SpringerLink
Log in

Assessing sustainable biogas potentials—case study for Serbia

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Biogas is efficient renewable energy source concerning greenhouse gases emission (GHG) reduction and waste disposal. The most abundant biogas substrates are originating from agriculture, i.e., energy plants and wastes such as manure, and respective production and utilization can be used to support rural development. Defining sustainable potentials, i.e., realistic value under defined conditions, of biogas production in some geographical region is important, as a background for policy development on a national, regional, and even local level. The objective of the study was defying method for its assessment. The characteristics of the proposed method are as follows: (1) biogas potential is expressed in electric power of cogeneration units that can operate with biogas produced from available feedstock. Available thermal energy, or biomethane production, can be calculated based on biogas potential; (2) the determined sustainable potential is based on environmental, technological, and socio-economic criteria; (3) the assessment is related to the actual substrates’ availability, whereby expected technological advancements are considered. Developed method has been tested in the form of a case study for Serbia and obtained outcomes compared with studies previously done by other authors. The potential is lower than previously assessed. The forecasted technology advancements and reduction of specific investment costs in the future can contribute to the increase of potential, higher share of wastes and by-products in substrates. New, smaller biogas plants would be constructed in undeveloped regions, what could contribute to rural development.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Anonymous (2015) Paris agreement. United Nations. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/events/articles/0107_en

  2. Scarlat N, Dallemand JF, Monforti-Ferrario F, Banja M, Motola V (2015) Renewable energy policy framework and bioenergy contribution in the European Union – an overview from National Renewable Energy Action Plans and Progress reports. Renew Sust Ener Rev 51:969–985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2015.06.062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. European Commission (2018) Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European parliament and of the council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. OJ L 328, 21.12.2018. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018L2001&from=EN

  4. European Commission (2015) Directive 2015/1513 amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. OJ L 239. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32015L1513

  5. Denvir B, Bauen A, Panoutsou Calliope, Stojadinovic D (2015) Sustainability criteria for biofuels: report for Serbia. E4tech Ltd. http://www.etipbioenergy.eu/databases/reports/281-sustainability-criteria-for-biofuels-reports-on-the-energy-community-portal

  6. Bioenergy Europe (2018) Statistical report, 2018 edition. Bioenergy Europe. https://bioenergyeurope.org/statistical-report-2018/

  7. Psaker P, Lobe B (2010) Kmetijski potencijal za proizvodnjo bioplina v Sloveniji (Potentials of agricultural biogas in Slovenia). In: Kmetijsko gozdarska zbornica Slovenije – Kmetijski gozdarski zavod Celje

    Google Scholar 

  8. Karellas S, Boukis I, Kontopoulos G (2010) Development of an investment decision tool for biogas production from agricultural waste. Renew Sust Energ Rev 14:1273–1282. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2009.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Martinov M, Djatkov Dj et al (2011) Studija o proceni ukupnih potencijala i mogućnostima proizvodnje i korišćenja biogasa na teritoriji AP Vojvodine (Study of total potentials of biogas and possibilities of its utilization in Province Vojvodina). Faculty of Technical Sciences Novi Sad. http://www.psemr.vojvodina.gov.rs/images/Studije/Biogas/Studija_o_proceni_proizvodnje_i_koriscenja_biogasa_na_teritoriji_AP_Vojvodine_-_2011.pdf

  10. Martinov M, Djatkov D et al (2015) Scientific report for the incorporation of dry agro-biomass straw residues and poultry manure as an alternative biogas substrate. Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Eschborn

    Google Scholar 

  11. Cvetkovic S, Kaludjerovic Radoicic T, Vukadinovic B, Kijevcanin M (2014) Potentials and status of biogas as energy source in the Republic of Serbia. Renew Sust Energ Rev 31:407–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.12.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. PROBIOPOL (2008) Screening the rise of fermentable wastes & market prices for energy and waste treatment in Romania. Report on FP6 project: PROBIOPOL, Biogas Polygeneration for Romania. https://www.probiopol.agimus.de/fileadmin/Editor_uploads_FE/ProBioPol_Screening_update.pdf

  13. Santoyo-Castelazo E, Azapagic A (2014) Sustainability assessment of energy systems: integrating environmental, economic and social aspects. J Clean Prod 80:119–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.05.061

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Kulisic B, Par V, Metzler R (2015) Calculation of on-farm biogas potential: a Croatian case study. Biomass Bioenergy 74:66–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.01.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Bojesen M, Skov-Petersen H, Gylling M (2015) Forecasting the potential of Danish biogas production – spatial representation of Markov chains. Biomass Bioenergy 81:462–472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2015.07.030

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. European Commission (2017) COM(2016) 767 final/2, Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast), https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/regdoc/rep/1/2016/EN/COM-2016-767-F2-EN-ANNEX-1-PART-1.PDF

  17. Martinov M, Gronauer A, Piringer G, Viskovic M (2016) Biogas in Serbia –questions of sustainability. Project report: CEI know-how exchange programme, LCA – GHG emissions of RES production and utilization in Serbia. Faculty of Technical Sciences Novi Sad

  18. European Commission (1991) Directive 91/676/EC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources. OJ L 375. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:31991L0676

  19. Uni Rostock, IE, FAL (2017) Biogaserzeugung durch Trockenvergärung von organischen Rückständen, Nebenprodukten und Abfällen aus der Landwirtschaft, Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e V (FNR) https://www.infothek-biomasse.ch/images/2007_FNR_Trockenvergaerung.pdf

