(introduction...)

All extension-service advice concerning agricultural biogas plants must begin with an estimation of the quantitative and qualitative energy requirements of the interested party. Then, the biogas-generating potential must be calculated on the basis of the given biomass incidence and compared to the energy demand. Both the energy demand and the gas-generating potential, however, are variables that cannot be very accurately determined in the planning phase.

In the case of a family-size biogas plant intended primarily as a source of energy, implementation should only be recommended, if the plant can be expected to cover the calculated energy demand.

Since determination of the biogas production volume depends in part on the size of' the biogas plant, that aspect is included in this chapter.

Fig. 4.1: Balancing the energy demand with the biogas production (Source: OEKOTOP)