Name:
Biogas Strem Errichtungs- und Betriebs GmbH & Co KG

Location (settlement, country):
Strem, Austria

Brief description of the technology:
The Biogas Strem Errichtungs- und Betriebs GmbH & Co KG has been operating the 500kW biogas installation, constructed next to the biomass unit, since November 2004. The facility produces both electric and heat energy from renewable energy sources, like grass, clover, maize and sunflower. The heat energy produced is transmitted over the local district heating network and the electric energy is feed into the local electric grid (BEWAG).

The installation of the biogas facility in Strem had been a significant step in the field of biogas technology developments and operates both as a research and demonstration unit with the scientific support of GET (Güssing Energy Technologies).

The fermentation takes place in two round tanks made of ferroconcrete. The capacity of each fermenter is 1.500 m³. Enough heat insulation and an integrated heating system allow optimal terms besides the automatically feeding for the production of biogas. The liquid thin is pumped over a siphon pipe into the first fermenter.

The paddles are installed for the homogenization of the substrate and convey the discharge of the gas out of the substrate.

The produced gas flows to the gasholder of the second fermenter where it is cleaned with the help of bacteria. Afterwards the gas flows over a pipe underground to the block heating station.

Why is it a „Best practice”:
The main advantages of the biogas station are high comfort, low energy costs, a funded connection fee, heating with optimal efficiency, stable energy prices, local production of heat with added value for the community as money remains in the region and a close relationship is established between the heat supplier and customers.

By implementing energy saving measures it was possible to reduce the community’s heat and electricity demand, without reducing comfort. In addition with the district heating plant where a 1 MW biomass boiler is under operation, and the biogas plant with an electrical output of 500 kW and a thermal output of 600 kW, 5.220 MWh/a heat and 4.350 MWh/a electricity are generated annually. Around 250.000 liters per annum of fuel oil can be replaced thereby saving 1.500 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

Possibility for a visit or guided tour (yes / no):
Yes, in cooperation with the ökoEnergieland and the European Centre of Renewable Energies (EEE) it is possible to manage a guided tour to the Biogas plant Strem.

Furthermore also other demonstration plants can be visited in the area of Güssing like the district heating plant, photovoltaic plant as well as the worldwide unique biomass plant in Güssing. EEE is organising guided tours for a different spectrum of interest groups.

Public awareness-raising is another dimension that has very effectively been addressed. Visitors can join the first Burgenland biogas ‘theme walk’ to get a first hand impression of local developments and the impact of ‘ökoEnergieland’.

Contact:
Biogas Strem Errichtungs- und Betriebs GmbH & Co KG
Mr. Siegfried Legath
Feldgasse 27,
A-7522 Strem
Austria

Tel: +43 3322 9010 8500 0
Fax: +43 3322 9010 850 12

Website:
www.oekoenergieland.at
www.eee-info.net

Full document

Related technology:
Maize silage production
Grass production
Clover production
Sunflower production