Proceedings

ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPAL WASTES – A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

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.

Please fill in your details to download the proceedings



For more information about how Aqua Enviro
can help you, contact us...

Aqua Enviro Ltd

T: 0113 8730728

E: enquiries@aquaenviro.co.uk


c/o Tidal Accounting, HQ Offices, Radley House, Richardshaw Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 6LE

  • By submitting this form, you agree that we may use the data you provide to contact you with information related to your request/submission and other relevant Aqua Enviro services. You can unsubscribe from Aqua Enviro marketing emails at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email. To learn more, see our Privacy Policy