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Geospatial Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment of a Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach to the Biogas Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Robert Bedoić

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ul. Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Goran Smoljanić

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ul. Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Tomislav Pukšec

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ul. Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Lidija Čuček

    (Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia)

  • Davor Ljubas

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ul. Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

  • Neven Duić

    (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, Ul. Ivana Lučića 5, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia)

Abstract

Crop-based biogas energy production, in combination with electricity generation under subsidy schemes, is no longer considered a favourable business model for biogas plants. Switching to low-cost or gate fee feedstocks and utilising biogas via alternative pathways could contribute to making existing plants fit for future operations and could open up new space for further expansion of the biogas sector. The aim of this study was to combine a holistic and interdisciplinary approach for both the biogas production side and the utilisation side to evaluate the impact of integrating the biogas sector with waste management systems and energy systems operating with a high share of renewable energy sources. The geospatial availability of residue materials from agriculture, industry and municipalities was assessed using QGIS software for the case of Northern Croatia with the goal of replacing maize silage in the operation of existing biogas plants. Furthermore, the analysis included positioning new biogas plants, which would produce renewable gas. The overall approach was evaluated through life cycle assessment using SimaPro software to quantify the environmental benefits and identify the bottlenecks of the implemented actions. The results showed that the given feedstocks could replace 212 GWh of biogas from maize silage in the relevant region and create an additional 191 GWh of biomethane in new plants. The LCA revealed that the proposed measures would contribute to the decarbonisation of natural gas by creating environmental benefits that are 36 times greater compared to a business-as-usual concept. The presented approach could be of interest to stakeholders in the biogas sector anywhere in the world to encourage further integration of biogas technologies into energy and environmental transitions.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Bedoić & Goran Smoljanić & Tomislav Pukšec & Lidija Čuček & Davor Ljubas & Neven Duić, 2021. "Geospatial Analysis and Environmental Impact Assessment of a Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach to the Biogas Sector," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:17:p:5374-:d:624811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alessandro A. Carmona-Martínez & Carmen Bartolomé & Clara A. Jarauta-Córdoba, 2023. "The Role of Biogas and Biomethane as Renewable Gases in the Decarbonization Pathway to Zero Emissions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-3, August.
    2. Mislav Kontek & Luka Brezinščak & Vanja Jurišić & Ivan Brandić & Alan Antonović & Božidar Matin & Karlo Špelić & Tajana Krička & Ana Matin, 2023. "Mitigating the Energy Crisis: Utilization of Seed Production Wastes for Energy Production in Continental Croatia," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-11, January.

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