Biogas in the suburbs: an untapped source of clean energy?

Article

Alexander, Samuel, Harris, Peter and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2019. "Biogas in the suburbs: an untapped source of clean energy?" Journal of Cleaner Production. 215, pp. 1025-1035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.118
Article Title

Biogas in the suburbs: an untapped source of clean energy?

ERA Journal ID3639
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsAlexander, Samuel (Author), Harris, Peter (Author) and McCabe, Bernadette K. (Author)
Journal TitleJournal of Cleaner Production
Journal Citation215, pp. 1025-1035
Number of Pages11
Year2019
PublisherElsevier
Place of PublicationNetherlands
ISSN0959-6526
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.01.118
Web Address (URL)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652619301350
Abstract

This article explores the potential of producing domestic, home-scale biogas using anaerobic digestion in the suburbs of the developed world e an urban context where currently biogas production is almost non-existent. The current status of food waste management across the globe shows that internationally, cities are increasingly using anaerobic digestion as a central technology at commercial scale to treat food waste and decarbonise through the recovery of energy and nutrients. However, in order to achieve this, it is preferable to separate organic waste such as food waste from other waste streams. Australia currently does not offer any schemes that support source separation of household food waste. Notwithstanding this, there are upwards of five large-scale plants currently treating commercial food waste and substantial scope exists to increase this provided appropriate waste management strategies are put in place. Nevertheless, the absence of food waste management schemes in developed countries may provide an impetus for individuals in urban landscapes to explore the potential of home-style biogas systems to produce energy and biofertiliser using food waste derived from households. This article provides a novel case study of one operator's experience using a domestic system, the ‘HomeBiogas 1.0’ unit, in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. A critical analysis of the system was performed, including a cost benefit analysis of the recently released ‘HomeBiogas 2.0’ unit. The cost benefit analysis indicated that the system could pay for itself in 4.45 years if simply mitigating the cost of natural gas. This payback period islikely to be reduced if the value of fertiliser were included or if use of a HomeBiogas unit allows for disconnection from the gas grid (avoiding service fees), as it did in this case study. The paper concludes by identifying barriers from a technical, regulatory and education perspective.

Keywordshome scale biogas; domestic biogas; urban decarbonisation; food waste; anaerobic digestion; Australia
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020339999. Other built environment and design not elsewhere classified
400499. Chemical engineering not elsewhere classified
401102. Environmentally sustainable engineering
Public Notes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Melbourne
National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q51ww/biogas-in-the-suburbs-an-untapped-source-of-clean-energy

Log in to edit
  • 350
    total views
  • 12
    total downloads
  • 6
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Advancing a food loss and waste bioproduct industry: A critical review of policy approaches for application in an Australian context
Churton, Hannah and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2024. "Advancing a food loss and waste bioproduct industry: A critical review of policy approaches for application in an Australian context." Heliyon. 10 (12). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32735
Technical evaluation of steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to improve circularity of Australian hospital waste management: A case study
Harris, Peter and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2024. "Technical evaluation of steam sterilisation coupled with gasification to improve circularity of Australian hospital waste management: A case study." Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107680
Biochemical methane potential of dairy manure residues and separated fractions: An Australia-wide study of the impact of production and cleaning systems
Grell, Torben, Harris, Peter W., Marchuk, Serhiy, Jenkins, Sasha, McCabe, Bernadette K. and Tait, Stephan. 2024. "Biochemical methane potential of dairy manure residues and separated fractions: An Australia-wide study of the impact of production and cleaning systems." Bioresource Technology. 391 (Part A). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129903
