Pomegranate shells – options for energy generation from the waste

Pomegranate shell constitutes a major part (by weight) of the fruit and comes out as waste after the processing of the fruit. Experiments were conducted to assess the biomethanation potential of the waste. The pomegranate shells were not found suitable as substrate for biomethanation. The biogas production recorded was 67 litres/kg TS with 38% methane only. Alternatively, briquetting of this waste was tried which yielded very good results. The details of both the options for handling pomegranate waste are discussed in the paper.