  20. Martinov M, Kosutic S, Djatkov Dj, Viskovic M (2016) Green energy and rural development – role of high education. Proceedings of the 44th international symposium agricultural engineering: actual tasks on agricultural engineering February 23-26, Opatija, Croatia

  21. OECD (2012) Linking renewable energy to rural development. OECD Publishing

  22. Burton CH, Turner C et al (2003) Manure management –treatment strategies for sustainable agriculture. Silsoe Research Institute Bedford

  23. KTBL (2009) Faustzahlen für die Landwirtschaft (Numbers for agriculture). Kuratorium für Technik und Bauwesen in der Landwirtschaft

  24. FNR (2016) Leitfaden Biogas– Von der Gewinnung zur Nutzung (Biogas guide– From extraction to use). Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffee. Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR)

  25. Anonymous (2016) Uredba o podsticajnim merama za proizvodnju električne energije iz obnovljivih izvora energije i iz visokoefikasne kombinovane proizvodnje električne i toplotne energije (Decree on supporting measures for electricity generation from renewable energy sources and from high efficient CHP units). Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No 56/2016

  26. Gacesa S, Lj V, Baras J, Knezevic L, Klasnja M, Zdanski F (1985) Biogas proizvodnja i primena (Biogas, production and utilization). Faculty of Technology Novi Sad

  27. ASAE (2005) ASAE D384.2 Manure production and characteristics. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers St. Joseph, USA

    Google Scholar 

  28. Friehe J, Weiland P, Schattauer A (2010) Description of selected substrates. In: Anonymous. Guide to biogas – from production to use. Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR)

  29. Chan WN, Fu Z, Holtzapple MT (2011) Co-digestion of swine manure and corn Stover for bioenergy production in MixAlco™ consolidated bioprocessing. Biomass Bioenergy 35:4134–4144. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2011.06.053

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Bauer A, Lizasoain J, Theuretzbacher F, Agger WJ, Rincon M, Menardo S, Saylor KM, Enguidanos R, Nielsen JP, Potthast A, Zweckmair T, Gronauer A, Horn JS (2014) Steam explosion pretreatment for enhancing biogas production of late harvested hay. Bioresour Technol 166:403–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.05.025

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Theuretzbacher F, Lizasoain J, Lefever C, Saylor KM, Enguidanos R, Weran N, Gronauer A, Bauer A (2015) Steam explosion pretreatment of wheat straw to improve methane yields: investigation of the degradation kinetics of structural compounds during anaerobic digestion. Bioresour Technol 179:299–305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.12.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. FNR (2013) Biogas – an introduction. Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e V (FNR) https://mediathek.fnr.de/media/downloadable/files/samples/b/r/brosch.biogas-2013-en-web-pdf.pdf

  33. European Commission (1999) Directive 1999/31/EC of 26 April 1999 on the landfill of waste. OJ L 182. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A31999L0031

  34. European Commission (1991) Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment. OJ L 135. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A31991L0271

  35. Anonymous (2013) National renewable energy action plan of the Republic of Serbia (in accordance with the template foreseen in the Directive 2008/29/EC– decision 2009/548/EC). Ministry of Energy, Development and Environmental Protection, republic of Serbia. http://www.mre.gov.rs/doc/efikasnost-izvori/NREAP%20OF%20REPUBLIC%20OF%20SERBIA%2028_June_2013.pdf?uri=CELEX:32009L0028

  36. PBC (2013) Census of agriculture 2012. In: Agriculture in the Republic of Serbia. Statistical office of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade

  37. Anonymous (2009) Uredba o merama podsticaja za proizvodnju električne energije korišćenjem obnovljivih izvora energije i kombinovanom proizvodnjom električne i toplotne energije (Decree on supporting measures for electricity generation from renewable energy sources and CHP units). Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 99/2009

  38. Anonymous (2013) Uredba o merama podsticaja za povlašćene proizvođače električne energije (Decree on supporting measures for privilege producers of electricity). Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 08/2013

  39. Anonymous (2010) Uredba o odlaganju otpada na deponije (Decree on wastes landfilling). Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 92/2010

  40. Vujic G, Redzic N, Jovicic G, Batinic B, Stanisavljevic N, Abuhress OA (2010) A fast method for the analysis of municipal solid waste in develo** countries - case study of Serbia. Environ Eng Manag J 9(8):1021–1029 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286870851_A_fast_method_for_the_analysis_of_municipal_solid_waste_in_develo**_countries_-_Case_study_of_Serbia

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Anonymous (2010) Strategija upravljanja otpadom za period 2010–2019. Godine (decree on waste strategy and management for period 2010–2019). Official gazette of the republic of Serbia no. 29/10. http://www.pks.rs/SADRZAJ/Files/Strategija%20upravljanja%20otpadom%20za%20period%20%202010%20-%202019%20godine.pdf

Download references

Acknowledgments

This investigation was supported by European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Energy and Transport, F.97 Unit Ispra (Contract no. C198718).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovica 6, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia

    Milan Martinov, Djordje Djatkov, Miodrag Viskovic & Boris Zezelj

  2. Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Energy, Transport and Climate, European Commission, Via E. Fermi 2749 – TP 450, 21027, Ispra, VA, Italy

    Nicolae Scarlat & Jean Francois Dallemand

Authors
  1. Milan Martinov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nicolae Scarlat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Djordje Djatkov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Jean Francois Dallemand
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Miodrag Viskovic
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Boris Zezelj
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Milan Martinov.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Martinov, M., Scarlat, N., Djatkov, D. et al. Assessing sustainable biogas potentials—case study for Serbia. Biomass Conv. Bioref. 10, 367–381 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00495-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-019-00495-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation