The technology of biogas permits the exploitation of the wastes of farms and the biomass deriving from the agricultural sector for the production of electrical and thermal energy. Thanks to the anaerobic fermentation of these elements, it is also possible to modify the quality of the nitrogen into that which can subsequently be redistributed into nature in the form of natural fertilisers.
Presently biogas plants are still little widespread in our Country due to the considerable environmental impact of the plants and their high cost: in fact these are often only accessible to large farms (not so numerous in Italy), or otherwise to consortia of farms.
In addition, once a large plant is started up it must be fed by a large quantity of wastes. When these are not sufficient it is necessary to turn also to vegetable biomass.
In the last few years the decrease in the price of food products has caused a contraction in the cultivation of certain products such as soya, sorghum or corn. Biogas may constitute a solution for exploiting similar harvests as fuel rather than alimentary raw materials.
