Viabilidade da utilização de resíduos da produção leiteira do noroeste do Estado para produção de biogás

Abstract

Rio Grande do Sul state has one of the best productivity of Brazil, reaching 2,430 litres/cow/year of milk. There are 441 thousand rural establishments and 134 thousand milk producers. Beyond the milk production, the waste generation may contaminate the environment if not effectively treated. Another alternative would be the generation of biogas and, consequently, electricity production. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility of the use of animal wastes on milk production of Cerro Largo microregion, located in Northwest of the State, in biogas production as an alternative energy. The agricultural standpoint, the replacement of petroleumbasedderived fuels can save with the reduction of expenses. The producers also acquire a new and important social function as energy suppliers and operators in the treatment of waste. In view of the serious problems of environmental pollution caused by organic waste, the proposition of using waste from milk production for the generation of clean energy (biogas), with consequent elevation of agricultural income in small rural properties and reduction of environmental impacts, contributes significantly to provide a suitable alternative to the reduction in the greenhouse gases emission`s, the risks of water and soil pollution, as well as the problems of storage costs. Nine region's producers were interviewed and examined for the presence of “esterqueiras”, waste production and energy consumption. The initial investment is worth R$ 64.974,06, which included the deployment of bio-digester and generator adapted for combustion of biogas. The return on investment will be approximately 3 years and could generate up to 22 KW/hour. Demonstrates the feasibility of deploying a biogas plant in the region studied.