Land Application of Biosolids-Derived Biochar in Australia: A Review
Sinha, Payel, Marchuk, Serhiy, Harris, Peter, Antille, Diogenes L. and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2023. "Land Application of Biosolids-Derived Biochar in Australia: A Review." Sustainability. 15 (14). https://doi.org/10.3390/su151410909
Design and analysis of a low-cost potentiostat for application with microbial electrochemical sensors
Hill, Andrew, Tait, Stephan, Harris, Peter, Baillie, Craig, Virdis, Bernardino and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2023. "Design and analysis of a low-cost potentiostat for application with microbial electrochemical sensors." Electrochimica Acta. 468. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2023.143201
Food and Garden Organic Waste Management in Australia: Co-Benefits for Regional Communities and Local Government
Blanchard, Christine, Harris, Peter, Pocock, Celmara and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2023. "Food and Garden Organic Waste Management in Australia: Co-Benefits for Regional Communities and Local Government." Sustainability. 15 (13). https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139901
Two-phase anaerobic digestion in leach bed reactors coupled to anaerobic filters: A review and the potential of biochar filters
Collins, B.A., Birzer, C.H., Harris, P.W., Kidd, S.P., McCabe, B.K. and Medwell, P.R.. 2023. "Two-phase anaerobic digestion in leach bed reactors coupled to anaerobic filters: A review and the potential of biochar filters ." Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 175, pp. 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2023.113187
Biosolids-derived fertilisers: A review of challenges and opportunities
Marchuk, Serhiy, Tait, Stephan, Sinha, Payel, Harris, Peter, Antille, Diogenes L. and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2023. "Biosolids-derived fertilisers: A review of challenges and opportunities." Science of the Total Environment. 875, pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162555
Resource recovery for environmental management of dilute livestock manure using a solid-liquid separation approach
Grell, Torben, Marchuk, Serhiy, Williams, Ian, McCabe, Bernadette K. and Tait, Stephan. 2023. "Resource recovery for environmental management of dilute livestock manure using a solid-liquid separation approach ." Journal of Environmental Management. 325 (Part A), pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116254
Field measurements of fugitive methane emissions from three Australian waste management and biogas facilities
Reinelt, Torsten, McCabe, Bernadette K., Hill, Andrew, Harris Peter, Baillie, Craig and Liebetrau, Jan. 2022. "Field measurements of fugitive methane emissions from three Australian waste management and biogas facilities ." Waste Management. 137, pp. 294-303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.11.012
Wastes to profit: a circular economy approach to value-addition in livestock industries
Ramirez, Jerome, McCabe, Bernadette, Jensen, Paul D., Speight, Robert, Harrison, Mark, van den Berg, Lisa and O'Hara, Ian. 2021. "Wastes to profit: a circular economy approach to value-addition in livestock industries." Animal Production Science. 61 (6), pp. 541-550. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20400
Biogas recovery by anaerobic digestion of Australian agro-industry waste: a review
Tait, Stephan, Harris, Peter W. and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2021. "Biogas recovery by anaerobic digestion of Australian agro-industry waste: a review." Journal of Cleaner Production. 299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126876
Process optimisation of anaerobic digestion treating high-strength wastewater in the Australian red meat processing industry
Harris, Peter W. and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2020. "Process optimisation of anaerobic digestion treating high-strength wastewater in the Australian red meat processing industry." Applied Sciences. 10 (21), pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217947
Preserving sugarcane trash for year-round biogas production: effects of additives on ensiling properties and methane potential
Janke, L, McCabe, BK, Hill, A, Lee, S, Harris, P, Marchuk, S and Baillie, C. 2019. "Preserving sugarcane trash for year-round biogas production: effects of additives on ensiling properties and methane potential." 41st Annual Conference of the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT 2019). Toowoomba, Australia 30 Apr - 03 May 2019 Australia.
