Biogas & RNG

Biochar for Anaerobic Digestion

Every digester has untapped methane potential. This model estimates the revenue impact from biochar as an anaerobic digestion additive.

Reactor type*

Reactor volume*

Annual feedstock throughput

tonnes

Primary feedstock type*

Sets the VS% default and typical yield range used in the model.

Hydraulic retention time

days

Typical for Continuous Stirred Tank: 10 to 40 days.

Annual biogas revenue*

USD

Your total revenue from biogas or biomethane sales in the last 12 months.

Baseline methane yield*

m3/tVS

Average methane yield per tonne of volatile solids. Typical for Mixed: 200 to 450 m³/tVS.

Volatile solids content75%, Mixed default

Estimated impact

17.5% yield increase. Midpoint from published research. Good starting point.

Net revenue upside

$195,000/yr

$210,000 gross, minus $15,000 biochar cost

Current output

12.0M m³/yr

Baseline methane

Estimated gain

2.1M m³/yr

Incremental methane from biochar

Biochar required

Dosage rate10 g/L

Total biochar needed25.0 tonnes

Expected post-application yield376 m³/tVS

Biochar price ($/tonne)

/tonne

Default $600/tonne. Adjust to your quoted price.

Biochar cost$15,000/yr

Net revenue upside$195,000/yr

Net return on $13k pilot

15.0x

Year one net revenue divided by pilot cost