and stripping columns in a wide range of operating temperatures and pressures to reach biomethane of 97% purity from an industrial biogas stream. Best specific energy consumptions are found at 50 °C in the absorber and 95 °C in the stripper at atmospheric pressure. Increasing the operating pressure of the absorber to 6 bar reduces the energy consumption from 0.8 kWh/Nm3 to 0.2 kWh/Nm3. This is mainly because of the reduction in IL flow (almost a half) and that the thermal energy needed is provided by the exothermic reaction and no external requirements are needed. IL-based proposal for biogas upgrading was found able to efficiently retain CO2 but also other main impurities (H2S, H2O, siloxanes) producing biomethane with quality standards. Results from IL-based process reveal savings in operating cost and nearly the same equipment investment costs than available technologies (PSA, water and amine scrubbing, and membranes) for biogas upgrading process.

Geospatial Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment of a Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach to the Biogas Sector

Crop-based biogas energy production, in combination with electricity generation under subsidy schemes, is no longer considered a favourable business model for biogas plants. Switching to low-cost or gate fee feedstocks and utilising biogas via alternative pathways could contribute to making existing plants fit for future operations and could open up new space for further expansion of the biogas sector. The aim of this study was to combine a holistic and interdisciplinary approach for both the biogas production side and the utilisation side to evaluate the impact of integrating the biogas sector with waste management systems and energy systems operating with a high share of renewable energy sources. The geospatial availability of residue materials from agriculture, industry and municipalities was assessed using QGIS software for the case of Northern Croatia with the goal of replacing maize silage in the operation of existing biogas plants. Furthermore, the analysis included positioning new biogas plants, which would produce renewable gas. The overall approach was evaluated through life cycle assessment using SimaPro software to quantify the environmental benefits and identify the bottlenecks of the implemented actions. The results showed that the given feedstocks could replace 212 GWh of biogas from maize silage in the relevant region and create an additional 191 GWh of biomethane in new plants. The LCA revealed that the proposed measures would contribute to the decarbonisation of natural gas by creating environmental benefits that are 36 times greater compared to a business-as-usual concept. The presented approach could be of interest to stakeholders in the biogas sector anywhere in the world to encourage further integration of biogas technologies into energy and environmental transitions.

Environmental and Economic Aspects of Biomethane Production from Organic Waste in Russia

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), only a tiny fraction of the full potential of energy from biomass is currently exploited in the world. Biogas is a good source of energy and heat, and a clean fuel. Converting it to biomethane creates a product that combines all the benefits of natural gas with zero greenhouse gas emissions. This is important given that the methane contained in biogas is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide (CO2). The total amount of CO2 emission avoided due to the installation of biogas plants is around 3380 ton/year, as 1 m3 of biogas corresponds to 0.70 kg of CO2 saved. In Russia, despite the huge potential, the development of bioenergy is rather on the periphery, due to the abundance of cheap hydrocarbons and the lack of government support. Based on the data from an agro-industrial plant located in Central Russia, the authors of the article demonstrate that biogas technologies could be successfully used in Russia, provided that the Russian Government adopted Western-type measures of financial incentives.

Assessment of Environmental Impact and Economic Viability of Domestic Biogas Plant Technology in Bangladesh

The study investigated the distinct environmental impacts and economic viability of domestic biogas technology in the countryside of Bangladesh. The study was carried out by a survey through personal interviews with biogas users. Seventy households were selected purposively and interviews were conducted through semi-structured questionnaires. The study mainly highlighted the potential reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and economic benefits of biogas utilization which were evaluated considering the substitution of traditional biomass fuels, by saving Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and cost of chemical fertilizer, and carbon trading. The economic benefits are addressed using some well-known economic indicators like Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR). The results of the study revealed that a small-scale household anaerobic cow dung biogas digester not only exhibited the potential to cut carbon emissions on average by about 7.8 tons of CO2 equivalents yearly, but it also demonstrated the economic feasibility of doing so as the value of NPV and BCR was positive. This study recommends that the government approach, awareness program, and continuous and proper performing of the biogas technology are needed to intensify the multiples environmental benefits of the technology.

