Biogas production and agro-energy districts in Sicily

Considering the ever growing importance of biogas production by means of the anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial biomasses, this paper sets out to survey the potential of livestock farms in Sicily. The aim is to evaluate the possibility of using them, within agro-energy districts, as collection and disposal centres for animal waste, as well as agricultural, food and household waste. This would allow a more profitable division of running costs for the plants, gaining a triple advantage from an energy, economic and environmental point of view.