Categorisation of Biogas Plant Operators in Germany with Regards to Their Intention to Use Straw Pellets as Innovative and Sustainable Substrate Alternative

Mohrmann, Sören; Otter, Verena

doi:10.3390/en16010005

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 86 publications

(134 reference statements)

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“…This fact is mainly due to changes in regulations supporting investments in this type of renewable energy source, as well as those limiting the use of classical substrates, such as corn silage. A significant number of installations are also currently being upgraded for biomethane production [17,18]. The situation is different in other EU countries, such as Poland, where the biogas installation market is at a stage of dynamic growth and development [19].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic and Energy Efficiency Analysis of the Biogas Plant Digestate Management Methods

Nowak,

Bojarski,

Czekała

2024

Energies

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The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive economic and energy efficiency analysis of selected digestate management methods, considering their implications on operational costs and resource management. To achieve this aim, the study focuses on a comparative assessment of different digestate management methods, including land application, mechanical separation, the composting process and pellet production. The economic analysis involves the evaluation of the initial investment, operational expenses, and potential revenue streams associated with each method. The most economical and popular solution of digestate management is direct use as fertilizer, with total costs of 1.98 EUR·Mg−1. All of the other methods involve higher digestate management costs, respectively; for separation it is 2.42 EUR·Mg−1, for composting it is 2.81 EUR·Mg−1. The process that is the most energy-intensive, but profitable, is the production of pellets from digestate, resulting in profits of 334,926 EUR·year−1. It should be noted that the other analyzed methods of digestate management also bring many environmental benefits, affecting sustainability and reducing emissions. The results of this research will contribute unique data on the feasibility of managing the digestate and its fractions. The calculations of economic and energy values for different strategies will allow for the optimization of the overall performance of the biogas plant, thus promoting a circular economy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Economic and Energy Efficiency Analysis of the Biogas Plant Digestate Management Methods

Nowak,

Bojarski,

Czekała

2024

Energies

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Goat Manure Potential as a Substrate for Biomethane Production—An Experiment for Photofermentation

Hołaj-Krzak,

Konieczna,

Borek

et al. 2024

Energies

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This article presents the current state of biogas (biomethane) production technology—an example of the use of goat manure in terms of photofermentation efficiency. The theoretical and experimental potential of biomethane using biodegradability for anaerobic fermentation of goat manure was indicated. Goat manure was tested for its elemental composition to determine the suitability of this raw material for biogas production. The quality of biogas produced under atmospheric conditions from goat manure placed in a reactor (photodigester) was assessed. An attempt was made to determine the process conditions for immobilization on a goat manure bed (depending on the research material collected), which allows for demonstrating the activity of the fermentation bacterial flora, thus influencing the amount of biogas (biomethane) produced in the reactor. A mechanism for the photofermentation process involving the production of biomethane was developed. The novelty of this article is the development of the use of goat manure in an innovative way, pointing to the development of the biomethane industry. When comparing goat manure, active group (compact bed), it should be noted that K 3.132%, Na 0.266%, Ca 1.909% and Mg 0.993% are lower values compared to the material with values of K 3.397%, Na 0.284%, Ca 1.813% and Mg 0.990% which are higher. This is undoubtedly due to the presence of nutrients in the deposit that support the biomethane production process. The active group (compact bed) material A shows a dynamic increase in biomethane production with lower nutrient values. However, material B, having a higher percentage of ingredients, shows stabilization of biomethane production after the sixth month of the process. Technological trends and future prospects for the biomethane sector were initiated.

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Pelletized Straw for Biogas Production—Substrate Characterization and Methane Formation Potential

Gievers,

Walz,

Loewe

et al. 2024

Processes

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The use of agricultural residues in biogas plants is becoming increasingly important, as they represent an efficient and sustainable substrate alternative. Pelletizing straw can have positive effects on transportation, handling, and biogas production. In this study, different grain straw pellets from mobile and stationary pelleting plants in Germany as well as the corresponding untreated straw were characterized and investigated for their suitability for anaerobic digestion (AD). Therefore, tests on the biochemical methane potential (BMP) and the chemical–physical characterization of unpelletized straw and straw pellets were carried out. The characterization of the pellets and the straw revealed a high average total solid content of 91.8% for the industrially produced straw pellets and of 90.8% for the straw. The particle size distribution within the tested pellet samples varied greatly depending on the pelleting process and the pre-treatment of the straw. In addition, a high C/N ratio of 91:1 on average was determined for the straw pellets, whereas the average higher heating value (HHV) content of the pellets was 17.58 MJ kg−1. In the BMP tests, the methane production yields ranged from 260–319 normal liter (NL) CH4 kg−1 volatile solids (VS) for the straw pellets and between 262 and 289 NL CH4 kg−1 VS for the unpelletized straw. Overall, pelleting increases the methane yield on average from 274 to 286 NL CH4 kg−1 VS, which corresponds to an increase in methane yield of 4.3%. Based on the results, the feasibility of using straw pellets for AD could be confirmed, which can facilitate the possibility of increased biogas production from agricultural residues such as straw pellets and thus make the substrate supply more sustainable.

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Categorisation of Biogas Plant Operators in Germany with Regards to Their Intention to Use Straw Pellets as Innovative and Sustainable Substrate Alternative

Cited by 3 publications

References 86 publications

Economic and Energy Efficiency Analysis of the Biogas Plant Digestate Management Methods

Economic and Energy Efficiency Analysis of the Biogas Plant Digestate Management Methods

Goat Manure Potential as a Substrate for Biomethane Production—An Experiment for Photofermentation

Pelletized Straw for Biogas Production—Substrate Characterization and Methane Formation Potential

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