Abstract:
In this study, it was aimed to determine the potential for energy production from biogas in Konya
and to draw the attention of public opinion about the importance of generalization of biogas utilization
in terms of both environment and energy recovery. In our research, biogas recovery was calculated
depending on the number of available bovine, ovine and poultry indicated in Agriculture Master Plan
of Konya by Ministry of Agriculture and Regional Affairs in 2004 as well as the potential of arable
crops grown in Konya. As a result of this research, it was determined that totally 121,919,955.5
m3/year biogas could be obtained from agricultural products together with animal organic substances
in Konya city. When this biogas (121,919,955.5 m3/year) is evaluated instead of petroleum utilization,
it was determined that CO2 emission will be reduced in an amount of 316,991,884.3 kg/year. In
Konya, it was also indicated that totally 2,343,332.1 tons/year fertilizers including 1,157,220 tons/year
fertilizer from bovines, 925,998.5 tons/year fertilizer from ovine and 260,113.59 tons/year fertilizer
from poultry can be obtained. Both chemical fertilizer utilizations will be significantly reduced and
efficiency in agriculture will be improved by using this kind of fertilizer in agriculture. When the
electrical energy equivalence (kWh/day) of biogas was calculated, it was determined that 1,444,563.8
kWh/day electrical energy saving will be supplied which includes 491,737.5 kWh/day from bovine,
691,576.8 kWh/day from ovine and 261,249.5 kWh/day from poultry. Approximately 16,003 m3
methane gas will be obtained from barley, wheat, corn straw as well as clover, sainfoin and vetch in
Konya. Since 1 m3 methane gas is enough for cooking of a five-member family, the cooking need of
around 16,000 families a day will be met by this potential. When animal potential and agricultural area
in our country are taken into consideration, it’s apparent that there will be many benefits in terms of
sustainable ecological balance, economical income and clean energy recovery by generalizing the
biogas plants especially in rural areas.