Eco-Energetic – Biogas. Research, Technologies, Law and
Transkrypt
Eco-Energetic – Biogas. Research, Technologies, Law and
ECO-ENERGETIC – BIOGAS RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGIES, LAW AND ECONOMICS IN BALTIC SEA REGION BALTIC BIOGAS FORUM th th 17 -18 September 2012 Organizers Baltic EcoEnergy Cluster The Szewalski Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences University of Warmia-Mazury Koszalin University of Technology Gdansk University of Technology POMCERT Gdansk School of Higher Education IMPLASER Programme Committee Prof. Janusz Gołaszewski – Chairman, University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland Dr. Jan Cebula, Technical Univesity of Silesia, Poland Assoc. Prof. Adam Cenian, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk, Poland Prof. Jan Hupka, Technical University Gdańsk, Poland Prof. Michał Jasiulewicz, Technical University of Koszalin, Poland Prof. Jan Kiciński, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk, Poland Prof. Jan Popczyk, Technical University of Silesia, Poland Prof. Józef Szlachta, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland Dr. Andrzej Tonderski, POMCERT Gdansk, Poland Prof. Irena Wojnowska-Baryła, University of Warmia and Mazury, Poland Dr. Tadeusz Zimiński, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk, Poland Organizing Committee Prof. Adam Cenian – Chairman Izabela Knitter – Secretary Tadeusz Zimiński The Szewalski Institute of Fluid Flow Machinery, Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk, Poland ECO-ENERGETIC – BIOGAS RESEARCH, TECHNOLOGIES, LAW AND ECONOMICS IN BALTIC SEA REGION EDITORS ADAM CENIAN JANUSZ GOŁASZEWSKI TADEUSZ NOCH Gdańsk 2012 Issue of publishing: Eco-Energetics Ekoenergetyka – zagadnienia technologii, ochrony środowiska i ekonomiki (in Polish), wyd. 2010 Ekoenergetyka – biogaz i syngaz. Technologie, strategie rozwoju, prawo i ekonomika w regionie Morza Bałtyckiego (in Polish), wyd. 2011 Eco-Energetics – Biogas and Syngas. Technologies, Legal Framework, Policy and Economics in Baltic See Region (in English), wyd. 2011 REVIEWERS dr inż. Jan Cebula dr hab. inż. Adam Cenian prof. dr hab. inż. Janusz Gołaszewski prof. dr hab. inż. Jan Kiciński prof. dr hab. inż. Jan Popczyk prof. dr hab. Józef Szlachta dr inż. Tadeusz Zimiński Ekoenergetyka – biogaz. Wyniki badań, technologie, prawo i ekonomika w rejonie Morza Bałtyckiego, (in Polish), wyd. 2012, ISBN 978-83-89762-41-2 The Publisher does not take responsibility for individual contents of papers Technical editor and cover’s project Tomasz Mikołajczewski It takes photo on the cover from photo site Stock.XCHNG (www.sxc.hu) Wydanie pierwsze, objętość 8,2 ark. wyd., Gdańsk 2012 Printing house Mazowieckie Centrum Poligrafii, Marki, Piłsudskiego 2A, tel. +48 22 497 66 55, www.c-p.com.pl Copyright by Wydawnictwo Gdańskiej Szkoły Wyższej, Gdańsk 2012 PUBLISHER Wydawnictwo Gdańskiej Szkoły Wyższej (do 2011 r. pn. Wydawnictwo Gdańskiej Wyższej Szkoły Administracji) Poland, 80-656 Gdańsk, ul. Wydmy 3 tel. +48 58 305 08 12, faks +48 58 305 08 89 ext.40 Mail order: [email protected] www.gsw.gda.pl/wydawnictwo ISBN 978-83-89762-42-9 Content Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Methane fermentation and co-fermentation processes .................................................................... 9 Biogas productivity during multicomponent co-fermentation Katarzyna Bernat, Irena Wojnowska-Baryła............................................................................................... 10 The use of Anaerobic Digestion Model no. 1 (ADM1) for estimating of methane production in agricultural biogas plant Ireneusz Białobrzewski, Ewa Klimiuk, Marek Markowski, Katarzyna Bułkowska......................................... 16 Model agricultural biogas plant at the didactic and research station in Bałdy Mirosław Krzemieniewski, Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński .................................................................... 26 Biogas production in fermentation and co-fermentation processes Irena Wojnowska-Baryła, Katarzyna Bernat............................................................................................... 33 Biogas technologies and installations ................................................................................................. 41 Two stages bioreactor for biogas production Andrzej Grzegorz Chmielewski, Janusz Usidus, Jacek Palige, Otton Roubinek, Michał Zalewski ............... 43 Biogas upgrading using supported liquid membranes based on ionic liquids Iwona Cichowska-Kopczyńska, Monika Joskowska, Bartosz Dębski, Robert Aranowski............................. 50 Catalytic materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells fuelled by biogas Konrad Dunst, Maria Gazda, Bogusław Kusz, Piotr Jasiński ...................................................................... 58 Innovative technological solutions in the Electra® bio-energy power plant Marek Kurtyka, Ola Łukaszek, Karol Bartkiewicz, Wojciech Łukaszek........................................................ 62 Environmental impacts of using renewable energy resources Tadeusz Noch........................................................................................................................................... 68 Concepts for biomethane production Michael Seiffert, Johan Grope, Stefan Rönsch .......................................................................................... 74 The perspectives of use of biogas as biofuel in transport sector in Poland Barbara Smerkowska ................................................................................................................................ 80 Pyrolysis and gasification of biogas digestate Dariusz Wiśniewski ................................................................................................................................... 87 A hybrid anaerobic reactor with a microwave heating system Marcin Zieliński, Marcin Dębowski............................................................................................................. 92 Substrates for methane fermentation and utilization of digestate ................................................ 98 Algal biomass as an alternative substrate for biogas technologies – potential benefits and limitations Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński........................................................................................................... 100 Biogas production from various silages Vilis Dubrovskis, Aleksandrs Adamovics, Vladimirs Kotelenecs, Imants Plume, Eduards Zabarovskis...... 107 Usability of Beta vulgaris L. as substrate for an on-farm biogas plant Anna Karwowska, Janusz Gołaszewski, Kamila Żelazna ......................................................................... 114 Digestion and co-digestion of distillery spent wash, cattle manure and maize silage Ewa Klimiuk, Tomasz Pokój, Katarzyna Bułkowska, Zygmunt Mariusz Gusiatin....................................... 120 Processing of digestate from agriculture biogas plant and use as fertilizer Aleksandra Urszula Kołodziej .................................................................................................................. 126 Production of Sida hermaphrodita Rusby-based Biomass as Co-substrate for Agricultural Biogas Plant Jacek Kwiatkowski, Łukasz Graban, Waldemar Lajszner, Józef Tworkowski............................................ 137 Anaerobic co-digestion of white cabbage and sewage sludge Justyna Łuczak, Piotr Dargacz, Robert Aranowski................................................................................... 147 Preserving of Virginia Fanpetals (Sida Hermaphrodita) Biomass Produced in Various Terms of Harvesting Cycle Cezary Purwin, Barbara Pysera, Maja Fijałkowska, Iwona Wyżlic ............................................................ 157 Virginia Fanpetal-based Digestion Residue used for Virginia Fanpetal Fertilization Purposes Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Sławomir Krzebietke, Piotr Żarczyński ................................................................. 164 The potential and strategies for the biogas market development............................................... 