Gas Sensors used to Improve the Efficiency of “Green Energy Generation”

Growth in Biogas Electricity Generation
The generation of electricity from biogas is becoming ever more popular, driven at least in part by the introduction of government set feedin tariffs and other green project initiatives. A prime example of which comes from Germany, one of the first countries to introduce a “feed in tariff” scheme around 10 years ago, resulting in a significant number of biogas plants being built. The countries that were first in the introduction of ‘feed in tariff’ schemes are also early adopters of biogas energy, have driven several green projects promoting the installation of biogas plants and supported the continued growth within the biogas industry. The ‘feed in tariff’ schemes
guarantee a minimum tariff payment to the generation plant owner, usually fixed for a long period, 5 to 10 years, or more, is not uncommon. The guaranteed minimum tariff is used as an incentive to support the return on investment on the large upfront costs required to purchase and install such plants.

In the last 20 years, biogas utilisation has been successful in wastewater treatment plants, industrial processing applications, landfill and the agricultural sector. The future increased use of biogas energy is a strong goal in most countries, not only because is it a renewable energy source but it will help in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and soil degradation and it may influence agriculture sectors worldwide to
produce green energy. Adoption of biogas production is growing and is supported by many countries looking for green alternatives to generate electricity for heating and lighting and as a fuel for motor vehicles to deliver goods and public transport.

It is important to ensure the quality and efficiency of the biogas produced as, before it can be used in the generation of electricity or in converted vehicles, it must be cleaned and converted to bio-methane.