The feasibility of the sustainable energy supply from bio wastes for a small scale brewery – A case study

Due to rising fuel costs and a need for the reduction of CO2 emissions, renewable energy sources have gained growing importance in industrial energy concept planning. In the food industry, a significant percentage of raw materials used leaves the process as biological waste. In this study a small scale brewery situated in Northeast England was audited. Based on the data obtained, the feasibility of biogas generation was modelled. The model included a planned extension to production capacity. Several scenarios for conversion were simulated, their gas demand determined, performance compared and economic viability calculated.

► Biogas from brewing waste and consideration of funding schemes. ► System efficiency using biogas is 10% higher than for diesel, CO2 emissions are to be counted as net zero. ► Use of a boiler or a CHP system alongside a gas fired absorption chiller are most economical.