3.1. Geographic and climatic conditions

As already mentioned, the most important geographical parameter for a biogas dissemmation programme is temperature. Mean temperatures of between 20 and 250C throughout the year with low seasonal fluctuations are the most favourable for biogas plant locations. As gas production tends to follow the curve of the average daily temperatures, the course of the temperature for one year will show the months for which insufficient gas production can be assumed.

Another favourable geographic characteristic for optimum use of the biogas plant is a slightly hilly terrain. In this case, the spreading of the liquid slurry will be possible due to natural slopes. Very rocky underground or a high groundwater table would be unfavourable. In both of these cases more work is involved in building the plant which also increases the costs.