Growcom
Using banana waste as a fuel source
QSEIF Funding: $43,000 and $187,370
Project dates: 2005 and 2006
Project details
In their first QSEIF project, Growcom examined the suitability of using banana waste for biogas generation. Growcom then developed a commercial-scale demonstration of how biogas can be produced from banana waste and used on-farm to power machinery.
About the technology
The project included the construction of a 460,000 litre anaerobic digester, with the capacity to process 2500 tonnes of banana waste per annum and produce about 85,000 cubic metres of methane (with an energy content equivalent to about 80,000 litres of diesel fuel).
At this level of output the biogas could be used to continuously generate about 35 kilowatts of electrical power, or provide much of the fuel requirements for a fleet of about 100 gas-converted vehicles.
A 50 kilowatt spark-ignition engine-generator, fuelled directly on biogas from the digester, was used to produce electricity for use on-site. Sufficient power was generated to provide the base load for the packing shed.
Project status
Growcom are currently looking for additional funding to commercialise the biogas production unit. Growcom believe that that the technology will be especially useful on a small scale level, for example to generate power for vehicles and sheds.
Please consult the fact sheet (PDF, 164K)* for information regarding this project.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 28 October 2011