The biogas plant is a place where organic waste and plant residues are not simply left to rot, but instead are transformed into pure energy. Let us delve into how these plants actually function and why they are a gateway to a greener future.
The fundamental principles of biogas facilities
Biogas plants are sophisticated facilities that are based on the principle of fermentation. During the fermentation process of biomass, such as manure, biowaste, and energy crops, biogas is produced. This biogas primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide, with methane being the high-energy component.
The process of biogas production
How does the process of biogas production work exactly? In this section, we will delve deeper into the details and show you the steps that lead from substrate supply to energy generation.
Substrate supply and mixing
The initial step in a biogas plant involves the introduction of starting materials such as manure, biowaste, and energy crops. These substrates are collected in fermenters and mixed to create a homogenous mass. This mixture is essential in establishing the ideal environment for the microbial processes to occur.
Anaerobic fermentation
In the next step, anaerobic digestion takes place. Microorganisms break down the organic materials in the absence of oxygen. This process yields various fermentation products, including biogas. Biogas contains a high concentration of methane, which can be utilized as a renewable energy source.
Biogas purification
The produced biogas is cleaned to remove impurities such as hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently, the biogas can be further processed to obtain biomethane. Biomethane is a high-quality fuel that can be injected into the natural gas grid and/or used as a fuel.
Power generation
Biomethane can be burned in combined heat and power (CHP) plants to generate electricity and heat. Alternatively, the generated energy can be fed into the power grid to provide green renewable electricity or used on-site for heat generation.
Utilization of fermentation residues
After the fermentation process, there are fermentation residues left which can be utilized as valuable fertilizer in agriculture. These residues are abundant in nutrients and contribute to the sustainable improvement of the soil.
The significance of biogas plants in Germany
Biogas production is a crucial component of the German energy mix under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). It not only allows for the generation of green electricity and heat, but also facilitates the efficient utilization of organic waste and agricultural residues.
The injection of biomethane into the natural gas grid contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promotes the utilization of renewable energy sources in the transportation sector. This helps to decrease the dependency on fossil fuels and advance the energy transition.
PowerUp and energy production with biogas
At PowerUp, we specialize in the maintenance and optimization of gas engines used in biogas plants for combustion and energy generation. Although we are not engine manufacturers, we offer manufacturer-independent services, as well as retrofit and components for optimizing the performance of gas engines from Jenbacher® and MWM®.
We also provide comprehensive gas engine overhauls and rental equipment services.
If that sounds interesting to you, please feel free to contact us.
