Biodigestion or Anaerobic digestion is a process where microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen and is widely used to treat wastewater.
As part of an integrated waste management system, anaerobic digestion reduces the emission of landfill gas into the atmosphere.
It is being widely used as a renewable energy source because the process produces a methane and carbon dioxide rich biogas suitable for energy production helping replace fossil fuels. Also, the nutrient-rich digestate can be used as fertiliser.
Anaerobic digestion facilities have been recognised by the United Nations Development Programme as one of the most useful decentralised sources of energy supply, as they are less capital intensive than large power plants.
At the upcoming ORCA meeting (18th Jan) we will learn more about Biodigesters and discuss the potential for a biodigester in Apollo Bay.
At present, locally collected wastes and recyclables are trucked to Geelong and green wastes to Colac. A local biodigester will reduce the amount of waste we contribute to landfill, reduce greenhouse gases emitted from landfill (mainly methane) and vehicles transporting our current waste, and reduce our regions non-renewable energy use by creating a local renewable energy source.
