Feasibility study on biogas energy production from a small-scale farm digester in Kazakhstan

• Published in: IET Conference Proceedings
• Main Authors: Rojas-Solórzano, L, Pernebayeva, D, Bekbauova, M, Seitenov, D, D. Jong Kim, Dobrita, A
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Stevenage The Institution of Engineering & Technology 14.11.2016
• Subjects: Anaerobic digestion; Biogas; Cogeneration; Economic conditions; Economics; Electric power generation; Energy consumption; Environmental impact; Farms; Feasibility studies; Heat recovery; Impact analysis; Incentives; Manures; Piston engines; Refuse as fuel; Subsidies; Kazakhstan
• ISBN: 1785612387; 9781785612381
• DOI: 10.1049/cp.2016.1339

This paper assesses the technical, economic and environmental impact for the implementation of a small-scale anaerobic digestion system in an animal farm located in the Republic of Kazakhstan. All data for manure availability and local energy consumption was obtained from the model farm “Buranbayev Company” which is located in Uralsk, Kazakhstan. A Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system based on a reciprocating engine and heat recovery system was considered as the technology to operate with the biogas generated through a mesophilic anaerobic biodigester exporting power to the grid, which is currently the source of power and heating in the farm. The techno-economic study includes Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) and Entrepreneurship Development Fund “DAMU” loan subsidy, which are current governmental incentives in Kazakhstan. The small size farm biodigester is fed with manure from around 600 heads of cattle and runs a 100 kW genset unit. Results of the analysis demonstrate that DAMU subsidy positively influences the financial outcome of the project leading to an IRR of 38.3% on the equity investment. The model developed here may be easily used in the future by other local farmers in order to assess the economic and technical advantages of own power generation and its sales to the grid.