Programme of Work

Index

1. Objectives

2. Rationale

3. Work programme

3.1 Information and Education

3.2 Workshops and Seminars

3.3 Biogas from Crops

3.4 Basics of Digestion of Specific (Problematic) Wastes

1. Objectives

The general objectives of Task 37 are:

Exchange and disseminate information on biogas production and energy
utilization

Promote deployment of AD plants

Stimulate interaction between R, R&D programs, industry and decision
makers

Assist participating and non-participating countries in adopting appropriate
waste management practices to improve environmental standards

Interact and collaborate with appropriate international organisations

Index

2. Rationale

Thanks to the work of the IEA Tasks on AD among other national and international networks, the anaerobic digestion has made its way to become one of the standard technologies in the treatment of organic waste, at least in Europe. A total of 115 plants have been identified with a treatment capacity of 1.5 Mio. TPY of organic solid waste. During the last 5 years capacity was increased in average by 50'000 TPY.

When it comes to industrial waste water treatment, AD has achieved a break through world wide. Over 1000 high rate digesters have been built world wide.
AD offers the possibility to invest in a sustainable technology while reducing the organic fraction in landfilling. Which has become compulsory by European law.

However, there is a long way to go: The technology has to be introduced in the USA and Canada, the Country with the highest waste production per capita. AD could also offer a viable technology for developing countries which increasingly suffer from uncontrolled dumping.

Index

3. Work programme

The work programme has been developed on the basis of three actions:

1. Information collation on the actual interests and on-going programmes in the
actual member states and in potential member states (pull effect)

2. Actual trends in design and development of new plants (P&D-installations) and equipment (push effect).

3. Assist participating and non-participating countries in adopting appropriate.

In the following we will highlight a few topics to be treated during the next task. However, the final choice of projects and the detailed POW (priorities) will be set during the first Task meeting by the participating members.

Index

3.1 Information and Education

Demonstration of new developments and lessons learned (Success Stories).
The best method to improve deployment of the AD technology is to convince decision makers with the description of outstanding projects.

Propagation of biogas as a fuel for vehicles and follow-up of new gas upgrading processes.
The political development in most parts of the world tends towards substitution of fossil fuels for reasons of economy and security of supply. The rise in oil prices and the shortening of gas delivery has clearly enhanced the interest in renewable fuels. This move has to be supported through information and communication.

Plant user’s network.
The Task has recognized that plant operators are faced with the same technical and biological problems all over the world. Because there is no international exchange of information on the level of application, plant users often feel alone. The Task intends to establish a network among plant users and provide consultation and training.

Collaboration with industry and public international programmes
A close collaboration between R&D and industry is the only guarantee that the utilization of biogas will be successfully continued. The web-based “Industry Forum” will be intensified. Task members will have to provide information on behalf of industry.

Steady information of our activities through the internet and by News Flashes

Continuous education and information for decision makers.
During the current triennium the Task has decided to create an educational tool (power point presentation with description), which can be used by everybody involved in teaching on either farm or engineering level. Out of this information pool a special set of information for decision makers should be established. Unfortunately, ExCo did not allow to use the strategic money. However the project will be started during the next term.

International collaboration.
The collaboration with international networks and projects will be maintained and extended (e.g. Cropgen, BiogasMax, Biofuel Cities, etc.)

Index

3.2 Workshops and seminars

Workshops.
Workshops and meetings with operators, industry and decision makers will be organized alongside the Task meetings

Research Exchange Seminar.
The first Seminar organized by the Task together with Cropgen has shown that the exchange of ideas between the different research fields is extremely important and urgent. At least one seminar will be organized by the Task. A close collaboration with national programs (FNR, Haus der Zukunft, EnergieSchweiz, TEKES, etc.) is planned.

Index

3.3 Biogas from Crops

Digestion of crops.
Actually, all over the world experiments and field tests are done on the growth and digestion of crops. The data reflect a wide variety. The international expertise of Task 37 should be used to collect and compare the different results and give explanations and interpretations of the differences. The topic includes growth yields, harvesting, storage, gas yields, technology, digestate use, economy, and environmental impacts. Interactions with Tasks 29 and 38 are planned.

Index

3.4 Basics of Digestion of Specific (Problematic) Wastes

Digestion of specific wastes.
Often, particular wastes like kitchen and restaurant waste, protein rich industrial waste, etc. are very difficult to digest. Experience has been gained but very little is published. Data will be collated and published to demonstrate limits, bottlenecks, failures, and successfully operated plants.

Utilization of the digestate.
Possibilities of hygienisation: In most countries animal by-products have to be sanitized before further utilization (e.g. EC 1774/2002). Information should be specified how far AD can be accounted as part of the hygienisation process. This includes characterization of raw materials and disinfections of transport vehicles.

Digestate as fertilizer.
Data on benefits of digestate as a fertilizer should be presented in an easily readable form understandable for non professional or academic persons. This includes technologies for storage and application of digestate. Quality assurance and labelling are important aspects we want to deal with.

Follow-up of biogas upgrading.
Fuel production from biogas has gained a large interest in all member countries. Experience in upgrading should be demonstrated and new (cheaper) technologies documented. Special focus will be brought to methane slip.