173 The potential for biogass plants development – Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship as case study Michał Jasiulewicz, Dorota Agnieszka Janiszewska................................................................................. 174 RZĘDÓW research and investment programme as a model of cooperation between business, the scientific community, local government and the inhabitants Marek Kurtyka, Ola Łukaszek, Karol Bartkiewicz, Wojciech Łukaszek...................................................... 176 Introduction Eco-energetics is related to sustainable generation of electric and heat energy. Only such production can be called sustainable when we consider the interaction with environment and welfare of future generation. Even use of renewable energy sources is not always sustainable, e.g. our mixed feelings raises centralized energetics based on biomass resources, which leads to decrease of combustion efficiency, problems with logistics, biomass market degeneration, etc. Large objects on energy market purchasing large quantities of biomass, change and degenerate its market, inhibiting development of local, distributed energetics, which according to our knowledge is the most effective renewable energy system that stimulates local economy and increases energy security. So, when considering sustainable energetics, we should take into account resource (substrate) and energy efficiency, biodiversity (e.g. in biomass production), influences on climate and environment (pollutions), social and economic aspects (food security, heritages and prosperity of local communities, market and energy security). One option of the eco-energetics is related to biogas production, which is supported by Governmental Program “Innovative Energy – Energy Agriculture”. Plantation and utilization of energy plants may stabilize agricultural production and bring considerable income, especially when standard agricultural production is unstable and prices are low. Green energetics can stimulate Pomeranian economy, especially in rural areas. The goal of the Baltic Biogas Forum is to highlight the importance of energy safety in Baltic cross-border regions through raising awareness and the sustainable management of existing biomass and biogas sources (both agricultural biomass and municipal waste). Biogas utilization in co-generation and by using other technologies is another important issue. The Biogas Forum is organized by Baltic Eco-Energy Cluster and its members, including: The Marshall Office of Pomorskie Region, The Szewalski Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery Polish Academy of Sciences, Gdansk University of Technology and Gdansk School of Higher Education. The POMCERT and IMPLASER companies support these institutions in matters of organization, especially in relations to other industrial partners. Radio Gdańsk as well as the journals Czysta Energia have decided to take over the media patronage. The event is organized under the honorary patronage of the Marshal of Pomorskie Region. The sessions of the Baltic Biogas Forum: scientific as well as session of policy and capacity development are organized and supported by various national and international projects, including EU BSR „Bioenergy Promotion 2” and „Public Energy Alternatives”, both partly financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund and European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument), RPO WP 1.5.2 project „Support of creation and 7 development of cooperation relationships in the Key Cluster of Pomorskie Region – Baltic EcoEnergy Cluster” partly financed by European Regional Development Fund in frame of RPO WP during years 2007-2013, and the strategic program of scientific research and experimental development of the National (Polish) Centre for Research and Development: „Advances Technologies for Energy Generation”; Task 4. „Elaboration of Integrated Technologies for the Production of Fuels and Energy from Biomass as well as from Agricultural and other Waste Materials”. 8 BIOGAS PRODUCTIVITY DURING MULTICOMPONENT CO-FERMENTATION Katarzyna Bernat, Irena Wojnowska-Baryła University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Environmental Protection Biotechnology, 10-709 Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45 G Abstract: The conducted research allowed for determination of the multicomponent digestion course. It was proved that within the multicomponent system, the biogas production curve run in the stages related to substrates biodegradability. For threecomponent systems, at the increasing percentage share of the silage maize from 6% to 19% in relation to the distillery residue and the manure, the time of that stage I extended from 5.5 d for the lowest percentage share of silage maize up to 14 d for 19% of silage maize content. The maximal biogas production during 21-day of the anaerobic digestion (test GB21) of the mixture of manure, distillery residue and maize silage, regardless of the percentage share of the silage maize in the feedstock composition at the end of both stage I and stage II, maintained at the similar level at 130 dm3/kg OM and at 230 dm3/kg OM, respectively Introduction Agricultural biogas plants serve an effective disposal arrangement for residues originating from farmsteads i.e., slurry, manure as well as other food industry residues such as distillery residue (slop), molasse or glycerine phase. Crop biomass silage obtained from maize, beet, grasses may serve as the feedstock for digestion chambers. Mixed types of biomass used in biogas plants should be crushed and mixed well. Composition of the ultimate feedstock for digestion chambers should also be specified since it is the output criterion use for designing biogas facilities. Lignocellulosic substance such as silage and for instance a part of manure (straw) is composed of three components i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin that are slightly anaerobic digestion-prone. Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose is limited by crystallic structure of cellulose or lignin content (Chang, Holtzapple 2000). Decrease of the particles and an increase of the available surface are important in the case of the crystallic structure of cellulose that needs a longer phase of hydrolysis (Zhang, Lynd 2004). Too high percentage share of lignocellulosic matter in the mixed feedstock undergoing anaerobic 10 THE USE OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION MODEL NO. 1 (ADM1) FOR ESTIMATING OF METHANE PRODUCTION IN AGRICULTURAL BIOGAS PLANT 1 2 Ireneusz Białobrzewski , Ewa Klimiuk , 2 2 Marek Markowski , Katarzyna Bułkowska University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn 1 Department of Systems Engineering 2 Department of Biotechnology in Environmental Protection Abstract: The ADM1 model was used for estimation of methane production from substrates as maize (Zea mays L.) and Miscanthus sacchariflorus silages and pig manure as a co-substrate. The concentration of volatile solids in the feedstock was 114.3 kgCOD m-3 including cellulose 32.7 kgCOD m-3, hemicelluloses 26.2 kgCOD m-3 and lignin 10.2 kgCOD m-3. The anaerobic digestion was carried out at HRT = 45 d and OLR = 2.1 g L-1d-1 in a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). From obtained data it follows that for the assumed cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin hydrolysis rates, such as 0.2318, 0.1995, and 0.042 d-1 respectively, the methane production rate was comparable to the model one. 1. Introduction Mathematical modeling and computer simulation become recently a useful tool for designing and processes optimization of systems in environmental engineering. Simulation methods are an alternative to labour-consuming and costly preliminary tests carried out at pilot stations or under technical conditions. Data achieved through simulation can be used for planning full-scale wastewater treatment and waste disposal plants or as an input database for controlling operations performed by installations. In 1997, International Water Association (IWA) Task Group for Mathematical Modelling of Anaerobic Digestion Process presents the Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1). The model is structured with disintegration and hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis steps (Batstone et al., 2002). Initially, ADM1 model was used for estimated biogas production from sewage sludge in municipal wastewater treatment plants. The intensive development of biogas plants in the European Union caused interest in application of ADM1 model to simulate the biogas production from other substrates, including 16 MODEL AGRICULTURAL BIOGAS PLANT AT THE DIDACTIC AND RESEARCH STATION IN BAŁDY Mirosław Krzemieniewski, Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Department of Environmental Engineering, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Warszawska 117 a Abstract: This publication presents the Homestead Agricultural Biogas Plant (HAGP) at the Didactic and Research Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury located in Bałdy. The total area occupied by HAGP installations is 152 m2 (enclosed and secured). The Biogas Plant is functionally integrated with technological facilities of the Research Station in Bałdy, which are the recipient of heat produced in the biogas plant. Fermented liquid manure and energy plant silages are used to feed the biogas plant. Reactors are operated at a load of 2.0 kg DOM/m3·d. The hydraulic retention time is 40 days. Introduction Methane fermentation is a complex of anaerobic biochemical processes in which macromolecular organic substances (above all, carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and their derivatives) decompose to alcohols or lower organic acids and to methane, carbon dioxide and water [1]. Four successive stages are distinguished in the methane fermentation process. The first is enzymatic hydrolysis of complex organic substances with the participation of enzymes produced by hydrolytic bacteria. Then acid fermentation bacteria metabolize hydrolysis products to volatile fatty acids (mainly to the acetic, butyric and propionic acids), ethanol and gas products. The next stage of biowaste degradation is acetogenesis, during which a group of acetogenic bacteria decomposes volatile fatty acids, above all, propionic and butyric acids, to acetic acid, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The last stage is methanogenesis, during which the actual conversion of acetic acid into methane and carbon dioxide takes place [2, 3]. The final products of anaerobic processes are gases, mainly methane and carbon dioxide. Sediments form as solid conversion products. Sediments contain compounds hardly degradable or non-degradable by anaerobic bacteria and bacterial biomass. It is estimated that around 95% of biodegradable organic 26 BIOGAS PRODUCTION IN FERMENTATION AND CO-FERMENTATION PROCESSES Irena Wojnowska-Baryła, Katarzyna Bernat University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Environmental Protection Biotechnology Department, 10-709 Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45 G Abstract: The paper shows that application of modular system allows to increase biogas production through co-digestion. Introduction The European Union Directive 2009/28/EC of 5 June 2009 makes Poland accountable for achievement of 15% of renewable energy sources (RES) in the final energy consumption by 2020. Biogas is one of the renewable energy sources that can be directly or indirectly used for production of electric and thermal energy or as transport fuel. Biogas is a product of anaerobic biochemical conversion. The potential of available feedstock for agricultural biogas production is estimated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to total 5 500 million m3, out of which 1 962 million m3 from dedicated crops and residues, 1 700 million m3 from grassland and pastureland and 1 540 million m3 from agricultural by-products. Among all the crops the best substrate for the biogas production is the biomass with high hydrocarbon content, inter alia, silage maize, cereal mix, cerealand-leguminous crop mix, fodder crops, including fodder grass, as well as grassland plants. In the agricultural biogas plants maize is the fundamental substrate. This is due to a high yield potential (photosynthesis type C4), and a good knowledge of the crop technology. After 20 days’ long digestion the biogas output form maize silage approximates to 530-750 m3/t OM. The food industry brings about 10 million Mg of organic waste (containing proteins, fats, and hydrocarbons) on the annual basis. The average food industry waste-derived biogas output ranges from 160 to 900 cm3/kg OM. The municipal biodegradable solid waste fraction, including kitchen waste and green cuts, that is selectively collected, becomes more and more significant as a substrate for codigestion. This is the composition, i.e. share of organic carbon and nitrogen content 33 TWO STAGES BIOREACTOR FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION 1,2 3 1 Andrzej Grzegorz Chmielewski , Janusz Usidus , Jacek Palige , 1 1 Otton Roubinek , Michał Zalewski 1 Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology, 03-195 Warsaw, 16 Dorodna Street 2 Warsaw University of Technology, Chemical and Process Engineering, 00-645 Warsaw, 1 Waryńskiego Street 3 Polish Electricians Association – Zamość, 22-400 Zamość, 6 Rynek Wielki Abstract: In small technical scale the parameters of agriculture substrates maize silage, manure and agriculture wastes fermentation in two stages bioreactor were determined. The contents of methane in biogas was in interval 58-69 %. The yield of gas was 0,35-0,45 m3/kg dry mass. The scheme of two stages cascade installation with 400 kW power was presented. Introduction The legal requirements and steady increase in energy demand means that there is a need to develop alternative energy (technologies such as nuclear power and biotechnology, which do not lead to an increase of CO2 emission) to existing energy sources based on the combustion of coal, oil and natural gas. Energy production using biogas obtained in anaerobic digestion of selected agricultural products as well as agricultural and food wastes, is extremely important due to the large Polish agricultural potential. At present in Poland are working about twenty large biogas plants with a capacity of approximately 1 MW each [1], and about a dozen biogas plants are under construction or design. The fundamentals of anaerobic digestion process for obtaining biogas are presented in an extensive world literature and in many review articles for example [2, 3, 4]. The process may be carried out depending on the availability of raw materials, the type of substrates, and other factors, usually in a one or two steps (separation of the hydrolysis process from the main fermentation) of a periodic or quasi-continuous and continuous feeding of substrates. Most of the biogas reactors operates like flow reactors with quasi-continuous supply of substrates. Regardless of the type of process, good mixing of the slurry in a fermentor (in order to provide the contact between microorganisms and the surface of the particles) should be provided. Mechanical agitators rotating inside the fermentors or pneumatic 43 BIOGAS UPGRADING USING SUPPORTED LIQUID MEMBRANES BASED ON IONIC LIQUIDS Iwona Cichowska-Kopczyńska, Monika Joskowska, Bartosz Dębski, Robert Aranowski Gdańsk University of Technology, Chemical Faculty Department of Chemical Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Narutowicza 11/12 Abstract: A novel approach to carbon dioxide separation from gas mixtures such as biogas is the application of ionic liquids immobilized on the porous polymeric or ceramic support. The negligible vapor pressure and tunable properties of ionic liquids make them excellent media replacing volatile, corrosive and toxic amines that are currently used in this technology. Application of supported liquid membranes in separation processes enables using small quantities of selectively acting absorbents. Influence of the ionic liquid structure (cation and anion), physicochemical properties (viscosity, surface tension) of ionic liquids and operating conditions (pressure and temperature) on efficiency of the removal of CO2 from biogas streams is