Biogas from Organic Waste - A Case Study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study to investigate the potential for upgrade of a bio-waste treatment plant. The paper also discusses development potentials in order to optimize the plant for maximum energy and environmental benefits. Data gathered over two consecutive years about the production of biogas, energy and bio-rest were considered and mass balance analysis of inputs and outputs of the plant were carried out. An estimate of the energy and environmental impact of the plant were carried out, and it was observed that the plant had significant environmental benefits. However, the study demonstrates, through material balance analysis of the plant's operation, that the amount of produced methane and hence, generated electricity can be further increased by optimising the operation of the plant.