Adoption determinants of biogas and its impact on poverty in Bangladesh

Renewable energy resources are critical for reducing poverty and addressing the energy shortage. Renewable energy technologies have been slow to gain traction in Bangladesh. This study examines the factors that influence biogas adoption and the effects on income and poverty levels. A total of 400 respondents were surveyed to achieve the objectives. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a set of econometric models. According to the results, approximately one-third of the respondents used biogas technology. Respondents’ perceptions of reduced cooking fuel costs and modern communication technologies such as internet connectivity and mobile phone use played a major role in their adoption decision. The likelihood of adoption is 11.9 per cent and 56.7 per cent higher for those who have access to the internet and mobile phone compared to their counterparts. Adopters of biogas have between 13 and 27 per cent higher per capita household income than non-adopters. Based on radius matching, the household poverty gap is approximately 16 per cent lower for biogas adopters than non-adopters. Modifying the extension approach through the use of modern communication techniques can help achieve widespread adoption. The availability of capital may play a vital role in adoption. There is a need to promote the role of biogas technology in anti-poverty programmes​ in Bangladesh.

Biogas Technology as an “Engine” for Facilitating Circular Bio-Economy in Denmark—The Case of Lolland & Falster Municipalities Within Region Zealand

This article investigates how biogas technology can facilitate the deployment of municipal circular bio-economic solutions within the energy and agrarian sectors in Denmark. The emphasis is on the regional climate policy and the existing biogas technology concepts, within a decentralized energy market located in the Southern part of Zealand. The case analysis will identify how such technology can be utilized as a lever for future “extraction-activities,” as for example protein, wax, and furfural substrates. Within Falster & Lolland Municipalities, it is identified that 800.000 tons of animal manure is readily available for biogas production, just as 880.000 tons and 220.000 tons of unused beet tops and residual cereal straw could be feed to biogas facilities as for example co-silage materials. With a potential gas yield of approximately 897.000 MWh, composed by the crop residues alone, the challenge is how to utilize such resources the most efficient when addressing future needs for bio-products and high value materials and energy. Through the lens of Circular Bio-Economy this article addresses three themes, by which biogas technology can become an “engine” for future bioenergy solutions, where cascading activities and use of side-streams are developed: 1) production of biogas by means of local agricultural residues (beet tops, residual straw, and animal manure), combined with 2) “extraction-activities” as furfural and wax from straw, as well as protein from beet tops. Besides this 3) opportunities for upgrading the biogas and distributing it on a natural gas network, hereby enlarging the supply market for energy services from the biogas plant and facilitating the development of a more “integrated energy system,” currently being promoted by the European Commission. This article concludes on a step-by-step approach to utilize biomass residues more efficiently in light of the CBE concept and cascading approach, and the available biomass resources within the specific case area addressed.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LOW CARBON, CLEANER AND GREENER ENERGIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

The increased availability of reliable and efficient energy services stimulates new development alternatives. This article discusses the potential for such integrated systems in the stationary and portable power market in response to the critical need for cleaner energy technology. Several issues relating to renewable energies, environment, and sustainable development are examined from both current and future perspectives throughout the theme. It is concluded that green energies like wind, solar, ground source heat pumps, and biomass must be promoted, implemented, and demonstrated from the economic and/or environmental point of view. Biogas from biomass appears to have potential as an alternative energy source, potentially rich in biomass resources. The current literature is reviewed regarding the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of biogas technology. Finally, this article gives an overview of the present and future use of biomass as an industrial feedstock to produce fuels, chemicals and other materials. However, to be truly competitive in an open market situation, higher-value products are required. Results suggest that biogas technology must be encouraged, promoted, invested, implemented, and demonstrated, especially in remote rural areas. Anticipated future energy use patterns and consequent environmental impacts (acid precipitation, ozone depletion, greenhouse effect, or global warming) are discussed in this article. An approach is needed to integrate renewable energies in a way to meet high building performance. However, their ability to match demand is determined by adoption of one of the following two approaches: the utilisation of a capture area greater than that occupied by the community to be supplied, or the reduction of the community’s energy demands to a level commensurate with the locally available renewable resources. Adopting green or sustainable approaches to how society is run is seen as an important strategy in finding a solution to the energy problem. The key factors to reducing and controlling CO2, which is the major contributor to global warming, are the use of alternative approaches to energy generation and the exploration of how these alternatives are used today and may be used in the future as green energy sources.