discussed. Introduction Supported liquid membrane (SLM) is a two phase system of porous support and liquid phase held in the membrane pores by capillary forces [1]. Industrial applications of liquid membrane systems usually cover usage of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), chloroform, dichloromethane, tetrachloromethane, chlorobenzene and toluene. When using traditional organic solvents, several disadvantages can be observed such as secondary stream pollution or loss of membrane phase caused by vaporization or displacement of liquid from the pores due to transmembrane pressure [2]. Many efforts have been made to improve SLMs stability, one of the possible solutions to these problems is using low volatile membrane phase. Among the advantages of ionic liquids, negligible vapor pressure makes them very attractive in many industrial applications. Still, the high price of ionic liquids remains the limitation of their application in industrial scale. Thus, membrane processes allow avoiding this limitation. Ionic liquids can be embedded in pores of polymer supports where they are kept by capillary forces. Membrane technology provides the decrease of solvent consumption and in consequence costs of separation processes are lower [3-7]. 50 CATALYTIC MATERIALS FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS FUELLED BY BIOGAS 1 2 2 1,3 Konrad Dunst , Maria Gazda , Bogusław Kusz , Piotr Jasiński Politechnika Gdańska Wydział Elektroniki, Telekomunikacji i Informatyki, 2 Wydział Fizyki Technicznej i Matematyki Stosowanej 3 Contact: [email protected] 1 Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are one of the most promising energy conversion devices due their high efficiency, low pollution and fuel flexibility. Unfortunately, when hydrocarbons are used as a fuel, such as biogas, carbon is formed at the anode surface. This process leads to fuel cell performance degradation. Solution to this problem is application of additional catalytic materials, which would improve catalytic activity towards biogas reforming. In this work four catalytic materials are investigated toward biogas reforming: Cu1,3Mn1,7O4, Y0,08Sr0,92Ti0,8Fe0,2O3-δ, SrZr0,95Y0,05O3-α, CeCu2O4. Materials were infiltrated into the Hi/YSZ cermet. The catalytic activities of structures were tested in synthetic biogas (60% of methane and 40% of carbon dioxide) using FTIR spectroscopy. The best results were obtained for Cu1.3Mn1.7O4 spinel and doped strontium titanate Y0.08Sr0.92Ti0.8Fe0.2O3-δ. Fig. 1. Schematic view of measurement system. CH 4 konwersja = CO2 konwersja = xwe CH 4 − xwy CH 4 xwe CH 4 xwe CO2 − xwy CO2 xwe CO2 58 ⋅100% (1) ⋅ 100% (2) INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS IN THE ELECTRA® BIO-ENERGY POWER PLANT 1 2 2 Marek Kurtyka , Ola Łukaszek , Karol Bartkiewicz , Wojciech Łukaszek 1 2 2 Termo – Klima MK Katowice, Ekoenergia Kolonia Pozezdrze Abstract: The Electra® bio-energy power plant is one of the most advanced technological solutions in the field of biogas energy production. The technology has been invented and is being developed in Poland. The technology evolves to become increasingly modern and efficient. In addition to a number of previous innovations, such as pre-mixing of substrates prior to their introduction into the fermentation tank, using post-fermentation sludge as raw material for the production of granulated organic fertiliser substitute, and a mixing unit with slitted impeller blades the we are working to introduce two new solutions: the microniser and a tomography system for the monitoring, visualisation and optimisation of multiphase mixing. in the fermentation chamber. These devices and procedures increase process efficiency, improving the results of the entire bio-energy plant. The Electra® bio-energy power plant is a Polish solution for the production of electrical energy and granulated organic fertiliser substitute, fuelled by biogas produced from organic biomass primarily agricultural in origin. The technology is under constant revision in order to quickly include new technological solutions that have the potential to improve its performance. Electra® was the first bio-energy plant in Europe to use dried postfermentation sludge to produce granulated organic fertiliser substitute. Sulphur used in the process is obtained from two sources: desulfurisation of biogas (using BIOSULFEX, a method developed by a Polish company PROMIS Innovative Group), and concentrated retentate from a wastewater treatment microplant (which is a permanent element of bio-energy plants built in the Electra® technology) operating on the principle of reverse osmosis. The wastewater treatment microplant is designed to treat excess water from the sludge if acceptable nitrogen thresholds are exceeded in the fermentation chamber. The Electra® bio-energy plant is also the only technology where an innovative mixing unit with slitted impeller blades will be used in the design of the 62 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF USING RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES Tadeusz Noch Gdansk School of Higher Education e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: This article concerns using renewable energy resources. It contains an analysis of pollution emissions created by combustion of conventional and unconventional energy resources. It provides examples of cogeneration systems. In particular, it focuses on a system correlated with a gas turbine and a system correlated with a piston combustion engine. Attention is paid to the issue of applying innovative solutions in heating technology. 1. Introduction The demand for energy is a direct derivative of economic growth, and therefore the consumption of energy is bound to increase within the next dozen years or so [10]. Modern economies have to face the problem of fossil fuel depletion and increasingly higher prices of this resource. This creates a need for taking action to look for alternative, renewable energy resources so as to ensure energy security. The issue of renewable energy resources is dealt with in many provisions of the Polish law. The fundamental one is the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, and Article 74 thereof reads: “the public authorities shall ensure ecological security for the contemporary and future generations, and environmental protection is an obligation of public authorities who shall support the actions of citizens for preservation and improvement of the environment” [6]. 2. Energy from renewable resources Energy coming from renewable resources may take a directly usable form (wind energy, water energy, solar energy, geothermal energy) or a form which allows storing it (biomass, biofuels). The latter, if reasonably used, bring less pollution to the environment. [7]. Obtaining energy from renewable resources is one of the main solutions for reducing the current dependency on fossil fuels, and satisfies the constantly growing global demand for energy. The interest in 68 CONCEPTS FOR BIOMETHANE PRODUCTION Michael Seiffert, Johan Grope, Stefan Rönsch Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH Torgauer Straße 112, D-04347 Leipzig Abstract: The use of natural gas is within the European energy system of high importance. A wide range of activities concerning the substitution of natural gas with so called biomethane respectively synthetic natural gas are ongoing, because of settled objectives in the context of climate protection as well as supply diversification. Therefore, a number of concepts are available, like the production of biomethane from the bio-chemical conversion route (biogas) and the provision via thermo-chemical conversion of solid biomass, so called Bio-SHG. Technologies for the feed-in, the distribution as well as the utilisation of biomethane are mature and within commercial projects applied in many European countries. Methane and in this context biomethane has a high market potential as a well-known energy carrier (transport sector, stationary applications (heat and power)) and for material utilisation, too. Within the existing and well developed natural gas grid in Europe biomethane can easily be fed in and distributed to the final consumer in industry and households. Beside the above mentioned advantages the combustion properties of methane are already well known and characterised through relatively low emissions. 