Determination of Biogas Potential of TR21 Region (Thrace) in Turkey

With the rapid population growth, the amount of waste generated is also increasing. Today, conventional methods used for waste disposal are not suitable for reusing these wastes in a way that will not harm the environment or obtain energy. In recent years, the energy values of wastes that may cause harmful effects on the environment have started to be taken into account and the tendency towards disposal methods that can generate energy are increasing. The Thrace Region is located in an important geographical region for Turkey, where the population is dense, industry, agriculture, and livestock activities are carried out together, and solid waste production with high energy potential is also high. In this study, the biogas potential in the Thrace Region was determined by considering animal wastes, vegetable wastes, sewage sludge, and kitchen wastes. While determining the biogas potential of the Thrace Region, the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) on a yearly basis were used. In this study, it was determined that the total biogas potential of 2010, 2015, and 2020 were 281.452 m3/day, 341.228 m3/day, and 358.153 m3/day, respectively. As a result, it was recommended for both the Thrace Region and our country to use biogas energy obtained by disposing of wastes both economically and ecologically, instead of depleting fossil fuels.