GOING FULL CYCLE FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY: DIGESTION ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

Northern California Utility
Northern California

Anaerobic digestion is one of the tools private and public entities are considering to use or
already using to manage and obtain renewable energy with various feedstocks. Performance
potential of anaerobic digestion is dependent on the design and operation, however there are
ways to improve and make anaerobic technologies work for our benefit. This paper covers the
methodologies and technologies available in US and Europe, and focus on a California Utility’s
efforts as an example of a multi-pronged approach to renewable energy recovery. Additives that
have undergone a relatively thorough scientific evaluation as documented in peer-reviewed
publications and research reports were then shortlisted to ascertain the technical and economic
feasibility assessment at two host sites representing a municipal sewage sludge digestion facility
and a dairy manure digestion facility. DSM/Biopract products that consist of enzymes and
macro- and micro-nutrients were selected for this feasibility assessment. The feasibility
assessment results showed potential for enhanced biogas production by using additives
depending on the digester feed. Where it is possible to add other feedstocks such as food waste,
green waste or high-energy crops to further enhance biogas production, a greater benefit and
larger energy recovery potential could be realized from additive use.

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Posted: May 20th, 2011 | Filed under: 100K-500K, 500K-1M, Waste Water Treatment, Water Treatment | Tags: Bio-Energy, Cost Savings, Energy Management, Energy Savings, Enhanced Biogas Production, Environmental Impact, Green Infrastructure, Plant Sustainability, Reduced Carbon Footprint, Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Renewable Energy | No Comments »

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