1. Basics of biomethane provision Because of numerous political decisions (e.g. EU for the implementation of the Kyoto-protocol, the EU wide CO2-control for passenger cars and light duty vehicles, the exhaust standards for passenger cars and duty vehicles) or the diversification of fuel supply – the energy carrier natural gas and therewith biomethane gained of importance, due to the aspects of climate protection and availability. Biomethane can be added to natural gas and allows therewith an increase of domestic resources as well as an improvement of confidence in terms of a secure gas provision. Besides numerous technical benefits, like for instance the possibility to store biomethane and to provide therewith demand oriented and flexible energy, contributes biomethane as a „green“ and environmental sound energy carrier to 74 THE PERSPECTIVES OF USE OF BIOGAS AS BIOFUEL IN TRANSPORT SECTOR IN POLAND Barbara Smerkowska Automotive Industry Institute Abstract: The paper presents some selected political, technical and practical aspects of biogas use as biofuel in transport sector in Poland. The presence of Poland in the structures of the European Union is linked to the commitments adopted at European level. These are environmental commitments, including mandatory targets regarding the share of renewable transport fuels of 10% by 2020 in every member state. Currently the member states fulfill these objectives by first generation biofuels: bioethanol and biodiesel (Fatty Acids Methyl Esters – FAME). At the same time it is estimated that biodiesel (7% in diesel fuel and small quantities of 100% biodiesel) and bioethanol (5% or 10% in petrol) are not enough to fill up the national indicative targets, the missing quantity is estimated at around 20%1. The expectations related to the use of first-generation biofuels have not been fulfilled, both in terms of economic and environmental issues. At the same time, technologically advanced biofuels are not yet available commercially and still require intensive research. Expert reports elaborated on behalf of the European Commission indicate natural gas and its renewable equivalent – biomethane (upgraded biogas), as bridge fuels between conventional fuels, first generation biofuels and the next generations2,3. Also the representatives of the European Commission DG MOVE (Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport) confirm this position4. Methane fuels are considered as important and complementary fuels on fuel market, 1 NGV Europe Association data. Report on Future Transport Fuels. European Expert Group on Future Transport Fuels. 2011. 3 Nijboer M. 2010. The Contribution of Natural Gas to Sustainable Transport. International Energy Agency. 4 Franz-Xaver Söldner, Deputy Head of Unit, EC DG Move, presentation „Alternative Fuels”, GasHighWay conference, Brussels, 1 March 2012 r. 2 80 PYROLYSIS AND GASIFICATION OF BIOGAS DIGESTATE Dariusz Wiśniewski University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Faculty of Technical Sciences Abstract: This is a presentation of the results of an experiment on using farmbased biogas digestate for energy generation. The study on possible energy generation from digestate focused on thermal methods, such as pyrolysis and gasification. The feedstock for the gasification and pyrolytic processes run in the experimental installation was digestate from an experimental farm-based biogas plant in Bałdy, which belongs to the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The Experimental Biogas Plant in Bałdy produces biogas from slurry and maize silage. A sample consisting of 30L of digestate with 90% water content was taken from the biogas plant in Bałdy. Hext, the sample was dehydrated in a series of stages until its moisture content fell down to about 10%. For this aim, it was first subjected to sedimentation, then separation through a sieve, heating and evaporation, and finally it was warmed in a chamber oven. Once dried and prepared, digestate underwent pyrolysis and gasification. During the pyrolytic tests, we analyzed calorific value of flammable gases in the volatile fraction as well as the solid fraction before and after the process of pyrolysis. The second part of the research involved gasification of digestate. Carbon dioxide was used as a gasification medium. Carbon dioxide gasification required supply of external energy for running the process and a temperature over 800oC. The aim of this experiment was to assess whether dried digestate could be used for energy generation via gasification. Preparation of digestate from a farm-based biogas plant The preparation of digestate went through several stages. During the first stage, sedimentation of digestate was tested. Figure 1 shows digestate collected directly from the biogas plant. The collected digestate was passed through a custom-designed sieve of small size mesh. The sediment obtained after sedimentation together with the solid fraction was then poured into a vessel. Afterwards, digestate was dehydrated by heating up. This way the solid fraction was separated and then dried in a chamber oven to the moisture content of about 10%. 87 A HYBRID ANAEROBIC REACTOR WITH A MICROWAVE HEATING SYSTEM Marcin Zieliński, Marcin Dębowski University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Department of Environmental Engineering, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Warszawska 117 a Abstract: Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum with a wavelength range from 1 mm to 1 m and the frequency range from 300 MHz to 300 GHz respectively. The interaction of microwave radiation with molecules does not cause alterations in their structure. It is accepted that as a result of microwave radiation, the vibration of dipolar molecules such as water primarily contributes to the temperature rise of the substance. This study presents a technological solution for an anaerobic reactor with the use of microwave electromagnetic radiation as a factor to control thermal conditions. Microwave heating is marked by high selectivity, therefore it is possible to introduce energy directly to the biofilm shaped on the trickling filter placed in the reactor. This will directly affect the activity of the biofilm and the course of biochemical changes. This study presents the possibility of applying electromagnetic microwave radiation to stimulate the temperature conditions in the process of anaerobic decomposition of organic substrates. It is assumed that microwave radiation will lead to positive effects on the final results, both in terms of the efficiency of organic matter degradation and the quantity and composition of the biogas produced in the process. Introduction Because of its numerous advantages, microwave radiation heating has found broad application in scientific research, industry as well as in everyday life. The most widely known use of microwave energy concerns the domestic cooker patented over 50 years ago (Spencer 1949). These appliances most often use microwaves with a frequency of 2450 MHz, whose source is a magnetron. Microwave heating is extensively applied in chemical analytics [Jin et al. 1999]. Microwave energy is used for sample decomposition into analysed components (combustion), extraction, drying of samples, moisture content measurements, adsorption and desorption analysis. Microwaves are also used in such fields of chemical analytics as microwave atomic plasma spectrometry [Pipus et al. 2000]. 