Maximising the potential of biogas - Energy Now Expo's focus

Learning about sustainable technologies and how to maximise natural resources was the focus at last week’s 2nd annual Energy Now Expo in Kilkenny. The event sought to bring together farmers and landowners from across Ireland and educate them on new and progressive renewable technologies. Vogelsang Ireland took part in promoting awareness of the biogas industry as a vital resource for renewable energy and consulted on implementing the right technology for efficient biogas production.

Biogas is a popular subject these days, but there is scepticism on using biogas as a renewable resource because it can be seen as less efficient due to losses of heat capability since their site location is generally not near high heat users such as hospitals and manufacturing.  However, by transporting through the gas grid, the use of the biogas can be fully utilised by high demand users and businesses. The announcement on Gas Networks Ireland goal of decarbonising the gas grid by 2050 supports the use of biogas plants in gas to grid installations and the provision of biogas injection hubs throughout the network. This provides an efficient strategy in maximising the potential of biogas plants and production.

Vogelsang Ireland also pushed for more biogas support and advocated on the fact that biogas is one of the most consistent and yet flexible elements in the mix of renewable energies. Since it can be stored in the form of gas, the energy (gas) can be used when it is needed making biogas an ideal supplement to solar or wind energy, which both fluctuate in reliability and are difficult to regulate as weather dependant. Vogelsang has been a long-time partner in the biogas sector developing biogas technology that adapts to the ongoing changes and environmental factors. On-site at Energy Now, Vogelsang Ireland engaged visitors with its pumping, cutting and feeding technology. From its variety of pumps like the CC series progressive cavity pumps and VX rotary lobe pumps to the innovative digester feeding systems, the reliable and efficient technology allows biogas plants to run smoothly thereby reducing energy costs and ultimately increasing gas yield.

The Vogelsang PreMix is a universal liquid feeding system handling a wide range of input materials like food waste, bulky crops, silage and fibrous material. The 4-in-1 concept combines separating, mixing, treating and pumping in just one unit. It separates foreign matter reliably, reducing disruptive matter to an unproblematic size and feeds the digester with optimally chopped down and treated biomass that supports ideal bacterial culture development.

There is a great potential of biomethane as a renewable fuel for heat, electricity as well as transport in Ireland. And as the technology develops and the industry progresses, Vogelsang Ireland will remain a close partner to provide economical solutions and products tailored specifically for biogas plants.