Biogas from "Shochu" Liquor Lees

A unique technology is being pursued by Energia Economic and Technical Research Institute of Chugoku Electric Power in Hiroshima prefecture.

Firstly the institute makes supercritical water under high temperature and pressure. Then the water is made to react to lees from Japanese liquor Shochu in order to resolve the lees into combustible gases like methane, CO2, and inorganic solid. The gases are taken out from them and will be used as fuel.

As compared to popular methane fermentation, it takes less time. And no lees remain after the process.

Source:
Denki Shinbun: 2013/04/12
http://www.shimbun.denki.or.jp/news/energy/20130412_02.html