92 ALGAL BIOMASS AS AN ALTERNATIVE SUBSTRATE FOR BIOGAS TECHNOLOGIES – POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND LIMITATIONS Marcin Dębowski, Marcin Zieliński University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Department of Environmental Engineering, 10-719 Olsztyn, ul. Warszawska 117 a Abstract: Algae have many advantages over typical, higher energy plants. They are characterized by faster biomass growth rates and because they can be harvested from natural water bodies, they do not compete with crops dedicated for food or feedstuff purposes. The research conducted to date regarding the use of this type of substrate in methane fermentation processes has been very promising. Microalgae were tested, among others, in research, including Macrocystis, Gracilaria, Hypnea, Ulva, Laminaria and Sargassum. Due to advances in phytoplankton production, harvesting and separation technology, this algal group is also now perceived as a substrate in biogas production processes. The use of this biomass source type is an innovative solution, which has to date been only theorised in scientific literature. Such reports have mainly concerned the use of blue-green algae originating from eutrophicated lakes in China or concern theoretical considerations, estimates and calculations for the potential of this type of technological solution. Introduction Development and wide-scale implementation of clean, effective and renewable energy acquisition technologies is currently becoming both a challenge for scientists and a priority for power supply system operators. The direct underlying cause is the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which must entail decreased extraction and use of conventional energy carriers, including coal, natural gas and petroleum. It is a common belief that the goals presented above can be achieved in part by stimulating the development of non-conventional power supply systems based on the use of biomass with different characteristics and origin (Börjesson and Berglund 2006). However, there are analyses which question this widely prevailing opinion. Fargione et al. (2008) found that non-rational management of typical energy plant resources can, in fact, lead to a negative balance in the quantity of 100 BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM VARIOUS SILAGES 1 2 1 Vilis Dubrovskis , Aleksandrs Adamovics ,Vladimirs Kotelenecs , 1 1 Imants Plume , Eduards Zabarovskis 1 Latvia University of Agriculture 2 Institute of Agricultural Energetics, Institute of Agrobiotechnology [email protected]; [email protected] Abstract: More than 30 biogas plants have started working in recent time in Latvia. There is need to investigate the suitability of different biomass for energy production. This paper shows results of fermentation of silage from different biomass. Biogas production from amaranth and maize silage, malva and maize silage, amaranth and sunflower silage and malva and sunflower silage were investigated using small scale bioreactors. Biomass mixed with inoculum (fermented cow manure) was investigated for biogas production in fifteen digesters, operated in batch mode at temperature 38±1.0°C. Average specific methane yield from amaranth and maize silage was 332±78·l·kgVSA-1 and average methane (CH4) content was 60.14%. Average methane yield from amaranth and sunflower silage was 420±85·l·kgVSA-1and average methane content was 60.51%. Average methane yield from malva and maize silage was 412±101·l·kgVSA-1and average methane content was 56.13%. Average methane yield from malva and sunflower silage was 389±101·l·kgVSA-1 and average methane content was 58.18%. All investigated biomass can be successfully cultivated for energy production under agro ecological conditions in Latvia. Introduction Latvia cannot provide enough own produced energy, so fossil energy resources are imported from other countries [3]. There are 368500 ha of unused agriculture land in Latvia. Effective use of this land could help to obtain a significant amount of energy. One of the most advanced methods of energy production from biomass is anaerobic digestion [2]. The biogas is a product of substantial value as anaerobic fermentation technology does not increase carbon dioxide emissions and is environmentally friendly [4]. In recent years the biogas production is booming also in Latvia. There is a need to use different raw materials in biogas plants [6]. 107 USABILITY OF BETA VULGARIS L. AS SUBSTRATE FOR AN ON-FARM BIOGAS PLANT Anna Karwowska, Janusz Gołaszewski, Kamila Żelazna Uniwersity of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Abstract: Beet (Beta vulgaris L.), whose cultivation in Poland has a long history, can be now considered as an alternative raw material for production of renewable energy. High yielding and a high content of sucrose make this crop particularly suitable for production of biogas. In this preliminary experiment on two cultivars, Abrax and Greta, yields of roots and leaves were determined; afterwards, productivity of biogas, including methane, from digestion of ensiled roots and roots with leaves was tested. The initial respirometric analysis showed that, as a substrate for biogas production, beet has a suitable composition and provides high yields per land unit. In general, root silages showed lower biogas productivity than ensiled roots and leaves, and this tendency was more evident in the case of the sugar beet cultivar Abrax. Methane fermentation of a monosubstrate composed of roots and leaves enables one to achieve a three-fold higher productivity versus a monosubstrate composed of roots. Converted into yields of roots and leaves obtained under laboratory conditions, the productivity of cv.. Abrax was estimated at 6,998.27 m3 ha-1, and that of cv. Gerty – at 9,074.21 m3 ha-1. Introduction Plant biomass is the third largest natural source of energy [1]. Biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and solid fuels are among the most important renewable fuels. The biogas production sector in Poland is small but has a promising potential for development. It is estimated that about 1,500-2,000 biogas plants processing different type of biomass substrate may open before 2020 [2]. Being a primary product of methane digestion, biogas may have a varied composition of gases depending on what type of material has been fermented [3]. The usability of plant biomass for biogas production depends on yield per land unit (t/ha), energy performance per biomass unit and the rate at which it can be converted into gaseous fuel [4]. Beet (Beta vulgaris L.), especially its sub-species sugar beet (Beta vulgaris saccharifera), has a long tradition of cultivation in Poland. The current policy, however, is unfavourable for sugar beet farmers because it tends to limit the use of 114 DIGESTION AND CO-DIGESTION OF DISTILLERY SPENT WASH, CATTLE MANURE AND MAIZE SILAGE Ewa Klimiuk, Tomasz Pokój, Katarzyna Bułkowska, Zygmunt Mariusz Gusiatin Warmia and Mazury University, Environmental Science Faculty Environmental Biotechnology Department, 10-709 Olsztyn, ul. Słoneczna 45G Abstract: The evaluation of the biogas production for substrates available at the Farm in Komorowo (the Kujawsko-Pomorskie provinces) i.e., molasses distillery spent wash, cattle manure and maize silage was investigated. The experiments were conducted in the quasi-continuous mode in completely stirred tank reactor under mesophilic conditions (39C). During the co-digestion of all three substrates specific biogas production rate (rB) was 1.03 dm3/dm3·d. Maximum organic load rate (OLR), at hydraulic retention time (HRT) 45d, amounted to 1.67 g VS/dm3·d that for low organics removal efficiency (60.7%) is the limit. Separable digestion of distillery spent wash and mixture of cattle manure with maize silage provided higher biogas production, due to shortening the HRT for distillery spent wash (20-25d). The average rB value during spent wash digestion (HRT = 20d) was 1.96 dm3/dm3·d, however process was unstable. For mixture of cattle manure with maize silage (HRT = 45d, OLR = 1.98 g VS/dm3·d) the rB value amounted to 1.06 dm3/dm3·d. The high organics removal efficiency (72.8% and 68.9% for distillery spent wash and mixture of cattle manure with maize silage) indicated that there is a possibility to increase the OLR value. 