Abstract
Biogas production from animal manure offers many environmental, agricultural, energy security, and social-economic benefits. The growth of biogas from animal manure in Lithuania is limited. Currently, there are only 10 biogas plants in operation that have been installed on large-scale pig farms. This study aimed to evaluate development opportunities for biogas production from animal manure in Lithuania. In order to achieve this aim, the total amount of animal manure generated in the country over the last year was estimated and the views and opinions on biogas production from animal manure of Lithuanian large-scale livestock farmers and representatives of agricultural holdings were investigated by conducting a survey. The total amount of animal manure in Lithuania was estimated to be 11.4 million tonnes in 2017. The results of the survey revealed that the level of awareness of biogas technology and economy, and support schemes for biogas among the potential biogas plant operators was low. The possibility to produce the own energy and complaints by local residents about animal manure management were identified as the main motives for installing biogas system on farms. The belief that investment is needed to solve some other problems on farms was found as the major obstacle for installing biogas system on farms.
Gapšys, A.; Eičaitė, O.; Dabkienė, V.; Mikelionytė, D. 2018. Development opportunities for biogas production from animal manure in Lithuania. Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development. Vol 18, Issue 4, p. 113–120, online ISSN 2285-3952, print ISSN 2284-7995; [Web of Science Core Collection (Emerging Sources Citation Index - THOMSON REUTERS); CopernicusICV 2013: 6.64; DOAJ; CABI; Ulrich's Periodicals Directory; Google Scholar; PBN (Polish Scholary Bibliography); OCLC (WorldCat); SCIPIO; Citefactor; Research Bible].