South West College hosted the first intensive training course of biogas within Ireland.

The three-day training event was held in the CREST Centre, Enniskillen, in conjunction with IBBK (German Biogas Organisation). The training was aimed at Biogas plant prospective operators and other professionals within the field.

The training attracted attendees from all over the world such as Ecuador, India, USA, Canada, Europe and the UK. 

The training was provided by experts from the UK and Germany; the trainers concentrated on the biological and mechanical aspects of the Anaerobic Digestion process. This included the breakdown of the anaerobic digestion process and information on feedback and advice on the pre-treatment systems. The training also educated those attending on starting up a biogas plant and how to optimise success and stability of the plant. 

Michael Kottner, Managing Director of IBBK and Chairman of the German Biogas and Bioenergy Society stated: “This was an excellent opportunity to combine the expertise of both IBBK and CREST to upskill the biogas sector in Ireland; we are fortunate to be able to utilise the CREST R&D facilities. which are equipped with modern biogas testing equipment.” 

The CREST Centre based in Enniskillen is the Centre for Renewable Energy and sustainable technologies it provides assistance for businesses in renewable energy, sustainability, environmental and construction industries.

The building itself is one of the most sustainable buildings in the UK and Ireland. It boasts a wide range of new laboratory testing equipment to service the biogas and biomass industries with the ability to manufacture and test biomass products. This enabled the attendees to receive a session within the laboratory to add practical experience to their training. The attendees had the opportunity to test the most common parameters in a biogas plant which enabled more accurate interpretation of laboratory results. 

During the three-day training, a plant visit was organised to view an operating biogas system on a farm processing 500kW biogas. Those attending were able to observe the system and discuss any questions with a knowledgeable plant operator. 

As Ireland is predominantly of an agriculture nature, biogas plants are becoming an essential means to generate income from natural waste materials into energy generation. Due to recent developments within the AD industry for the treatment of poultry litter, the UK and Ireland are making better use of this renewable energy source. 

The IBBK Intensive Training course was extremely informative and will be undoubtedly hosted again by CREST.