Kornburi Wastewater Treatment: Biogas reduces Thailand's dependence on fossil fuels
The General Starch factory in Kornburi District produces tapioca starch from dried cassava that is grown by farmers in the region. This process creates vast amounts of wastewater which is stored in a series of open lagoons. The large size of these lagoons and the warm temperature creates perfect conditions for the breakdown of organic compounds in the wastewater. This produces large amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, which is known to contribute to global warming.
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The existing process has been modified into a closed loop system that captures the methane emissions and uses them to generate heat and electricity for the factory. The project not only reduces GHG emissions by avoiding the release of methane into the atmosphere, but also by reducing fossil fuel consumption.
The treatment process has improved wastewater quality, so that the water can now be reused in the factory for washing the cassava, saving precious local groundwater resources. The new technology has improved local air quality as it reduces the unpleasant odour and noxious emissions from the lagoons.
