Economic performance of biogas plants using giant reed silage biomass feedstock

Abstract

With regard to energy crops for the production of raw materials to biomass for biogas plants, has developed a study to determine the optimal minimum size of a biogas plant powered by giant reed (Arundo donax L.) and utilizing livestock waste. In particular, all costs items relating to biomass supply, plant installation and transport costs were analyzed, by changing progressively two main variables: the electrical power capacity and the feedstock utilized (in the range from 100 to 999. kW) and the feedstock utilized, by substituting livestock waste with giant reed silage so as to determine the more economically advantageous option for the entrepreneur in proportion to power capacity generated. Furthermore, we calculated the revenues from the sale of electricity, according to the new incentive policies. The study results showed that, depending on current market conditions, the plants are more favorable results than size equal to 400 and 450. kW. In according to the current economic policies, the best results in terms of economic performance have occurred in plants of 300. kW. The study has highlighted how small-size plants can represent a possible strategy to improve the enterprise and territorial competitiveness.