Youth creativity and innovation play a key role in shaping a sustainable future. Young people worldwide, including those in our local communities, are increasingly taking the lead in finding solutions to the environmental challenges of modern society. Their ability to devise new approaches and technologies contributes to the creation of sustainable solutions that address the urgent needs of our planet.
A source of pride for Aleksinac and all of Serbia is the team of young researchers, Metanci, who recently won first place at a hackathon with an idea promoting methane as a solution for generating electricity, maintaining a system of free public transport, and supporting commercial activities in Aleksinac.
The team, consisting of Milica, Jana, Sara, Petar, and Dimitrije, presented a solution that combines environmental and economic benefits, catching the jury’s attention and securing their place at the regional conference in Sofia.
In their presentation, the Metanci explained that methane is produced through the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter and is a primary component of natural gas. This gas can be used to generate electricity, heat, and fuel vehicles. While methane has its drawbacks, such as its negative impact on the ozone layer and high flammability, its proper use can be crucial for sustainable development.
Aleksinac is known as a mining town, and many mining accidents have been caused by methane. This reality motivated the Metanci team to focus on researching better ways to use and store this gas. Their idea involves placing containers for organic waste throughout the town, which would be composted and used to produce methane in biogas generators.
“When organic waste is composted, the decomposition process under controlled conditions allows methane to be produced as a byproduct. Then, biogas generators use a process called anaerobic digestion to produce methane. The good news is that, currently, projects under the sponsorship of the European Union are being carried out to supply municipalities with biogas plants,” explained team member Jana Stošić.
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Innovative Use of Methane for Sustainable Development
The Metanci team proposes several key ways to use the methane produced. A portion would be used as fuel, enabling the municipality of Aleksinac to fund the purchase of eco-friendly biogas-powered buses through the sale of the fuel. These buses would reduce pollution and provide free transportation for residents, addressing the problem of a lack of public transport in the area.
Another part of the production from biogas plants would be used as natural fertilizer, supporting agriculture in the municipality, which has as many as 70 villages. This would enable the production of food without the use of pesticides, improving the quality of life for the local population.
Finally, the third part of the methane would be used to supply thermal power plants, allowing them to remain operational even after the mines are closed. By using methane in cogeneration processes, it is possible to simultaneously produce heat and electricity, which would increase energy efficiency.
Prepared by Milena Maglovski
Read the whole story in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine ENERGY TRANSITION
