AWMS METHANE UTILIZATION PROJECT AT THE PIK "BEČEJ"
§ Path: Serbia / Becej / Sector: Methane recovery
§ CURRENT STATUS: PDD in preparation.
The purpose of the project is to capture and process biogas from three farms, owned by one of the biggest pig, diary cattle, food and agricultural crops producer in Serbia. This company owns several farms with the average annual manure generation up to 500.000 m3 liquid and 35.000 t solid, as well as a huge amount of biomass residues from agricultural land with the area of 14.500 ha.
The expected result from this project activity will be a significant reduction in the volume of methane (CH4) emissions compared to those emissions that would otherwise occur in the scenario with traditional manure treatment system consisting of anaerobic lagoons. Due to the anaerobic processes that take place inside the anaerobic lagoons, direct release of CH4, N2O and CO2 into the atmosphere occurs. In order to avoid emissions of the mentioned GHG gases, it is planned to apply the anaerobic digester technology on site.
This scenario would be applied on the farms “Zalivno polje”, “Kis-Imre” and “Novo Selo” specialized in the production of dairy cattle (1.500 per year) and pigs (around 100.000).
The farm “Novo Selo”, the largest of those farms, has a daily inventory of app. 69.000 pigs. The manure generated on this farm, represent a significant source of biogas, which may be used within a CHP to cover energy demands of the farm. On the basis of available manure amounts, installed capacity of the CHP may be estimated at 1MWel, producing 8000 GWh of electricity per year.
According to existing development plans, the most preferable location for introduction of digester is the farm "Zalivno polje" with a daily inventory of app. 25.000 pigs. Generated amount of manure would be mixed in the digester with biomass residues from Vegetable Processing Industry "Flora" and from adjacent agricultural land. Total amount of biomass to be fermented is estimated at 20.000 t/year, which is sufficient for production of around 2000 m3/day of biogas. If used in CHP unit, this amount of biogas would be able to cover total energy demand of the farm.
The total amount of agricultural residue from 14.500 ha also represents significant potential for GHG emission reduction. One of the possibilities for utilization of the agricultural residues is through fuel switch for barn heating or seed drying purposes but the project idea is still to be developed.
Applied methodology
AMS III.D – "Methane recovery in agricultural and agro industrial activities"
AMS I.C. – "Thermal energy for the user"
AMS I.D. – "Grid connected renewable electricity generation"
AMS I.C. – "Thermal energy for the user"
AMS I.D. – "Grid connected renewable electricity generation"
GHG offset
It is estimated that the project has a capacity to avoid emissions 600.000 tCO2eq for the period 2008-2018 only from flaring of generated biogas, while the construction of CHP at the farm “Novo Selo” would provide additional reduction of 70.000 tCO2eq for the same period
Sustainability
The following non-GHG related social and environmental benefits have been identified as a result of the project:
- Decrease of the consumption of fossil fuel and electricity from the grid;
- Protection of the recipient water quality;
- Ground water protection;
- Elimination of unpleasant odour;
Improvement of manure management practice in the area.
Current status
Specific technical information have been collected through questionnaires and site visits and the local site owner agrees on the project implementation.
Estimated investment cost
Approximately 3,7 M€ including CHP unit, transaction costs and operation and maintenance.
Estimated investment costs for digester with appurtenances is around 500.000€
Local Partners
Company “PIK Becej” – currently in the privatization process
Municipality of Becej