Title: Biogas as an option for industrial applications

Authors: Jouko Arvola; Pekka Belt; Janne Harkonen; Pekka Kess; Ritva Imppola

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu FI-90014, Finland ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, Oulu FI-90014, Finland ' School of Renewable Natural Resources, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, Metsakouluntie, FI-90660 Oulu, Finland

Abstract: Biogas is typically burned to produce electricity or used as vehicle fuel. This case study analyses possibilities to utilise biogas directly in industrial applications to replace current fossil raw materials. True industrial cases are analysed by considering economic impacts of using either landfill gas or gas produced from biomass. Utilisation of biogas is economically viable and technically possible. However, for biogas to be an economical alternative as a raw material, investment supports for biogas production and farming subsidies are required in the same manner as currently for food production. Landfill gas is a real option for large landfills or small industrial needs.

Keywords: renewable energy; biogas; landfill gas; synthesis gas; farming subsidies; chemical industry; sustainability; sustainable development; biomass; production support; industrial needs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2012.043996

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2012 Vol.4 No.1, pp.71 - 88

Published online: 21 Nov 2014 *

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