Biogas ever closer to large-scale use
Researchers at Luleå University of Technology have found new methods to further optimize the production of biogas that can be used both for electricity generation and vehicle fuel.
From forestry waste methane can be produced through anaerobic digestion. New research has shown that large quantities of methane can be produced especially when the birch used.
– By means of hydrothermal treatment combined with enzymes that decompose wood raw materials into simple sugars, we have developed a process that allows up to six, seven times higher levels of methane compared to untreated material says Ulrika Rova, a professor of Biochemical Process Engineering and head of the Division of Chemical Engineering
The application of this new biological process on an industrial scale will benefit the climate-friendly society, not only by increasing the amounts of biogas but also by creating new jobs in both production and operation of biogas plants.
Forest residues produced in large quantities every year and a forest-based economy plays a very important role in Sweden, and in particular our northern regions. The success of the biogas as renewable energy has already resulted in the operation of several commercial biogas plants around the world who use food waste, manure, or municipal wastewater as a feedstock for anaerobic digestion.
