Biogas Production from Household Wastes : A Quantitative Feasibility Study for Student Apartments in Albano

Biogas is an environmentally friendly energy source with great importance for sustainable development. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of setting up a biogas plant at the student housing area planned at Albano in Stockholm. The possibility of attaining self-sustainability in Albano is also investigated. After compiling the processes for converting household waste into biogas through a literature study, a quantitative feasibility study of setting up a biogas plant is carried out. The usable amount of household waste is determined through an empirical study. Investment costs of comparable biogas production facilities are obtained from companies working in the biogas field. The producible biogas amount and rates of conversion from biogas to heat/electricity are derived from existing data in similar studies. The energy demand is calculated based on existing data from housing companies and authorities. Four possible scenarios are created to study all the possible outcomes of establishing a biogas plant. The maximum producible biogas is determined to be 12.199 m3/year. The total energy demand in Albano is determined to be 2.931MWh/year, of which 2,4 TWh/year is heat and 531 MWh/year is electricity. This amount is not sufficient to meet the specific requirements. Recommendations for Albano were made accordingly.