Biogas from simple fermentation

Even before the introduction of the German Renewable Energies law, energy production from biomass was an interesting option for generating power and heat, especially for agricultural enterprises. However, the processes currently available are only partly suitable for use in small businesses due to high costs.

For this reason, EnBW has commissioned RBS Genius GmbH to develop a process which allows small companies to generate energy from biogas at low cost. The tried and tested method of biomass fermentation lends itself as a technology for energy generation from biomass. A corresponding plant can be easily installed and operated. However, the technology must be refined if it is to be used by small businesses. These considerations are guiding optimisation of a dry fermentation process by RBS Genius GmbH. The challenge consists in improving fermentation so that a comparable volume of gas can be generated as with a "conventional" wet fermentation process, but at lower investment and operation costs, i.e. improving overall commercial viability.