Renewable energy generation: development of a software tool to analyse the possible synergies of an integrated bioenergy park

Abstract

The concept of a Bioenergy Park is that renewable energy processes are integrated to maximise the total energy production potential while ensuring environmental sustainability. The three processes selected are a) Biodiesel production, b) Straw Pelleting and c) Anaerobic Digestion. The aim o f the study is to develop a software tool to analyse the possible synergies of the integrated processes within the Bioenergy Park The study has shown that the Bioenergy Park system can operate at a profit margin o f 29% and is thus considered viable both in terms of economics and environmental sustainability. Glycerine, the main by-product of the biodiesel process, is identified as a significant feedstock, having a high energy generation potential when added in small quantities (<6%) to the anaerobic digester. There is a significant over-supply of thermal energy (172% to 393%) generated within the integrated system. This potential remains unexploited in the context of the Bioenergy Park as described. When bundled together, the output of ten local Bioenergy Parks can supply from 7 to 14% of the National Biofuel target. Ten Bioenergy Parks could generate sufficient straw pellets to replace 2.1% of home heating oil, based on 2006 National oil consumption figures. The carbon emission reduction potential of ten bundled Bioenergy Parks is marginal (0.48%) when measured against the national targets carbon emission reduction targets of circa 64 million tCO₂.