Brazil - Fazenda Ponte Alta, Itararé, state of São Paulo (coordinates: 24°05’12’’ S, 49°19’33’’ W).
Project type:
Carbon offset – Methane capture and use of biomass.
Development methodology:
AMS-III.D v12, “Methane recovery in agricultural and agro industrial activities”, published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
First operational: 01/10/2003
Validation:
Auditor: SES Inc., 30/04/2008
Verification:
Auditor: SES Inc., 30/04/2008
Background:
The intensification of breeding activities in Brazil have had multiple and worrisome environmental impacts: the storage and decomposition of animal waste produce high greenhouse gas and methane emissions and contaminate air, waters and soils. Such contamination is a source of diseases for local communities. Given the importance of these activities for rural development, the biogas recovery programme proposes responsible investments to limit such environmental impact, while encouraging local producers’ lasting commitment. The farm, which is administered by Mr. Robert Blümel and which is located near the city, has been generating odours and pollution inhabitants have been complaining about.
Description:
Farm officials, in agreement with the municipality, decided to set up an innovating biogas unit that could not have been developed if a carbon Carbon offset programme had not been implemented. The aim is to install anaerobic biodigestors that will replace open-air lagoons, to recover biogas and to generate electricity.
Technology:
The technology that is used for the project includes the entire replacement of open-air primary ponds by positive pressure covered pond “cells”, i.e. ambient temperature anaerobic biodigestors. The system includes two cells with a sufficient capacity to create an optimal HRT (Hydraulic Retention Time). Biodigestors’ size is based on the biogas plant’s potential animal breeding capacity. Each cell uses a covering device that is fastened to a strengthened external frame. The external cover consists in a synthetic multilayer membrane treated against UVs, which is also fastened to the frame. The covering device and the cover are fastened together. Cells were designed to enable removal of solid residues without any isolation joint, and each cell’s biogas can be treated independently. Each cell can be maintained and repaired without impacting the other cell’s operation. All cells’ components will be manufactured by producers inside the country. Dejections treated in ponds’ cells will be transferred to the clarification pond, and gas captured will be directed towards a turbine and/or renewable energy equipment (e.g. a boiler) to be burnt.
The project modifies the waste treatment system, by switching from a high greenhouse gas emissions system to a system based on ambient temperature anaerobic digestion, which captures and burns biogas derived from waste decomposition. This process then allows generating electricity, covering 60% of the biogas plant’s needs. Moreover, it allows recovering and converting organic waste downstream from biofertilizer-based treatments, generating an additional positive impact.
Carbon credit type:
VER Kyoto (i.e. following an UNFCCC methodology, validated and verified by an independent auditor, in compliance with the ADEME carbon offset charter).
Project benefits:
Environmental benefits:
Fight against global warming by avoiding methane emission problems caused by animal waste decomposition.
No soils and water tables contamination (percolation).
Reduction of final waste for stabilization.
Suppression of insects and odors.
Economic and social benefits:
Involvement of local players, farmers and technicians in the production of cell components and the development of a sustainable technology and renewable energy.
Reduction of hardship at work.
Social cohesion; reduced number of complaints from inhabitants.
Preservation of the biogas plant, threatened of closure by the municipality for being a nuisance, and preservation of jobs.
