Investigation and evaluation of biogas potential from animal waste in Nevşehir province

With the acceleration of global population growth and technological advancements, the continuous increase in energy demand necessitates the transition toward alternative energy sources. Renewable energy resources are considered a direct alternative to conventional energy production methods due to their non-traditional nature, contributions to energy conservation, and environmentally friendly characteristics. This study is based on the premise that a portion of Turkey's energy needs could be met through biogas energy, and accordingly, it investigates the biogas potential derived from animal waste in the province of Nevşehir and its districts. Using data obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) on cattle, small ruminants, and poultry populations in Nevşehir, calculations were carried out employing an appropriate method selected from the literature. As a result of the district-level analyses, it was determined that the total amount of collectable usable manure in Nevşehir province is 1,438,299.3 tons/year, the total biogas potential is 40,114.885 m³ CH₄/year, and the total electricity generation potential is 140,402.0 MWh/year. Furthermore, in the subsequent phase of the study, the distribution of the total electricity generation potential across the districts of Nevşehir was examined. Taking into account the geographical locations of the districts, a suitable model for the establishment of biogas plants was proposed. In this model, the locations of five proposed biogas plants, their installed capacities, and installation costs were analyzed and evaluated.