[Ryan]

Hey! At least in the US, several developers have, or currently are, developing poultry litter projects. Some of these companies include DVO, GESS, Eagle Green Energy, Agro Development Partners, and Green Energy Solutions.

One of the main challenges of poultry litter is its high nitrogen content, which requires additional steps for removal in gas pretreatment stages

[Fabian]

you need to watch the N/C ratio carefully

[Peter]

The challenges of poultry waste biogas systems are typically around excess ammonia, excess grit, and managing salt. Possible strategies can include:

– codigestion with watery feedstocks;

-codigestion with carbon rich feedstocks; and

-sidestream ammonia removal.

Ammonia is very concentrated in chicken manure and ammonia causes digester upset by inhibiting methanogens. For more on a ammonia check out our video on the topic – https://youtu.be/xva-OzOGFHg?si=SCxZ3K7hXRtWze6c

[Ryan]

The type of farm and existing waste management system also need to be considered (the physical/mechanical part). As noted, poultry liter presents a unique set of challenges that need to be managed for optimal gas production (the chemistry part), but without consideration to the existing waste management system on the farm and what changes maybe needed, it ultimately won’t matter that the chemistry can be optimized, if the cost to change the physical/mechanical is too great.

[Graham]

I agree with all the comment thus far. High ammonia levels are prohibitive for biogas production. High total solids content which may need a lot of water. Some bedding materials are not great in terms of digestibility.

[Natalia Bourenane]

Thank you for your input Graham. Great to have your confirmation.