Esteves S.1*, Monson K.2 , Guwy A.1 and Dinsdale R.1
1Sustainable Environment Research Centre (SERC), Faculty of Health, Sports and Science,
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, Wales, UK, CF37 1DL
2BWT(NI), Newtonwards, County Down, NI, BT22 2AP
(free)This paper reviews the past and current status and trends on the deployment of anaerobic digestion (AD) for treating biodegradable municipal solid wastes across Europe. Several life cycle analysis have compared AD with in-vessel composting and identified the former as the most environmentally sustainable biowastes treatment option as it is an energy positive process. There are currently 168 industrial scale plants digesting either solely biodegradable municipal wastes or with other feedstocks. The capacity in Europe of these plants totals 6 million tonnes per year. Experiences and performances in 17 of these plants are reviewed. Biogas conversion to either renewable electricity/heat or upgraded for use as a transport fuel is evaluated. Source separation of biodegradable municipal wastes has been successful is some European countries. AD facilities treating these wastes produce 60-90% net electricity and heat, while most of the biogas is used within mechanical biological treatment plants and only a few plants export some electricity. The adoption of various anaerobic digester types and configurations and their effective integration with other technologies is analysed. Important lessons learned over 15 years from full-scale anaerobic digesters operating throughout Europe related to planning, design, commissioning and operation are outlined. AD technology is increasingly being used to divert biodegradable municipal wastes from landfill and produce carbon neutral renewable energy. The economics of AD projects will become more favourable as energy costs increase and targets on reduction of CO2 emissions also increase. The AD of source and centrally separated biodegradable municipal wastes is a reliable, proven and an economic waste treatment technique as can be evidenced by the many successfully operating plants around Europe.
KEY WORDS Anaerobic digestion trends, biodegradable municipal waste, landfill diversion, digestate, biogas, operational lessons.
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