Assessing Biogas Production Potential from Organic Waste and Livestock Byproducts in a Serbian Municipality: Implications for Sustainable Food Systems

Abstract

In the process of biogas production, various types of substrates with suitable energy potential are utilized to generate biogas in plants designed for cogeneration (CHP) of electricity and heat. This paper presents a literature review focused on different substrates involved in biogas production, emphasizing their optimization potential. Data for this research were gathered through a comprehensive review of scientific and scholarly literature from global databases. The study examines the biogas production capabilities of various feedstocks employed in cogeneration plants, highlighting the energy potential of substrates, including livestock byproducts such as liquid and solid manure, energy crops, organic waste from the food and slaughterhouse industries, as well as municipal wastewater and solid organic waste. Furthermore, we conducted a practical case study in the municipality of Čačak, which provides valuable insights into effective practices and strategies that can be broadly applied to enhance biogas production in similar contexts. The findings reveal significant variations in biogas production potential among different substrates, emphasizing the importance of strategic selection and management practices. This study contributes to the field by providing a clearer understanding of the substrate optimization process and practical insights that can inform the development of more effective biogas production strategies in local municipalities.