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http://purl.umn.edu/44116
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| Title: | Review of the Literature on the Economics of Central Anaerobic Digesters |
| Authors: | Bachewe, Fantu
Lazarus, William F.
Goodrich, Philip
Drewitz, Matt
Balk, Becky |
| Authors (Email): | Bachewe, Fantu (bach0140@umn.edu)
Lazarus, William (wlazarus@umn.edu) |
| Issue Date: | 2008-10 |
| Series/Report no.: | Staff Paper
P08-09 |
| Abstract: | Minnesota can improve the utilization of manure and organic wastes via the production of biogas
that can be used to produce heat and electricity. Denmark serves as a role model for Minnesota in
the number of central anaerobic digesters that it supports. During anaerobic digestion methane is
produced when naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria decompose organic matter in the absence
of oxygen. This process produces what is called biogas, which usually is a mixture of 55 – 65
percent methane plus carbon dioxide with trace gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Co-generation
using manure and other feedstocks can produce more energy than manure alone. Central
digesters are more likely to process wastes from food processing plants and other sources
resulting in the need for more specialized unloading facilities and larger storage spaces.
Digesters can be owned by farmers or consumers cooperatives, third party/non-farming
investor(s), state or municipal government, or established as a cooperative or limited liability
corporation. Problems associated with centralized digester operation include capital constraints,
low profitability, lower-than-expected waste availability, electricity connection and pricing, and
waste disposal constraints. |
| URI: | http://purl.umn.edu/44116 |
| Institution/Association: | University of Minnesota>Department of Applied Economics>Staff Papers |
| Total Pages: | 51 |
| Collections: | Staff Papers
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Files in This Item:
| File |
Description |
Size | Format |
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| p08-09.pdf | | 418Kb | PDF | View/Open |
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