Toward profitable and sustainable bioresource management in the Australian red meat processing industry: a critical review and illustrative case study
McCabe, Bernadette K., Harris, Peter W., Antille, Diogenes, Schmidt, Thomas, Lee, Seonmi, Hill, Andrew and Baillie, Craig. 2020. "Toward profitable and sustainable bioresource management in the Australian red meat processing industry: a critical review and illustrative case study." Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology. 50 (22), pp. 2415-2439. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2020.1712310
Microbial electrochemical sensors for volatile fatty acid measurement in high strength wastewaters: A review
Hill, Andrew, Tait, Stephan, Baillie, Craig, Virdis, Bernardino and McCabe, Bernadette. 2020. "Microbial electrochemical sensors for volatile fatty acid measurement in high strength wastewaters: A review ." Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bios.2020.112409
Bioenergy and bioproducts in the Australian red meat processing industry: a case study
McCabe, Bernadette K., Harris, Peter W., Schmidt, Thomas, Antille, Diogenes L., Lee, Seonmi, Hill, Andrew and Baillie, Craig P.. 2018. "Bioenergy and bioproducts in the Australian red meat processing industry: a case study." 2018 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting (ASABE 2018). Detroit, United States 29 Jul - 01 Aug 2018 St. Joseph, United States. https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.201800980
An investigation into the fertilizer potential of slaughterhouse cattle paunch
McCabe, Bernadette K., Antille, Diogenes L., Birt, Henry W. G., Spence, Jennifer E., Fernana, Jamal M., van der Spek, Wilmer and Baillie, Craig P.. 2016. "An investigation into the fertilizer potential of slaughterhouse cattle paunch." 2016 ASABE Annual International Meeting. Orlando, Florida 17 - 20 Jul 2016 Spokane, Washington. https://doi.org/10.13031/aim.20162460831
Investigating the impact of seasonal temperature variation on biogas production from covered anaerobic lagoons treating slaughterhouse wastewater using lab scale studies
Schmidt, Thomas, Harris, Peter, Lee, Seonmi and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2019. "Investigating the impact of seasonal temperature variation on biogas production from covered anaerobic lagoons treating slaughterhouse wastewater using lab scale studies." Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 7 (3), pp. 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2019.103077
Ensiling fermentation reveals pre-treatment effects for anaerobic digestion of sugarcane biomass: an assessment of ensiling additives on methane potential
Janke, Leandro, McCabe, Bernadette Kathleen, Harris, Peter, Hill, Andrew, Lee, Seonmi, Weinrich, Soren, Marchuk, Serhiy and Baillie, Craig. 2019. "Ensiling fermentation reveals pre-treatment effects for anaerobic digestion of sugarcane biomass: an assessment of ensiling additives on methane potential." Bioresource Technology. 279, pp. 398-403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2019.01.143
Integrated biogas systems: local applications of anaerobic digestion towards integrated sustainable solutions
McCabe, Bernadette K. and Schmidt, Thomas. 2018. Integrated biogas systems: local applications of anaerobic digestion towards integrated sustainable solutions. IEA Bioenergy.
Process Monitoring and Control for an Anaerobic Covered Lagoon Treating Abattoir Wastewater
Schmidt, Thomas, McCabe, Bernadette and Harris, Peter. 2018. "Process Monitoring and Control for an Anaerobic Covered Lagoon Treating Abattoir Wastewater." Chemical Engineering and Technology. 41 (4), pp. 755-760. https://doi.org/10.1002/ceat.201700391
Effect of trace element addition and increasing organic loading rates on the anaerobic digestion of cattle slaughterhouse wastewater
Schmidt, Thomas, McCabe, Bernadette, Harris, Peter and Lee, Seonmi. 2018. "Effect of trace element addition and increasing organic loading rates on the anaerobic digestion of cattle slaughterhouse wastewater." Bioresource Technology. 264 (September), pp. 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.05.050
Anaerobic digestion of pre-treated slaughterhouse waste
Harris, Peter William. 2017. Anaerobic digestion of pre-treated slaughterhouse waste. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Southern Queensland. https://doi.org/10.26192/5c05b8dbd30c7
Impact of thermobaric pre-treatment on the continuous anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste
Harris, Peter W., Schmidt, Thomas and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2018. "Impact of thermobaric pre-treatment on the continuous anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste." Biochemical Engineering Journal. 134, pp. 108-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2018.03.007
An investigation into the fertilizer potential of slaughterhouse cattle paunch
Antille, D. L., McCabe, B. K., Van Der Spek, W. and Baillie, C. P.. 2018. "An investigation into the fertilizer potential of slaughterhouse cattle paunch." Transactions of the ASABE. 61 (1), pp. 87-101. https://doi.org/10.13031/trans.12342
Bovine bile as a bio-surfactant pre-treatment option for anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste
Harris, Peter W., Schmidt, Thomas and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2018. "Bovine bile as a bio-surfactant pre-treatment option for anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste." Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 6 (1), pp. 444-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2017.12.034
Evaluation of chemical, thermobaric and thermochemical pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste
Harris, Peter W., Schmidt, Thomas and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2017. "Evaluation of chemical, thermobaric and thermochemical pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of high-fat cattle slaughterhouse waste." Bioresource Technology. 244 (1), pp. 605-610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2017.07.179
Investigation into thin layer drying rates and equilibrium moisture content of abattoir paunch waste
Spence, Jennifer, Buttsworth, David, McCabe, Bernadette K., Baillie, Craig, Antille, Diogenes L. and Carter, Brad. 2018. "Investigation into thin layer drying rates and equilibrium moisture content of abattoir paunch waste." Renewable Energy. 124, pp. 95-102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2017.07.082
Creating confidence: exploring the effectiveness of a pre-study resource as a 'front loading' strategy in a foundation nursing science course
McCabe, Bernadette K., Kek, Megan and Turner, Joanna. 2011. "Creating confidence: exploring the effectiveness of a pre-study resource as a 'front loading' strategy in a foundation nursing science course." 14th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference (FYHE 2011). Perth, Australia 29 Jun - 01 Jul 2011 Brisbane, Australia.
