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On Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, PEDAL Consulting, in collaboration with the Slovak Biogas Association, hosted the ALFA Regional Capacity-Building Seminar in Bratislava, Slovakia. The seminar, titled “Premeňte odpad na energiu: Možnosti a výzvy bioplynových staníc” or “Waste-to-Energy: Opportunities and Challenges of Biogas Plants,” focused on waste management and its role in the biogas sector. This event was part of the broader “,” a series of European events dedicated to promoting sustainable energy solutions, organised by the European Biogas Association, another ALFA partner.

A successful gathering of key stakeholders

The seminar was attended by 42 participants, bringing together several types of stakeholders from the biogas sector. Among the attendees were representatives from government departments, ministries, academia, researchers, biogas plant owners, technology providers, the energy sector, and non-profit organisations focused on bio-waste.

The PEDAL team, including Karolína Mendelová and Stanislava Drusková, presented the ALFA Project and its various activities. Their presentation highlighted the following:

  • Introduction of the ALFA project and its Engagement Platform.
  • Promotion of the 2nd Open Call for ALFA Support Services.
  • Invitation for participants to become ALFA mentors.
  • Announcement of upcoming events such as ALFA webinars and the project’s Mutual Learning Workshop in Poprad, Slovakia.

In-depth discussions on waste management and biogas

The seminar featured detailed presentations and discussions, providing a comprehensive overview of Slovakia’s bio-waste legislation and its application in biogas plants. Topics included:

  • The current status and challenges of biodegradable waste processing in biogas plants.
  • The use of digestate, a by-product of biogas production, and its agricultural benefits.
  • Regulations around the transport of bio-waste.
  • The permitting process for biogas plants.

Additionally, practical insights were shared on:

  • Supporting biomethane production by connecting to high-pressure pipelines.
  • Technologies for biodegradable waste treatment, including real-world examples.
  • The introduction of an online waste marketplace and other innovative solutions for bio-waste utilisation in biogas plants.

Engaging discussions and key takeaways

Each session concluded with an open panel discussion with meaningful conversations between speakers and participants. These discussions extended beyond the event, demonstrating the high level of engagement and interest in biogas-related topics.

Some of the key takeaways from the seminar include:

  • Biodegradable waste accounts for 40-50% of municipal waste, emphasising the need for biogas plants to focus on its processing.
  • Collaboration between biogas stations and composting plants is crucial for the efficient use of digestate, a natural fertiliser.
  • Proper application of digestate, particularly when combined with straw and subsurface methods, is essential for minimising negative impacts on agricultural fields.

 

 

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