Abstract

This study aims to (1) examine the use of process innovation in biogas power plants utilizing palm oil mill effluent (POME) in Surat Thani Province; (2) investigate the outcomes of implementing process innovation in these biogas power plants; and (3) explore the strategic plans for scaling up process innovation among biogas power plant operators using POME in Surat Thani. This qualitative research collected data from nine biogas power plants, where interviewees were supervisors or managers with an average of 9.3 years of work experience. The sampled power plants had an average electricity generation capacity of 4.2 megawatts, an average operating duration of 12.9 years, and an average of nine employees per plant, with the number ranging from 6 to 14. The findings reveal that four power plants applied process innovation by mixing decanter cake with POME to enhance biogas production. This approach increased the average chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 70,000 mg/l to 100,000 mg/l. Consequently, the biogas yield increased by approximately 43% with the same volume of wastewater. Other plants in the sample are currently assessing potential drawbacks, particularly concerns about sedimentation in anaerobic digesters. In addition, innovations were adopted to improve the performance of bio-scrubbers, effectively reducing hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels in the treated biogas to below 50 ppm. This enhancement extended the service life of engine lubricants by approximately 67%, thereby lowering operational costs and increasing productivity. Regarding future plans, the power plants intend to continue innovating their production processes to further improve the efficiency of biogas power generation.