Theoretical assesment of raw materials for sustainable biogas production

Abstract

Rapid industrialization together with issues over the depletion of traditional fuel supplies and environmental concerns have prompted researchers to look into developing an environmentally safe, renewable, costeffective, and long-term alternative energy source. Agriculture biomass is recognized as a potentially viable solution for utilization in the energy sector for achieving the sustainable and long-term transformation into energy and/or fuels. This type of biomass is generated in large amounts across the world, which may be converted to biofuels using a variety of methods. However, concerns related to the competing agricultural biomass applications need to be thoroughly examined taking into account both the short- and long-term actuality, and its impact on the soil by conversion to biofuels. According to common practice agricultural biomass is dominantly used for biogas production due to its availability and simplicity of handling. Based on all mentioned the assessment of the most applicable raw materials for biogas production is essential for achieving the sustainability criteria and promoting using biomass for energy production. In this paper, a theoretical approach was applied for experimentally obtained results of proximate and ultimate analysis of different biomass materials as a possible feedstock for biomass production. Based on data of proximate and ultimate analysis the theoretical biomechanical methane potential (TBMP) for considered samples was calculated. According to obtained results, agricultural biomass shows validity of use for biogas production considering the fulfillment of the raw material minimum quantity.