Using the highest process temperature possible is a clear advantage in anaerobic digestion. The bacteria facilitating the biogas production have a higher activity level the higher the temperature.

This makes thermophilic (48°C – 52°C) biogas production more efficient with more biogas produced at any given retention time.

Should we always run a biogas plant at thermofilic temperature? No! The optimal temperature for a given plant depends on the biomasses used. Nitrogen and Ph value determines the process temperature.

Research into anaerobic digestion suggests that optimum temperature for mesophilic bacterias is around 37°C and around 52°C for thermophilic bacteria. Empirical data for existing anaerobic digestion plants strongly indicates that gas production continues steadily from the mesophilic stage to the thermophilic. Xergi runs several biogas plants in the temperature range between 37°C and 52°C.