The economic sustainability of small–scale biogas plants in the Italian context: the case of the cover slab technology
University of Brescia, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Via Branze 38, IT25123 Brescia, Italy
*Corresponding author: m.collotta@unibs.it
Abstract:
The growing interest on renewable energies, together with the public financial incentive systems established in several countries, has driven a fast innovation in the field of energy technologies, with the main objective to increase their sustainability.
This paper focuses on the production of biogas from agro–residues and animal manure; with particular attention to small-scale plants.
Based on a real case located in northern Italy, and taking into consideration the Italian public financial incentive system currently in force, the economic profitability of the cover slab technology is analysed, putting into evidence the main factors that affect it.
Key words:
anaerobic digestion, Italian biofuel plants, small–scale biogas plants