Economic and environmental evaluation of a rural biogas system.

This study analyses an agro-zootechnical system based on biomass. The focus is an assessment of the economics and environmental variables in order to underline the importance of waste materials. The biomass become a new raw material in a new productive process. Design/methodology/approach: The company analysed is in the Italian territory and owns a biomass cogeneration plant since the year 2012. The system provides the generation of energy for 2.052 MWh per year, which is translated in revenues for a value of about € 500.000,00. Findings: The company studied is an example of circular economy because the valorisation of the organic wastes contribute to the energy produced with renewable resources, by reducing the C02 emissions in the atmosphere. Originality/value: the study defines the importance of organic wastes reuse in a rural system.