Development of a Comprehensive Conceptual Framework for Biogas Technology Adoption in South Africa

This article focuses on the development of a conceptual framework guiding the adoption of biogas technology in selected rural areas of the Limpopo province. The theoretical framing of the study emanated from the critical evaluation of models and work that privileged the technical design and optimisation of a biogas system over the adoption of the technology at the household level. Based on the empirical evidence, and using logistic regression analysis, the study highlighted that determinants of biogas technology adoption in communities are complex, context-dependent and spatially varied. Hence, the policy of biogas adoption should be tailored based on the principle of fit-for-purpose, instead of using existing unimodal approaches for all settings. Based on the findings, the study developed a robust conceptual framework that harnesses the relationships between the influencing variables that can enhance the adoption of biogas technology.

Factors affecting the adoption and non adoption of biogas technology in semi-arid areas of Tanzania

Tanzanian Government through its policies in response to energy crisis has been promoting among others, biogas as an alternative source of energy. However, the adoption of biogas technology has been reported to be low or not to the expected levels. This study examines the factors that affect the adoption and Non adoption of Biogas technology as an alternative energy source for rural population in Semi arid areas. Kongwa and Chamwino Districts in Dodoma region were used as case study. Data collection methods employed included interviews, focus group discussions and observation. The findings of the study revealed that there is little or no access to the factors hoped to facilitate adoption of biogas technology which implies weakness in promotion efforts. Little involvement of the Government has underestimated the importance of the biogas technology contributing to low adoption. Other factors include, poor performance of biogas plants associated to technical problems, having a negative implication in adoption process, high installation costs unaffordable to the majority of rural population, unreliable feed stocks and water shortage problems. It is recommended that Government should take intentional efforts to fully involve in promoting biogas technology and ensure the enabling environment for the adoption of the technology.

Analysis and selection of optimal solvent-based technologies for biogas upgrading

Biogas upgrading is an important industrial process for producing biomethane, a sustainable energy source with low carbon footprint. There are three main solvent-based alternatives for biogas upgrading: water scrubbing, physical scrubbing and chemical scrubbing with amines. Though assessments have been published regarding which technologies are more cost-effective and energetically efficient, these often either neglect inspecting the impact of raw biogas concentrations and biomethane delivery pressures on the overall performance of the plant, or they do not consider that the separated CO2 has to be conditioned for transportation for properly fulfilling the requirements of BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage). In fact, many assessments of physical scrubbing processes forfeit CO2 recovery altogether. This work intends to rehabilitate physical scrubbing as an alternative for BECCS by showing that, depending on the conditions of the raw biogas, the requirements for biomethane delivery, and the cost of carbon taxes, biogas upgrading can be feasible by scrubbing either with amines or with organic solvents. We introduce a review on organic physical solvents for CO2 recovery, a simulation framework for the evaluation of energetical operational costs of biogas upgrading, and a simplified economic analysis. High biomethane delivery pressures and high CO2 concentrations in raw biogas benefit the use of physical solvents such as N-formyl-morpholine, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and poly(ethylene glycol)dimethyl ether, whereas the opposite conditions are advantageous to aqueous monoethanolamine. Finally, the implementation of carbon taxes of around 10 USD/ton CO2 emitted are sufficient to increase the attractiveness of CO2 recovery as opposed to CO2 wasting.