Review of pre-treatments used in anaerobic digestion and their potential application in high-fat cattle slaughterhouse wastewater
Harris, Peter W. and McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2015. "Review of pre-treatments used in anaerobic digestion and their potential application in high-fat cattle slaughterhouse wastewater." Applied Energy. 155, pp. 560-575. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.06.026
Assessing a new approach to covered anaerobic pond design in the treatment of abattoir wastewater
McCabe, B. K., Harris, P., Baillie, C., Pittaway, P. and Yusaf, T.. 2013. "Assessing a new approach to covered anaerobic pond design in the treatment of abattoir wastewater." Australian Journal of Multi-Disciplinary Engineering. 10 (1), pp. 81-93. https://doi.org/10.7158/N12-AE07.2013.10.1.
Investigating wastewater modelling as a tool to predict anaerobic decomposition and biogas yield of abattoir effluent
McCabe, Bernadette K., Hamawand, Ihsan and Baillie, Craig. 2013. "Investigating wastewater modelling as a tool to predict anaerobic decomposition and biogas yield of abattoir effluent." Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. 1 (4), pp. 1375-1379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2013.07.015
A case study for biogas generation from covered anaerobic ponds treating abattoir wastewater: investigation of pond performance and potential biogas production
McCabe, Bernadette K., Hamawand, Ihsan, Harris, Peter, Baillie, Craig and Yusaf, Talal. 2014. "A case study for biogas generation from covered anaerobic ponds treating abattoir wastewater: investigation of pond performance and potential biogas production." Applied Energy. 114, pp. 798-808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.10.020
Promoting asynchronous interactivity of recorded lectures in blended learning environments
McCabe, Bernadette K. and Hobohm, Carola. 2012. "Promoting asynchronous interactivity of recorded lectures in blended learning environments." Brown, M., Hartnett, M. and Stewart, T. M. (ed.) 29th Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2012). Wellington, New Zealand 25 - 28 Nov 2012 Gold Coast, Australia.
An integrated approach to the use of complementary visual learning tools in an undergraduate microbiology class
McCabe, Bernadette. 2011. "An integrated approach to the use of complementary visual learning tools in an undergraduate microbiology class." Journal of Biological Education. 45 (4), pp. 236-243. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2010.549496
Monitoring the performance of covered anaerobic ponds in the treatment of abattoir waste
McCabe, B. K., Pittaway, P., Baillie, C. and Harris, P.. 2011. "Monitoring the performance of covered anaerobic ponds in the treatment of abattoir waste." Banhazi, T., Saunders, C. and Hegarty, R. (ed.) SEAg 2011: Diverse Challenges, Innovative Solutions. Gold Coast, Australia 29 - 30 Sep 2011 Canberra, Australia.
Scientists in schools – a case study
McCabe, Bernadette K. and Weber, Hellen. 2010. "Scientists in schools – a case study." The Queensland Science Teacher. 36 (4), pp. 28-31.
Growth and characterisation of Chlorella vulgaris under increased lipid culture regimes
Harris, Peter, McCabe, Bernadette K. and Pittaway, Pam. 2010. "Growth and characterisation of Chlorella vulgaris under increased lipid culture regimes." Goh, Steven C. and Wang, Hao (ed.) 2010 Southern Region Engineering Conference (SREC 2010). Toowoomba, Australia 11 - 12 Nov 2010 Toowoomba, Australia.
Sweetening a bitter pill: educational strategies supporting the foundation sciences in first year nursing
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2009. "Sweetening a bitter pill: educational strategies supporting the foundation sciences in first year nursing." Mortimer, Kelly (ed.) 12th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference (FYHE 2009). Townsville, Australia 29 Jun - 01 Jul 2009 Brisbane, Australia.
