Investigating the Potential for Biogas Production from Animal Manure in Zonguldak Province

Global population growth and technological developments have led to a rapid increase in energy demand and intensification of animal food production. Meeting the growing energy demand largely with fossil fuels raises environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. In addition, animal waste from intensive livestock farming activities aimed at meeting food demand is further exacerbating environmental problems. Biogas produced from animal waste will not only reduce the environmental pollution caused by these wastes but also contribute to meeting energy needs as a significant renewable energy source. In this study, the biogas potential that can be produced from animal waste was theoretically calculated using the Agro-Waste method, based on animal numbers obtained from the 2024 data of the Zonguldak Directorate of Provincial Agriculture and Forestry. The results indicate that the biogas production potential from animal waste in Zonguldak province is estimated at 22.69 million m³. This amount is equivalent to approximately 106.65 GWh of electrical energy, 26.78 million m³ of natural gas energy, and 113.46 × 10⁹ kcal of thermal energy. Based on these results, utilizing the existing biogas potential for electricity generation is expected to provide approximately 276.27 million TL in economic savings. Additionally, this initiative is anticipated to prevent the release of 46819.35 tons of CO2- equivalent greenhouse gases into the environment. The biogas plant to be established in Zonguldak will reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by converting animal waste into clean energy and organic manure and will revitalize the rural economy by creating jobs.