The waste management service provider Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P. is building our biogas plant in Buga. Photo: Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.
Model drawing of the finished biogas plant. The dome captures the methane produced during the decomposition of organic waste. Photo: Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.
Consultation of the local population at the end of November 2024. Photo: Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.
Delivery of the first machines for the biogas plant. Photo: Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.

Summary

Total savings :3,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year
Local environment :Avoidance of Methane emissions, Renewable energy generation, Improved soil quality by supplying important nutrients
Further advantages :Creating jobs through the collection, transportation and treatment of waste and the distribution of organic fertilizer
Project partners :Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.

Better waste disposal for Colombia

In Colombia, thousands of tons of organic waste are produced every day, for example from agriculture or food production. This waste is often either mixed with other waste and disposed of in landfills or stored in an uncontrolled manner. Thus, it decomposes under anaerobic conditions and releases methane – a greenhouse gas 27 times more harmful to the climate than CO₂. A sustainable alternative is to utilize this waste in biogas plants and make use of the resulting energy.

Clean energy and organic fertilizer for agriculture

atmosfair and its partner Hanke are planning the construction of several biogas plants in Colombia. In these plants, microorganisms decompose organic substances in the absence of oxygen and produce biogas. The latter is used to produce environmentally friendly electricity.

The by-product of fermentation is a nutrient-rich digestate that serves as a high-quality organic fertilizer. It improves the soil structure, increases water storage capacity and supports plant growth. For Colombian farmers, this fertilizer offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to chemical products.

atmosfair and Hanke create numerous new jobs for the local population through the operation of the biogas plants, including the collection logistics, as well as marketing and sale of the organic fertilizer.

Construction of the first pilot plant

atmosfair is supporting Hanke in building an initial pilot plant capable of converting up to 12 tons of agricultural and food waste into 1,800 m³ of biogas daily. This biogas is then utilized in two combined heat and power plants to produce environmentally friendly electricity.

In late November 2024, a consultation with the local community gathered feedback, including wishes and concerns, which will be integrated into the project’s further development. The pilot plant is set for completion in 2025, with gradual commissioning to follow. It is expected to reach full capacity by 2026, serving as a model for larger biogas plants in the region.

Our Partner

Hanke S.A.S.-E.S.P.  is a Colombian company specializing in the construction of biogas plants. Founded in 2018, it aims to develop regional solutions to tackle the global problem of organic waste and methane emissions.

Ihre Ansprechpartnerin bei atmosfair

Dr. Ute Werner
Project Manager
Chemist
+49 (0) 30 120 84 80 - 36