Track: Sustainability and Green Systems

Abstract

The potential to economically run a biogas plant for the generation of fuel for use by the local buses was investigated. Various organic waste with varying total solids (TS) and organic loading were investigated for bio methane generated under mesophilic conditions. The first plant had a capacity of 10 tons per day and TS loading of 11% and 15%. Assuming 20 years of operation, after investing R 10 848 338, a breakeven point of 9.9 years with an internal rate of return of 8.3% was achieved for TS loading of 15% with 85% base. Whereas, when a 50 tons per day plant was investigated for a TS loading of 11% and 15%, a breakeven point of 6.4 years was achieved with an internal rate of return of 14.3% at an organic base of 85%. From the assessment, it is economical to set up a 50 tons per day plant and the biogas produced has potential to power more than 10 local buses. This can be further increased if the organic loading in the bio digester is increased to 25% TS content.