Powering Agrifood: from food industry to green energy
Completion of 2 years of research
The Powering Agri-Food project, which started in December 2021, completes two years of international pioneering research on sustainable energy solutions for farms and food industry. The research focuses on reusing residual materials to make biofuels, generate additional income and reduce waste by deploying innovations in the agricultural food chain.
The agri-food value chain, which consists of multifarious companies ‘from field to food plate’ (Farm to Fork), is a global leader in product and process innovations. New technologies offer the sector opportunities to accelerate the energy transition while reducing its own energy costs and carbon footprint.
2 tracks of research
The theoretical research followed two tracks. On the one hand, it looked at how farmers, cooperatives and processing companies themselves can have an impact on local or regional energy systems. The various energy flows (biomass, solar and wind energy) available and needed offer unique opportunities for self-sufficiency or flexibility of the energy system within the sector – such as heat, power, fuel for agricultural vehicles and transport.
In addition, innovative energy techniques in the production process were investigated. The final goal of the research team is to find out how modern technology can be deployed in a (economically) successful way to provide access to clean energy to farmer cooperatives and agribusinesses around the world. This research involves locations in the Netherlands, India and Africa. The latter assume abundant available supply of ‘free’ renewable energy sources (solar, wind, water) compared to the Dutch scenario. The results of the theoretical research set the stage for further research in practical applications.
Agri-food residues for energy
Clean energy from Indian farms
In Kerala, India, a small-scale hydrogen hub is being investigated in converting rice husks and rubberwood waste into bio-hydrogen, pointing to potential economic benefits. Although bio-hydrogen could replace up to 15% of current hydropower in the region, the economic feasibility is still under further investigation.
A two-step treatment of rice husks has been tested to see if bio-hydrogen can be not only carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative. Model results show that primary biochar production followed by bio-hydrogen production can be an effective way to both improve soil quality and sequester carbon while providing a sustainable source of energy.
Strengthening small African communities
Biogas fuel cells are being tested in sub-Saharan Africa, which enable the generation of decentralised electricity. Despite higher installation costs, the system is efficient and has a payback period of about 6 years.
Sustainable energy from chicory
Chicory pulp, a challenging waste material due to its high moisture content, is being investigated for energy production through methods such as anaerobic digestion and supercritical water gasification (SCWG) in collaboration with Cosun. Both techniques have their own advantages in terms of efficiency, energy intensity and time investment and can be used for different applications depending on processing requirements.
Beer waste becomes energy
At Koningshoeven Abbey, beer waste from the La Trappe brewery is being considered for the production of biogas, which can then be used in a fuel cell to produce power and heat to support the brewing process. This conversion of waste to energy can all be done on site and can greatly improve the sustainability of the business.
Main conclusions
The results of Powering Agrifood were made by computer models, and these show high efficiency in converting farm waste into energy, but validation in practice is essential. Decentralised biogas and biohydrogen applications hold great promise for local communities and food processing plants. After theoretical evidence, further research focuses on practical solutions, economic feasibility and technical requirements.
About Powering Agri-Food
The research is fully funded by project partners from energy and agricultural industry and knowledge institutions and focuses on the energy system in the agricultural and food processing industry.
New Energy Coalition leads this collaboration with the University of Groningen, with support and input from TU Delft, Avans Hogeschool, EBN, NAM, iRCB, GasTerra, Gasunie, Cosun, Biosfera, Abdij Koningshoeven and Delta Agrifood Business.
