Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Organic material used for biogas production can also undergo other treatments. The
emissions and impact from the different treatments are evaluated in this
environmental assessment, with a focus on energy and climate. The materials
included in the study are organic household waste, slaughterhouse waste and liquid
manure. Other than biogas production, the possible treatments for organic household
waste and slaughterhouse waste are incineration and composting, and for liquid
manure storing and spreading. The analysis is based on data and information from
current and relevant literature, and relates to the conditions in the Swedish energy
system. To assess the environmental impact from the different treatments, seven of
the sixteen environmental goals set by the Swedish government as a guide to
nationwide environmental strategies are used. The analysis is done through a method
that merges quantitative and qualitative information, as data is not always available.
The conclusions from the study are that for all three of the studied materials, biogas
production is the best treatment concerning energy and climate. Regarding organic
household waste and slaughterhouse waste, the next best treatment is incineration and
the poorest is composting. Liquid manure can only be treated with two different
methods and therefore storing and spreading is the least preferable. Further studies are
needed to make a complete environmental assessment concerning the goals that relate
to other issues than energy and climate.