Anaerobic Digestion: Decision Support Software: Decision Making Tool to Evaluate Technical, Economic and Environmental Aspects of Ad Plants Development in Ireland

Animal wastes are a significant environmental concern in countries such as Ireland, where meat production activities are an important sector of the national economy. The purpose of this work is to develop a decision support system (DSS) for policy makers to evaluate technical, economic and environmental aspects of anaerobic digestion development in Ireland. The approach involves the production of a livestock and abattoir national database and the development of an algorithmic data- model which allows estimation of the biogas potential production in a given area. This algorithmic approach is supported by a technical, economic and environmental analysis of the technology. Part of the model is a site selection model that helps identify suitable areas for anaerobic digestion plants. The aim is the proposal of a successful method of animal waste management matched with biogas production for means of transport.