Status: Ongoing
Large scale anaerobic digesters are a proven renewable energy technology that is increasing in popularity around the world, but small- community size digesters are not being implemented at the same rate, especially in northern climates. Balance Biogas is a new Yukon business specializing in anaerobic digestion technology. They built a prototype anaerobic digester in Whitehorse, Yukon in 2020.
Project description
Because of the Yukon’s colder and darker winter climate, it costs more to operate an anaerobic digester. The purpose of this project was to develop a model using the data from the prototype and other sources to determine the economic feasibility of a small-scale digester in the Yukon. The overall model goal is to determine the profit breakeven point using (1) revenues generated from the sale of methane gas produced from the digester and collection of material to input into the system, and (2) costs used to build and operate the system. Building upon the model we developed during the 2021-2022 academic year, our future research plans would be to incorporate two more variables into the model (a incinerator and carbon tax credits). The hope is to increase the feasibility of a digester operating in a Yukon environment. An incinerator would help to reduce the local growing waste stream (both in costs and material), as well as supply heat to help the digester operate. The carbon tax credits will aid in the Canadian/Yukon ‘go green’ initiative. Both of these variables will require further research. The outcomes of the research will be a written report as well as an excel model. The revised model will be essential for the industry partner to secure additional funding. As well as aid in determining their financial breakeven point.
Project team
Dr. Lisa Kanary, Project Lead, School of Business and Leadership
Partners and funders
Balance Biogas
MITACS
YukonU Scholarly Activity Grant