Adding gas from biomass to the gas grid - SGC

7.1.4 FranceThe production of biomass in France is indicated in table 40.PJ/year Contribution ofbiomass %Production = Gross Inland440 4ConsumptionInputs to power generation 49 1Final energy consumption 391 6Table 40: Biomass production in France (1997)In France, 52 million tons of slurry is produced annually by cattle (53%), pigs (42%) and poultry(5%). Currently, there are only few manure based biogas plants. The potential biogas production is1 billion m 3 of methane, corresponding to 2% of the French natural gas consumption. Theexploitation of this potential requires gas-tight coverings to be installed on the slurry tanks. Thesetechniques are presently not utilised in France, but have been applied in Europe, particularly inDenmark, Germany and Italy. If all tanks have gas-tight coverings, 40% of the potential will beproduced [lit.53].There is a single biogas plant based on domestic waste (at Amiens). In 2003, at least three moreplants are expected. The French policy is that waste biomass will not be landfilled beyond 2002[lit.54].7.1.5 GermanyThe production of biomass in Germany is indicated in table 41.PJ/year Contribution ofbiomass %Production = Gross Inland248 2ConsumptionInputs to power generation 74 2Final energy consumption 174 2Table 41: Biomass production in Germany (1997)Biogas is produced at about 30 large-scale plants and approximately 770 small- to medium-scalefarm plants. About 350 small- to medium-scale plants are located in Bavaria, about 130 in Baden-Württemberg. The electricity from the large-scale plants fed into the public grid amounts to over 300million kWh (1.1 PJ) per year, corresponding to about 100 *10 6 m 3 biogas. The average installedpower in all biogas plants is 60 kW el and the average digester volume 600 m 3 per biogas plant,providing a total installed power of about 48 MW el . All digesters produce about 250 * 10 6 m 3 biogasper year. Most of the engineers, construction companies, biogas plant operators, many interestedscientists and private persons are organised in the Fachverband Biogas.page: 83