Analysis of Biogas Sources in the Context of Renewable Energy; Erzurum Province as an Example

Abstract

Energy consumption is an essential criterion in determining countries’ development levels in light of developments in technology and industry. Fossil fuels in the world are scarce and available only in specific locations. Using fossil fuels significantly increases the emission of harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere, which causes many environmental problems. Erzurum has excellent potential in terms of animal, vegetable, and urban organic wastes that constitute a source for bioenergy production. Within the scope of this study, in the light of the data obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TSI), the amount of biogas that can be generated from the potential animal wastes of Erzurum province between 2002-2021 was calculated. The amount of energy that can be obtained from this biogas has been determined, and the ratio of the energy that can be produced to electricity consumption and its benefit in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide to be given to the atmosphere have been examined. As a result, the amount of collectible manure was figured out as 9.582.132,01 tons/year. It has been found that the amount of potential energy obtained from this amount of animal waste would meet the 96% of annual electricity consumption of Erzurum province. The increase in livestock activities and investments in Erzurum, especially in the last two decades, shows that the biogas energy produced from animal waste is sustainable. It has been calculated that the emission of a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere can be reduced thanks to the electrical energy produced by methane gas. In addition, it has been concluded that the wastes generated after energy production from biogas facilities are significant in terms of being usable as manure in agricultural areas, contributing to employment and rural development, and keeping the environment clean.