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Optimisation of food waste collection and conversion to renewable energy
The ValorGas approach encompassed all aspects of biogas production from food waste using the anaerobic digestion process. The main aim has been to achieve a stable digestion process with optimized systems for the collection of food waste and the beneficial use of process residues, set in the context of maximising the net energy gains from the system as a whole
Food waste makes up around 20% of the domestic waste stream in the EU, with approximately equal quantities arising from food manufacture and catering outlets: if food wastes from agro- and food industries are included an estimated total of 200 Mtonnes year-1 is available, with an organic dry matter (ODM) content of around 30%. Because of the high-water content of this material, the most effective way to gain energy from it is anaerobic digestion which can achieve methane yields of 400-450 m3 kg-1 ODM. The VALORGAS project explores the ways in which this energy potential can be realised through effective collection, pre-processing and optimisation of the fuel conversion technology, and considers how integration of these aspects with improvements to conversion efficiencies can maximise the net energy gains. The work expands fundamental knowledge of syntrophic anaerobic microbial interactions, and applies this to the manipulation of reactor conditions in order to achieve stable operating conditions at high loading rates and volumetric efficiencies. It considers methods of upgrading the gaseous fuel product to give an extended range of end user applications and of scales at which this technology can be exploited. The research takes into account issues of biosecurity when using this material, and quantifies the environmental benefits associated with nutrient recycling which can contribute significantly to indirect energy gains. The project combines techniques of waste audit, feasibility study, laboratory scientific investigation, technical-scale trials, plant monitoring, process modelling, life cycle assessment and energy footprinting in order to deliver recommendations for the valorisation with maximum benefit of this energy source as a second-generation biofuel
The global biomethane market size was valued at USD 2.08 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 3.76 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during this forecast period
CO2 sequestration and climate mitigation
Secondary source of revenue to farmers and waste collectors
Food waste collectors, Technology providers, End users (Bioenergy market)
Food waste
6
Valorgas
Anaerobic digestion
Biogas (bioenergy) and Digestate (biofertilizer)
NA
UK
2010
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