Trade News

From effluent to energy:
Canada explores European biogas technologies

January 31, 2006

Vienna, Austria > Mention the fermentation of manure and solid waste and one is likely to clear a room pretty quickly. But since reducing Canada’s dependence on fossil fuels will help meet our Kyoto commitments, it’s no wonder biogas was the hot topic at a recent technology mission to southern Germany and Austria.

The Canadian delegation visited biogas plants in southern Germany and Austria.

A delegation of more than 30 Canadian engineers, researchers and government officials visited biogas plants in southern Germany and Austria. The mission examined different technologies used in the production of biogas and how the energy in biogas is utilised. In addition to the 11 reactors that were visited, presentations were held to discuss the political drivers and the economics of biogas production in Germany and Austria.

Biogas generally refers to methane produced by organic matter like manure or solid waste, sludge from wastewater or any biodegradable feedstock that has been fermented through anaerobic fermentation, or fermentation when air or oxygen is absent.

In fact, one of the most effective methods of converting biomass to energy is through anaerobic fermentation. The methane in biogas can be used to either fuel electrical generators or, with suitable treatment, utilised as natural gas. Soon, cars may even be powered with biogas.

Laflèche Environmental Inc. CEO André Laflèche of Moose Creek, Ontario, summed up the week’s activities with this observation: “We have seen the European model; now it’s time to develop a Canadian one.”

For more information, contact:
Steffen Preusser
Trade Commissioner
Canadian Embassy in Germany
Tel.: (011-49-30) 20312-365
E-mail: steffen.preusser@international.gc.ca
or
Alissia Pach
Investment Analysis
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Tel.: (613) 759-6163
E-mail: pacha@agr.gc.ca