Agri-energy Crops for Biogas Production Regimes

The most significant challenges posed to agriculture are connecting multiple segments in a sustainable way that includes resource and energy efficiency as well as environmental protection through the rational use of limited resources. One way is to use field crop biomass as a feedstock for biogas production in the process of anaerobic digestion. Codigestion of manure and energy crops biomass reduces the impact on the environment primarily through reducing greenhouse gas emissions during the entire life cycle of the plant. Energy crops should meet the basic conditions: efficient conversion of solar energy in the process of photosynthesis that allows high yields, low requirements for nutrients and water due to a well-developed root system, low requirements for agronomic measures, low cost of establishing and maintaining plantations. The main factors that determine the biogas yields are the type and variety of crops, harvest time, method of storage and pretreatment before AD conversion and nutrient content. The most used field crops are maize (silage, grain), sorghum (fodder and sveet) due to their high potential for methane production and mature technologies. Lignocellulosic biomass of field residues of field crops or originating from purpose-grown perennial crops such as switchgrass, miscanthus, reed canary grass, Napier grass has significant environmental advantages but also technological limitations (pre-treatment is necessary). The success and future potential for the role of biogas technologies in integrated infrastructures providing bioenergy, biomethane for static and mobile applications, bio-CO2, and even play a key role in the circular economy by recycling nutrients back into the land through the use of digestate which is by-product as soil amendment in energy crops production chan.

Bottled Biogas—An Opportunity for Clean Cooking in Ghana and Uganda

Anaerobic digestion (AD) can bring benefits in terms of effective management of organic waste, recovery of nutrients and energy recovery, and is consistent with circular economy principles. AD has been promoted and implemented worldwide, but at widely differing scales, influenced by the availability and location of feedstocks. In developing countries, feedstock arises from small- to medium-scale agriculture and agro-processing operations, as well as from household and municipal waste. Biogas produced from residues from agro-processing facilities may be used for on-site heat and power, but the lack of a gas and electricity grid infrastructure can limit opportunities to distribute gas or generated electricity to wider users. This paper presents the findings of the first study to consider novel technologies for small-scale and low-cost biogas clean-up into biomethane, and compression into small bottles, suitable as a clean cooking fuel. The paper reports on the initial evaluation of biomethane for cooking in Ghana and Uganda.

Methodological Approaches to Optimising Anaerobic Digestion of Water Hyacinth for Energy Efficiency in South Africa

Anaerobic digestion has been identified as a feasible fragment of a bioeconomy, yet numerous factors hinder the adoption of the technology in South Africa. Apart from its energy recovery, other nonmarket advantages support the technology. Though it may be challenging to have a price tag, they provide clear added worth for such investments. With a growing energy demand and global energy transitions, there is a need to sustainably commercialise the biogas industry in South Africa. Most studies are at laboratory scale and under specific conditions, which invariably create gaps in using their data for commercialising the biogas technology. The key to recognising these gaps depends on knowing the crucial technical phases that have the utmost outcome on the economics of biogas production. This study is a meta-analysis of the optimisation of anaerobic digestion through methodological approaches aimed at enhancing the production of biogas. This review, therefore, argues that regulating the fundamental operational parameters, understanding the microbial community’s interactions, and modelling the anaerobic processes are vital indicators for improving the process stability and methane yield for the commercialisation of the technology. It further argues that South Africa can exploit water hyacinth as a substrate for a self-sufficient biogas production system in a bid to mitigate the invasive alien plants.

Assessment of the Gross Potential of Local Waste Based on Geoinformation Systems for Bioenergy Production

This article analyzes the gross potential of local hydrocarbon waste and biomass using the example of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the aim of producing bioenergy. To calculate the raw material potential, we used official and reference data on the production and consumption of fuel, fertilizers and the formation of organic waste, the accumulation of municipal solid waste (MSW), the amount of saline land where halophytic plantations can be created, which can be considered as biomass. Based on the collected data, mathematical operations and calculations of the potential of biogas technology were performed. A block diagram has been developed that describes the steps of a Geo Information Systems (GIS) map. GIS maps have been created that give a visual representation of the spatial distribution of the gross potential of various types of waste in the regions of the republic and can serve as a tool in planning the distribution of biogas technology.