1. Introduction The efficiency of agricultural biogas production depends on suitable composition and preparation of substrate, properly matched methane production systems and operational parameters of the process. In most agricultural biogas plants, as substrates it can be used animal manure, residues available in the local market such as e.g., distillery spent wash, residues and wastes from agricultural production and others. In the most of the European Union Member States crop silages, mainly maize is also used. In Poland availability of a variety of residue in farm is differentiated by the size of a farm and a type of agricultural production. For instance, the Farm in Komorowo (the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship) produces molasses distillery 120 PROCESSING OF DIGESTATE FROM AGRICULTURE BIOGAS PLANT AND USE AS FERTILIZER Aleksandra Urszula Kołodziej Polish Company of the Agricultural Engineering Abstract: Taking into account the potential of Polish agriculture, biogas plants seem to be a good way of producing electricity and heat, while making contribution to environmental protection by (among others) the use of plant residues and animal manure. Digestate - a by-product of methane production in a biogas plant can be successfully used as a valuable fertilizer, as it has been demonstrated by numerous studies by Polish, Swedish, Austrian and Danish scientists. Intensive livestock farming generates large amount of feces being one of the main sources of pollution to the natural environment. The dynamic growth and a high concentration of pig production result in large amounts of manure, which can also pose a potential threat to the environment. It can contaminate soil, surface water, groundwater, rainwater and air. The production of biogas from organic waste partially solves environmental problems in a profitable and sustainable manner. It is not always possible to use the whole digestate produced by biogas plant. Investors must prepare carefully designed plan for handling of the digestate, its use and eventual drying and processing, e.g. in the form of pellets. Reduction of post-fermentation waste contributes to the reduction of costs associated with scattering the residues and also allows reducing the volume required for waste-fermentation tanks. At present, agricultural use of digestate substances requires compliance with a number of recommendations, whereas the slurry fertilization generally is limited only by the requirements of the Hitrates Act. The new law on fertilizers and fertilization will greatly simplify the procedure associated with the use of digestate as fertilizer, but it is still in draft form. Introduction Placing a strong emphasis on environment protection and reduction of global warming effects the European Council issued among others the directive on management of bio-waste, urging member states to review their methods of waste management. At issue is whether global warming is caused by human activity, but as a member state we are obliged, to take a number of measures to adapt to the EU directives. Already, Directive 1999/31/EC (on landfill waste) set targets for 126 PRODUCTION OF SIDA HERMAPHRODITA RUSBY-BASED BIOMASS AS CO-SUBSTRATE FOR AGRICULTURAL BIOGAS PLANT1 Jacek Kwiatkowski, Łukasz Graban, Waldemar Lajszner, Józef Tworkowski University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Production Abstract: The paper comes forward with short characteristics of Virginia fanpetals as the species used for the crops dedicated to the Agricultural Biogas Plant. The paper is to present the biometric features of crops and biomass yield obtained within the first two years of vegetation of the plantation developed on the basis of generative multiplication in relation to a selection of agritechnical drivers. Introduction Biomass produced from dedicated crops is one of the four fundamental sources of substrates for the agricultural biogas plant. It may be its sole feedstock that is inoculated exclusively with relevant microflore or it may be added to agricultural waste and residues for rational management purposes, which contributes to substantial increase in methane output (Gołaszewski, 2011). Maizebased biomass is most commonly used for these purposes as this plant is very productive, and the crop technology and biomass maintenance technology are well known. Apart from maize, grass and cereal as well as bean plants as pure crops and as those mixed with a variety of grass are also used for these purposes. However, the most popular plant species used for crops dedicated to biogas plants belong to the so called strategic food stock, which being used for energy purposes may cause disturbance to food production (Gołaszewski, 2010). Consequently, alternative crops characteristic of high productivity that may be successfully cultivated in soil that is substandard for food crops, play more and more significant role as dedicated crops. One of them is Virginia Fanpetal (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby). 1 The research was financed within the Framework of the Budget of Research Task no 4 titled ”Development of Integrated Technologies for Production of Fuel and Energy from Biomass, Agricultural Waste and other Residues” under the Research Strategic Programme titled “Advanced Technologies for Energy Generation” co-financed by NCBiR and ENERGA SA. 137 ANAEROBIC CO-DIGESTION OF WHITE CABBAGE AND SEWAGE SLUDGE Justyna Łuczak, Piotr Dargacz, Robert Aranowski Gdańsk University of Technology, Chemical Faculty Department of Chemical Technology, ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk Abstract: Phytoextraction is a promising and cost-effective method for remediation of the metal contaminated soils but limited due to the production of contaminated biomass, for which no suitable treatment process has been found yet. In this study the weight/volume reduction of white cabbage biomass by mesophilic co-fermentation with digested sewage sludge was investigated in the one stage bioreactor. It was revealed that white cabbage can be co-digested with sewage sludge digestate at a loading rate 2.23 kg VS m-3day-1 in mesophilic conditions. The biogas yield rate was obtained to be 189 dm3/ kg VS and contained 50% of methane. The volatile solids mass removal efficiency was found to be 70.5%. The biogas production and volatile solids reduction can be increased by optimalization of the cabbage/sewage sludge ratio, change of the temperature or/and application of pre-treatment methods. 1. Introduction Phytoextraction is a promising and cost-effective method for remediation of the metal contaminated soils. This technology is based on the natural ability of some plants to accumulate, translocate and resist high amounts of heavy metals over the complete growth cycle [1]. It was reported that members of the Brassicaceae from the genus Brassica can be used as hyperaccumulators for phytoextracion of heavy metals from contaminated soils [2, 3]. White cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), one the most popular European brassica plants, is nowadays considered as useful phytoextractor because of the high tolerance towards many environmental contaminants, high biomass concentrated in the small, spherical head, easy cultivation technologies, an extensive root system and fast growth rate [4]. It was also revealed that the accumulation of heavy metals in cruciferous plants can stimulate the synthesis of glucosinolates (GLS). Isothiocyanates – products of GLS enzymatic hydrolysis, exhibit biocidal properties, hence may be used in the biofumigation process [4, 5]. 