An Overview of Status and Potential of Biomethanation Technology in Thailand

Abstract

This work was studied via literature reviews, field surveys and interviews to analyze the status andpotential of biomethanation technology in Thailand. Potential of biogas production from biomass inThailand is approximately 2,100 million m3 of biogas (eqv. 1,040 ktoe), however only 18% of thesepotential are practical produced and in use. Currently, there are almost 2,300 biogas plants installed.These systems annually produce 380 million m3 of biogas (eqv. 188 ktoe) from cassava starchwastewater (53%), pig manure (39%) and others (8%). More than 70% of these biogas plants employ asmall digesters called fixed dome technology, which is used mainly in small pig and dairy farms. Whereas,industrial scale technologies, such as upflow anaerobic sludge blanklet, anaerobic fixed film, anaerobiccovered lagoon, completely stirred tank reactor and anaerobic baffle reactor are implemented in largeanimal farms and agro-industries i.e. cassava starch, distilleries, beer, canned seafood, slaughterhouse,palm oil mill, etc. The main utiliztion of biogas is fuel oil substitution and electricity generation.

Keywords : Biogas / Technology / Thailand / Renewable Energy / Potential / Status