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

Scientific paper - Original scientific paper

• Author: Robert Bedoić
• Author: Goran Smoljanić
• Author: Tomislav Pukšec
• Author: Lidija Čuček
• Author: Davor Ljubas
• Author: Neven Duić
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture; (Department of Energy, Power and Environmental Engineering); (Power Engineering and Energy Management Chair)
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: TECHNICAL SCIENCES; Mechanical Engineering; Process Energy Engineering

Abstract (english)

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.

• Keywords (english): biogas; feedstocks; energy potential; GIS; future energy systems; LCA
• Language: english
• Publication type: Scientific paper - Original scientific paper
• Publication status: Published
• Peer review: Peer review - international
• Publication version: Published version
• Journal title: Energies
• Numbering: vol. 14, 5374
• p-ISSN: 1996-1073
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en14175374
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:235:144229
• Publication: 2021
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2024-06-04 08:33:46