147 PRESERVING OF VIRGINIA FANPETALS (SIDA HERMAPHRODITA) BIOMASS PRODUCED IN VARIOUS TERMS OF HARVESTING CYCLE Cezary Purwin, Barbara Pysera, Maja Fijałkowska, Iwona Wyżlic University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science Abstract: The research aimed at comparison of preserving and storing capacities for fanpetal-derived biomass harvested at various terms and after having been fertilized with a variety of preservative additives. For the research purposes, the fanpetal-derived biomass obtained from three harvesting terms and three fertilization procedures (1 – no fertilization; 2 – half of fertilization dose; 3 – full fertilization dose) was put under consideration. Two-stage harvesting cycle was performed: 09.06.2011 – the first harvest (3 types of biomass in relation to the fertilization system: 1/I harvest; 2/I harvest; 3/I harvest), 08.09.2011 – the second harvest (3 types of biomass in relation to the fertilization procedure: 1/II harvest; 2/II harvest; 3/II harvest). Single-stage harvesting cycle was performed: 14.09.2011 (3 types of biomass in relation to the fertilization procedure: 1/single-stage harvest; 2/ single-stage harvest; 3/ single-stage harvest). Each of the fanpetal-based biomass was preserved: additive-free and including formic acid, bacteria-based inoculation agent and enzymatic preparation. The fanpetal-based biomass proved to be hard to be preserved. In the case of all the types of preserved biomass, the acidification degree was proven to be unsatisfactory, lactic acid content was too low, the content of acetic and butyric acid was high, which is indicative of limited fermentation process. In the case of the fanpetal-derived silages under consideration, the content of dry matter and organic matter was reduced in comparison to all the kinds of green biomass undergoing silage process. The harvesting system and fertilization had the impact upon the size of losses of dry matter and organic matter in the course of storing the fanpetal biomass. Among the additives that were applied, only the enzymatic preparation had the positive impact upon the fermentation profile for all the types of the fanpetal-based biomass undergoing silage process. Introduction The growing demand for biomass from the power engineering industry calls for the need to establish dedicated crop plantation characteristic of high yield potential. Virginia Fanpetal, as perennial plant species of high yield potential has 157 VIRGINIA FANPETAL-BASED DIGESTION RESIDUE USED FOR VIRGINIA FANPETAL FERTILIZATION PURPOSES Stanisław Sienkiewicz, Sławomir Krzebietke, Piotr Żarczyński University of Warmia and Maury in Olsztyn Chair of Agricultural a Chemistry and Environment Protection Abstract: This paper presents the results of the impact of the Virginia fanpetals digestion residue-based fertilization upon the height and diameter of sprouts, biomass yield and concentration of H, P, K, Mg and Ca in the plants of Virginia fanpetals. A larger diameter and height of stems and yield of green and dry matter was observed after having used higher doses of the Virginia fanpetals-derived digestion residue. More effective reduction of the concentration of magnesium was noticed after the application of the tested residue and potassium than in the case of the residue applied solely. It was shown that post-digestion residue of Virginia fanpetals can be used as a fertilizer. Introduction Due to the need for production of biomass in possibly the largest quantities, alternative crops gain more and more importance in our country. Among the crops that are most often cultivated for energy purposes, willow, maize, rape and Virginia fanpetal should be mentioned [Denisiuk 2005; Sławiński ET AL 2009]. Virginia fanpetal, not so long ago was not yet well known in Poland, and it is a plant that may be comprehensively used as: fodder, for recultivation and energy purposes. Usefulness of Virginia fanpetal for energy purposes, according to Hanowiec and Smoliński [2011], is proven by its high content of hydrogen and carbon. However, every crop needs to be supplied with nutrients in order to produce optimal yield. The literature refers to optimal fertilizer doses for Virginia fanpetal, that depending on soil quality are kept within the following limits: 100200 kg N·ha-1, 50-150 kg K2O·ha-1, 80-120 kg P2O5·ha-1 [Bujak 2004]. Fertilization not only contributes to the quantity of biomass but also to the content of elements in the biomass [Kalembasa and Wiśniewska 2006, 2008, 2010, Borkowska and Lipiński 2008]. Fertilization does not necessarily have to be based on application of mineral fertilizers that are expensive and require high energy input into fertilization. Digestion residues obtained from gasification of biomass should be 164 THE POTENTIAL FOR BIOGASS PLANTS DEVELOPMENT – ZACHODNIOPOMORSKIE VOIVODESHIP AS CASE STUDY Michał Jasiulewicz, Dorota Agnieszka Janiszewska Koszalin University of Technology Abstract: Current prognosis shows that the production of agricultural biogas will accelerate rapidly, up to several dozen per cent yearly, in the forthcoming decade. Current tendencies on investments and development markets proves that fact. The investment rate increases when well documented and verified case studies are known and can be followed by less experienced investors. The aim of this article is to evaluate the profitability of small and micro biogas installations as well as measuring the amounts of substrates for biogas production, such as manure, slurry, agricultural by-products and agro-food industry wastes available in Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship. Factors that shape the agriculture of the region are: big average area of agricultural farms (30,3 ha), low percentage of people employed in agriculture as well as plants (not animals) being the main agricultural product. Theoretical potential of raw materials in Poland corresponds to production up to 5 billion m3 of biogas per year. This potential includes agricultural byproducts, manure, slurry, agro-food industry wastes and other by products. It is also anticipated that energy crops will be cultivated to be used as substrates for biogas production. This is possible on an area of about 700 thousand ha, which will not interfere with food security in the country. The current potential for biogas production from agricultural by-products and food industry wastes equals 1,7 billion m3 of biogas per year. Poland uses 14 billion m3 of natural gas per year and individual consumers from rural areas use about 500 million m3 of natural gas yearly. The estimated amount of purified biogas could cover about 10% of the countries natural gas needs or fully cover the needs of consumers from rural areas as well as provide 125 thousand MWh of electric energy and 200 thousand MWh of heat. Proper management of animal and agricultural waste as well as food industry by-products that can be found in Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship will be beneficial for the natural environment, labour market in rural areas, utilisation of 174 RZĘDÓW RESEARCH AND INVESTMENT PROGRAMME AS A MODEL OF COOPERATION BETWEEN BUSINESS, THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE INHABITANTS 1 2 2 Marek Kurtyka , Ola Łukaszek , Karol Bartkiewicz , Wojciech Łukaszek 1 2 2 Termo – Klima MK Katowice, Ekoenergia Kolonia Pozezdrze Abstract: The RZĘDÓW research and investment programme which constitutes the construction of the Electra® bio-energy plant (9,6 MW), two photovoltaic farms (about 10 MW and 4 MW) and a wind farm (9 and 15 MW) gathered a number of serious and efficient investors but also some of the most prominent scientists in the field of renewable energy sources. The programme and its current stages of implementation have been met with approval of the local community and gained support of the authorities at every level of local administration - from the Tuczępy Municipal Office, Starost Office of Busko Zdrój to the Marshall's Office of the Świętokrzyskie Region. Both the local community and local government authorities are regularly notified of the ongoing actions within the programme. The atmosphere created around the project is exceptionally favourable and guarantees that the initiative will be a complete success. On March 23, 2012 the implementation of the RZĘDÓW research and investment programme began. The full name of the initiative is "Regeneration of the old sulphur mine and surrounding areas through the construction of an Electra® bio-energy plant (about 10 MW electrical power), fuelled with biogas generated from plant- and animal-derived biomass and other organic substrates, including waste; the construction of two photovoltaic farms (about 10 MW and 4 MW electrical power respectively) and a wind farm (electrical power between 9 and 15 MW) with simultaneous change of the fuel used in car transportation for the bio-energy plant and local inhabitants from oil- to biomethane-base". Business A list of investors into respective sites of the OZE: Bioelektrownie Świętokrzyskie limited liability company from Kielce (whose main shareholder is Termo – Klima Katowice) for the bio-energy plant; Green Power Development bio-energy plant from Krakow for the wind farm; Georyt Solar from Tarnów for 176