Repurposing harmful greenhouse emissions to generate sustainable electricity
Tapioca starch production is a large industry in Thailand. However, the starch production process produces great amounts of wastewater which, when stored in large open lagoons, produces the harmful greenhouse gas methane. This gas is not only damaging to the atmosphere but also creates an unpleasant smell in communities surrounding the starch factory.
To learn more about the Sustainable Development Goals verified by the standard for this project, please check the project's registry link above.
This project introduces an innovative system for capturing and repurposing methane emissions. By installing an anaerobic covered lagoon at an existing starch plant, methane is captured instead of emitted into the atmosphere. This methane can then be used as biogas and is combusted in the boiler for heat generation in the starch drying process and for powering the factory. The treated wastewater from the open lagoon is also reused in the factory.
This project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane and providing an alternative energy resource to the burning of fossil fuels. The construction and operation of the project have provided direct and indirect employment to the local community, providing capacity building to workers in the area. The recycling of treated wastewater promotes sustainability in the water supply while preventing groundwater shortages for local communities. The project also has positive impacts on the local environment by improving the air quality of the surrounding areas.
