Baza danych projektów PROW
Feasibility Study for Establishment of a Methane Production Unit
Summary
GAEC of Pré Morel assisted by EAFRD conducted a feasibility study to assess the viability of a methane generating plant to optimise waste recovery, on one farm and the wider region, and to develop the local production of renewable energy.
Background
The creation of a Methane generation plant is an initiative of the GAEC of Pré Morel, a polycultural farm. This initiative is consistent with the region’s climate plans, parts of which include an analysis of the region’s waste disposal facilities.
Objective
The project aimed to: a) optimise waste recovery on the farm by combining it with other waste from the region; b) develop the local production of renewable energy; and c) diversify the farm’s activities in order to strengthen and secure its economic future.
Main activities
A techno-economic study of the viability of a methane generating plant was undertaken with the help of various public agencies. In order to maximise the benefits, the GAEC needs to process fermentable waste from external sources. These include: i) residue from farms and abattoirs; ii) residue from local food processors, schools and businesses; iii) sludge from purification plants; iv) green and paper waste.
Results & Benefits
The biogas produced provides electricity for the EDF network and heating for the neighbouring village. The processing of green waste creates: a) alternative revenue for farmers as well as jobs; b) improved waste collection in the surrounding municipalities. The project was unique due to a) the type of process used; b) the partnership between farmers and local community. This is the third such plant in France, and a possible model for other regions.
Lessons learnt
The main difficulty was finding the right partners to finance the project, and the right consultancy firm to assess its feasibility. Given it was a pilot project, it was not easy to find partners with whom ideas or experiences could be exchanged.
Project location and other information
Pays Barrois
Region
Lorraine
RDP Territory
Hexagone
Total project cost (€)
9 200
EAFRD contribution (€)
4048
National contribution (€)
3 312
Private contribution (€)
1 840
Contact name
Hélène Pauly
Telephone
+33 3 29 70 99 74
Languages for contact
English, French
Original Language version
At a glance
Country
France
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Public/local authorities
Budget range
< €20 000
Start date:
01/06/2009
End Date:
01/09/2010
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Keywords:
Partnership, Renewable energy, Innovation, Energy, Waste
Last update
06/02/2012