Immobilization of monocentric and polycentric types of anaerobic chytrid fungi in Ca-alginate
McCabe, Bernadette K., Kuek, Clem, Gordon, Geoffrey L. R. and Phillips, Michael W.. 2001. "Immobilization of monocentric and polycentric types of anaerobic chytrid fungi in Ca-alginate ." Enzyme and Microbial Technology. 29 (2-3), pp. 144-149. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0229(01)00367-2
Introducing wine science in the high school curriculum: a teacher's workshop
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2007. "Introducing wine science in the high school curriculum: a teacher's workshop." Burton, Tracey (ed.) 9th Biennial Chemical Education Conference (CHEMED 2007): Where Chemical Agents Bond. Auckland, New Zealand 01 - 04 Jul 2007 Auckland, New Zealand.
Identifying threshold concepts specific to science learning in nursing and the development of teaching approaches to facilitate their crossing
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2010. "Identifying threshold concepts specific to science learning in nursing and the development of teaching approaches to facilitate their crossing." 3rd Biennial Threshold Concepts Symposium: Exploring Transformative Dimensions of Threshold Concepts. Sydney, Australia 01 - 02 Jul 2010 Sydney, Australia.
School-scientist partnerships: what makes them tick? A case study from the CSIRO scientists in schools program
McCabe, Bernadette K., Weber, Hellen and Pezaro, Charlotte. 2011. "School-scientist partnerships: what makes them tick? A case study from the CSIRO scientists in schools program." 1st international Conference of STEM in Education. Brisbane, Australia 26 - 27 Nov 2010 Brisbane, Australia.
Tablet PCs as a catalyst to pedagogical innovation: a case study in microbiology
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2010. "Tablet PCs as a catalyst to pedagogical innovation: a case study in microbiology." 5th International Inquiring Pedagogies Conference: Conceptualising Impact: Exploring the Effectiveness of Practice Through Pedagogic Research (iPED 2010). Coventry, United Kingdom 15 - 16 Sep 2010 Coventry, United Kingdom.
Microalgae as alternative fuel for compression ignition (CI) Engines
Allwayzy, S. H., Yusaf, T., McCabe, B., Pittaway, P. and Aravinthan, V.. 2010. "Microalgae as alternative fuel for compression ignition (CI) Engines." Goh, Steven C. and Wang, Hao (ed.) 2010 Southern Region Engineering Conference (SREC 2010). Toowoomba, Australia 11 - 12 Nov 2010 Toowoomba, Australia.
Using a tablet PC in bioscience instruction amongst diverse student cohorts
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2009. "Using a tablet PC in bioscience instruction amongst diverse student cohorts." Franke, Katharina (ed.) 2009 Australasian Tablets in Education Conference. Clayton, Australia 03 - 04 Dec 2009 Melbourne, Australia.
Ready, set, go...- flexible package supporting the biophysical sciences in first year nursing
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2009. "Ready, set, go...- flexible package supporting the biophysical sciences in first year nursing." Kift, Sally (ed.) ALTC First Year Experience Curriculum Design Symposium 2009. Brisbane, Australia 05 - 06 Feb 2009 Brisbane, Australia.
Under the microscope: from bugs to the class room
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2007. "Under the microscope: from bugs to the class room." Fogarty, Roderick (ed.) 3rd International Conference on Pedagogies and Learning. Brisbane, Australia 26 - 28 Sep 2007 Toowoomba, Australia.
Parallels of lived experiences in learning: a scientist learning qualitative research and nurses learning science
McCabe, Bernadette K.. 2007. "Parallels of lived experiences in learning: a scientist learning qualitative research and nurses learning science." International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning. 3 (1), pp. 13-20.
Production of B-glucosidase using immobilised Piromyces sp. KSX1 and Orpinomyces sp. 478P1 in repeat-batch culture
McCabe, Bernadette K., Kuek, Clem, Gordon, Geoffrey L. R. and Phillips, Michael W.. 2003. "Production of B-glucosidase using immobilised Piromyces sp. KSX1 and Orpinomyces sp. 478P1 in repeat-batch culture." Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. 30 (4), pp. 205-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-003-0033-5