Experimental Biogas Plant for Widespread Use Completed

 In February, Kawasaki completed an experimental biogas plant for common use being constructed in Shimizucho, Hokkaido and full operations have begun.

 The completed installation is a Folkecenter type biogas plant constructed by Kawasaki using technology from Denmark's Folkecenter. The biogas produced is used as fuel in a gas engine cogeneration plant, and the electricity and hot water produced is completely used in facilities within the dairy farm where the installation is located.

 This biogas plant has the following features. It is made up of an inlet tank, a digester, cogeneration equipment, a digested manure storage tank and other devices. Each unit is designed to be simple and compact, keeping the cost of construction and operation low. The adoption of a simple digestion process and a horizontal cylindrical digester enables the plant equipment to have a low profile to allow for easy operation and day-to-day maintenance without the need for advanced technical knowledge.

 From November 2004, Japan will introduce strict regulations on discarding livestock waste outdoors. The market for equipment used in the proper disposal and effective use of livestock waste as a resource is anticipated to grow. Kawasaki aims to promote biogas plants in Japan utilizing methane fermentation systems and cogeneration systems that use energy effectively by proving their economical efficiency and effectiveness through experimental projects such as this.