Factors affecting the utilization of cow dirt as a biogas energy source in Gogik Village, West Ungaran sub-district

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors that influence the use of dairy cow dung as a source of biogas energy in Gogik Village, West Ungaran District. In this study, the method used is a qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that the factors that influence the use of biogas energy sources can be viewed from technical factors, social factors, and economic factors. In terms of the availability of livestock and manure produced by Gogik Village, it is feasible to implement biogas technology on a household scale. In terms of livestock raising, Gogik Village has indeed met the eligibility requirements for the implementation of biogas. The community using biogas in Gogik Village has provided a land area according to the provisions of about 20 m2. In terms of social factors, the application of biogas technology in the community must be adjusted to the habits or culture of the community groups. On the other hand, the labor required to manage biogas in Gogik Village ranges from one to two people. In terms of economic factors, the effect of biogas use on community needs has not been fully felt by the biogas user community.

Biogas, a Prospect for Renewable Energy Resource in South Africa

South Africa’s reliance on fossil fuel to meet its energy demands is well documented. However, there are concerns associated with fossil fuel, especially the fact that it leads to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. These shortcomings have influenced the government to consider renewable energy options. For example, the application of biogas technology as an alternative source of energy has the potential to fill societal energy gap. Due to the wide-scale availability of biodegradable organic waste that abounds in the country, biogas is considered as a feasible energy source to form part of the country energy mix. Based on the calculated annual potential for electricity production of 189 684 MWh/a and 609 205 MWh/a from fruit waste and cattle liquid manure, respectively, the technology has proven to be dependable and feasible in providing energy in South Africa, where electricity problems thrive, resulting in load shedding. This article aimed at highlighting the potential of biogas technology in South Africa, by overviewing the prospects and bottlenecks of the technology.

Small-scale biogas technology and clean cooking fuel: Assessing the potential and links with SDGs in low-income countries – A case study of Nepal

Small-scale biogas technology has been instrumental in providing clean cooking fuel in several low-income countries. This study investigates the role of domestic biogas technologies in meeting the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7.1, i.e., the share of the population using modern cooking solutions, considering a case study in Nepal. The country has an over 60 years’ successful history in the development of household biogas technologies with more than 431,000 biogas plants installation in close co-operation with different stakeholders including government, international development agencies, and private companies. There has not been an appreciable technological development over several decades of biogas promotion in Nepal, nonetheless, there is a need for indigenous technologies that can cope with multi-feedstock and fluctuating ambient temperature. Household bio-digester is one of viable options for simultaneously producing clean energy source (i.e. biogas) and nutrient-rich digestate (i.e. bio-fertilizer). In Nepal, less than one percent of the total biogas potential has been harnessed despite the government’s support and financing schemes. The total potential of biogas production from livestock manure is estimated to be about 3043.58 million m3/year when the full potential will be utilized. The corresponding avoided emissions would be 4.35 million tonnes CO2eq/year. Clean cooking fuel from domestic biogas technology could help in achieving SDGs in low-income countries when plans and policies for promoting robust small-scale biogas technology are in place. This study also explores the complementarity and synergies of biogas development and their interlinkages with other SDGs.

Decentral Energy Generation Potential of Anaerobic Digestion of Black Water and Kitchen Refuse for Eco-District Planning

Biogas technology is an important alternative energy source worldwide. Blackwater and kitchen refuse represent ideal waste streams for bioenergy recovery through anaerobic co-digestion. Modeling of the biokinetics of anaerobic digestion on several aspects, such as microbial activity, substrate degradation, and methane production, from co-digestion of black water (BW) and kitchen refuse (KR) was the objective of this research. A mathematical model was developed towards a simulation based on mass balances on biomass, the organic substrate, and biogas. The model was implemented in INSEL and experimental data from the literature were used for model validation. The study shows that the simulation results fit well with the experimental data. The energy consumption and generation potential of anaerobic co-digestion of BW and KR were calculated to investigate if the produced biogas could supply the digester’s energy demand. This study can be used to pre-design anaerobic digestion systems in eco-districts.