3. Work program
3.4 Basics of Digestion of Specific (Problematic) Wastes
The work program has been developed on the basis of three actions:
1. Information collation on the actual interests and on-going programs in the
actual member states and in potential member states (pull effect)
2. Actual
trends in design and
development of new plants (P&D-installations) and
equipment (push effect).
3. Assist
participating and non-participating countries in adopting appropriate.
In
the following we will highlight a few topics to be treated during the next task.
However, the final choice of projects and the detailed POW (priorities) will be
set during the first Task meeting by the participating members.
Demonstration
of new developments and lessons learned (Success Stories).
The best method to improve deployment of the AD technology is to convince
decision makers with the description of outstanding projects.
Propagation of
biogas as a fuel for vehicles and follow-up of new gas upgrading processes.
The political development in most parts of the world tends towards
substitution of fossil fuels for reasons of economy and security of supply. The
rise in oil prices and the shortening of gas delivery has clearly enhanced the
interest in renewable fuels. This move has to be supported through information
and communication.
Plant user’s
network.
The Task has recognized that plant operators are faced with the same
technical and biological problems all over the world. Because there is no
international exchange of information on the level of application, plant users
often feel alone. The Task intends to establish a network among plant users and
provide consultation and training.
Collaboration
with industry and public international programs
A close collaboration between R&D and industry is the only guarantee that
the utilization of biogas will be successfully continued. The web-based
“Industry Forum” will be intensified. Task members will have to provide
information on behalf of industry.
Steady information of our activities through the internet and by News Flashes
Continuous
education and information for decision makers.
During the current triennium the Task has decided to create an educational tool
(power point presentation with description), which can be used by everybody
involved in teaching on either farm or engineering level. Out of this
information pool a special set of information for decision makers should be
established. Unfortunately, ExCo did not allow to use the strategic money.
However the project will be started during the next term.
International collaboration.
The collaboration with international networks and projects will be
maintained and extended (e.g. Cropgen, BiogasMax, Biofuel Cities, etc.)
Workshops.
Workshops and
meetings with operators, industry and decision makers will be organized
alongside the Task meetings
Research Exchange Seminar.
The first Seminar organized by the Task together with Cropgen has shown that the
exchange of ideas between the different research fields is extremely important
and urgent. At least one seminar will be organized by the Task. A close
collaboration with national programs (FNR, Haus der Zukunft, EnergieSchweiz,
TEKES, etc.) is planned.
Work program
Digestion
of energy crops.
Actually, all over the world experiments and field tests are done on the growth
and digestion of energy crops. The data reflect a wide variety. The
international expertise of Task 37 should be used to collect and compare the
different results and give explanations and interpretations of the differences.
The topic includes growth yields, harvesting, storage, gas yields, technology,
digestate use, economy, and environmental impacts. Interactions with Tasks 29
and 38 are planned.
Digestion of specific wastes.
Often, particular wastes like kitchen and restaurant waste, protein rich
industrial waste, etc. are very difficult to digest. Experience has been gained
but very little is published. Data will be collated and published to demonstrate
limits, bottlenecks, failures, and successfully operated plants.
Utilization of the digestate.
Possibilities of hygienisation: In most countries animal by-products have to
be sanitized before further utilization (e.g. EC 1774/2002). Information should
be specified how far AD can be accounted as part of the hygienisation process.
This includes characterization of raw materials and disinfections of transport
vehicles.
Digestate as fertilizer.
Data on benefits of digestate as a fertilizer should be presented in an easily
readable form understandable for non professional or academic persons. This
includes technologies for storage and application of digestate. Quality
assurance and labelling are important aspects we want to deal with.
Follow-up of biogas upgrading.
Fuel production from biogas has gained a large interest in all member countries.
Experience in upgrading should be demonstrated and new (cheaper) technologies
documented. Special focus will be brought to methane slip.
Work program