Case Study: Testing novel feedstocks for a Biogas Plant feasibility study.
Client Profile:
A global dairy products manufacturer, was seeking to reduce energy costs by exploring the potential of using process waste to generate biogas. In collaboration with a leading biogas plant developer, they engaged ALPS Ecoscience to provide independent advice and conduct a feasibility study.
Business Context:
Biogas production is not the clients primary business, but they aim to control energy overheads through sustainable practices. ALPS understands their need to ensure consistent, stable biogas output for operational continuity. The process waste, a novel feedstock with significant energy potential, poses biological instability challenges, prompting the client and their potential construction partner to seek expert advice on feedstock potential and optimal process design.
Testing Approach
ALPS conducted a biogas production feasibility study focused on the energy potential of the process wastes, including pilot scale production demonstration in mini digesters equipped with gas sensors. The study involved feedstock characterisation, mass balance analysis, laboratory testing, and pilot scale study to identify optimal processes. Upon completion of the feasibility study, ALPS delivered a high-level report highlighting opportunities for optimising the organic waste recovery process, ensuring process stability, and informing the design of a biogas plant. This enabled a forecasting model for the investment appraisal.
Feasibility Study Outcomes
ALPS delivered a feasibility study including feedstock characterisation, process optimisation, pilot scale biogas production demonstration. The resultant recommendations helped model the feasibility of implementing a biogas plant at the manufacturing facility and forecast reduction in energy costs through biogas production. The client was able to mitigate their investment risk by engaging a partner with expertise in biological systems to support strategic decisions.
More information:
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