How biogas can be developed
Stricter environmental requirements mean that Västervik Energi & Miljö needs to do a major renovation of the municipality’s largest sewage treatment plant. This in turn will affect biogas production. FVB has investigated how the municipality can develop its biogas.
Lucerna is the largest sewage treatment plant in Västervik Municipality and was built in 1972. Extensive renovation of the plant is needed to meet the nitrogen purification requirements that will go into effect in 2026. The choice of purification technology will affect the biogas production. The municipality also has a new environmental permit, which means that they need two digesters for their own sludge production from the sewer. Västervik Energi & Miljö owns two digesters, one of which is used for sewage sludge. The other is rented out for external sludge such as household waste and fish waste.
The sludge is currently converted to biogas, which is then upgraded to vehicle gas. However, the upgrading plant is old and worn. The biogas is delivered to a filling station on the other side of Västervik via a line and there is a delivery agreement extending several years in the future.
“There are many different parameters to take into account, and we have investigated different ways in which Västervik Energi och Miljö can develop its facility. This includes how they will handle the external sludge, whether they will invest in a new upgrading plant, and what size is required, etc.,” says Henrik Lindholm at FVB.
“We presented the feasibility study in February, where we show four different scenarios, all of which meet the company’s sustainability requirements. We primarily recommend that they continue to produce vehicle gas and invest in a third digester and a new upgrading plant. Now the politicians will make the decision,” Henrik Lindholm concludes.
For more information:
Henrik Lindholm, 013-25 09 41
