Perspective Biomethane Potential and Its Utilization in the Transport Sector in the Current Situation of Latvia

Pauls P. Argalis and Kristine Vegere
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Pauls P. Argalis: 24701 Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Street 1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Kristine Vegere: 24701 Water Research and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena Street 1, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 14, 1-18

Abstract: A major problem in the modern world is the overuse of fossil resources. The use of such resources and of that amount contribute negatively to the environment we live in. Fossil resources should be replaced with renewable ones. That way, less impact would be done to the environment. Renewable resources would greatly contribute to a healthy sustainable future. Latvia currently ranks seventh on the number of biogas plants per 1 million per capita (27) and is searching for new ways and opportunities to switch from the production of electricity to biomethane. Thus, in this study, a mathematical approach for the calculations of biomethane potentials and emissions of different feedstocks under the anaerobic digestion principle was studied. Databases were searched for the factual numbers of livestock animals, as well as processed sludge, and average food waste. RED II and JEC Well-To-Wheels report v5 were analyzed for data on emission factors and future obligations. Out of combined biomethane potentials of different feedstocks, livestock manure’s potential share was 91%, of which 61% is dairy cow manure. The overall biomethane potential in Latvia is 2.21 to 4.28 PJ. Replacing fossil fuels with biomethane in the transport sector could lower the overall CO 2-eq emissions by 12.47–23.86% or 0.4–0.8 million tonnes.

Keywords: biomethane potential; emissions; biogas production (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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