Biogas plants on pig farms

Pig manure with litter provides the highest biogas yield because it has a higher organic matter content. This raw material provides maximum energy potential and stable conditions for the growth of methanogenic bacteria. 
Self-flowing manure systems can also be used effectively, but all other things being equal, manure with litter allows for a higher biogas yield and better project economics.

Yes, it is possible. However, biogas plants in Ukraine that operate with hydroflushing (1:10) require significantly larger reactors due to excessive dilution of raw materials. This affects the economics of the project — capital costs increase and biogas production decreases. In such cases, we recommend adding other raw materials for biogas — for example, corn silage or pomace — to increase biogas yield.

The payback period depends on the configuration of the system, the type of animal husbandry, and the volume of manure. On average, a biogas plant on a large farm pays for itself in 5–7 years. Biogas plants in Ukraine are often financed with the support of the EBRD or private investors.

In cold conditions and deep litter, pig manure does not lose its potential due to the type of raw material, but due to prolonged storage without processing. When manure accumulates for months, part of its methanogenic potential is lost even before it enters the biogas plant.

At the same time, manure with bedding has a higher biogas yield than liquid manure from self-melting systems, even if the bedding is changed once a month. Therefore, the key factor is not the type of housing, but the organisation of the timely collection and delivery of raw materials for processing.

There are two effective solutions for such farms: participation in a cluster biogas project with centralised manure processing or modernisation of the animal housing system with the parallel introduction of energy-efficient solutions.

This is recommended to increase productivity. Biogas production can be more efficient if energy crops (silage, grain), food industry waste, or pomace are added to the manure. This combination increases biogas yield by 30-50% and optimises the use of the fermenter volume.

On average, the biogas yield from pig manure is 20–30 m³ per tonne when using a self-flowing system without excess water. In the case of hydroflushing, the yield drops to 10–15 m³/t, which significantly complicates the economics of the project. We perform detailed calculations before launching each biogas plant.

Yes, provided that the biogas is purified to biomethane quality in accordance with European requirements. We sell plants for the production of biomethane from manure that comply with RED II certification standards. This allows farms to export biomethane to the EU, in particular through the sustainability certificate system.

Yes, we have experience in implementing biogas projects in Ukraine with the support of international institutions, including the EBRD, NEFCO, and other climate funds. Biogas plants in the agricultural sector are a priority area for financing. We help to prepare all the documentation, carry out a feasibility study and agree on the terms of financing.