On November 14, 2024, biogas experts and other types of stakeholders gathered online for ALFA’s 2nd capacity building webinar exploring the benefits, challenges, and technologies in bio-waste utilisation within biogas plants, organised by PEDAL Consulting in collaboration with Sustainable Innovations.
This second issue in the ALFA webinar series focused on the opportunities and hurdles in converting biodegradable waste into energy. Participants explored innovative waste-processing technologies and practical strategies for using bio-waste as feedstock in biogas plants.
Key Presentations and Highlights
Introducing the ALFA Project
Stanislava Drusková and Karolína Mendelová from PEDAL Consulting kicked off the event by presenting ALFA’s current activities and objectives. They spotlighted the ongoing open call for biogas projects, running until January 17, 2024, through which ALFA project partners will offer free business and technical support to the awardees of the call.
Opportunities and Challenges of Biogas Plants
Dávid Kančo, Secretary General of the Slovak Biogas Association, and ALFA Advisory Board Member, provided a detailed overview of bio-waste utilisation, including:
- Benefits: Enhanced energy yields from feedstocks like bakery waste, fats, and meat by-products.
- Challenges: Financial hurdles, stricter waste quality standards, and EU legislative impacts favoring biomethane production.
- Key Insights: The pressing need for more biogas plants and competitive solutions to optimise raw material usage.
Technological Solutions for Biodegradable Waste
Ondřej Frič, Sales Director at agriKomp Bohemia, presented cutting-edge technologies for bio-waste treatment, focusing on:
- Dry and wet fermentation methods with practical case studies.
- Operational challenges and financial considerations for biogas plants in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
- Real-world applications converting bio-waste to electricity and biomethane.
Engaging Discussions
The webinar concluded with an interactive session addressing critical topics, including:
- The profitability of using food waste in biogas plants.
- Economic models for waste processing, including cost-sharing mechanisms.
- Optimal production choices between electricity and biomethane for manure-based feedstocks.
Key Takeaways
- Upgrading biogas plants is essential for sustainability and efficiency.
- Bakery, kitchen, and restaurant waste are promising feedstocks for cost-effective energy production.
- Biogas plants offer a sustainable, long-term waste management solution.
- Flexible energy production is key to improving energy security and reliability.
Watch the Webinar
Missed the event? Catch the full recording on the ALFA YouTube channel: Watch here.
Stay tuned for more events in the ALFA project webinar series as we continue exploring innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
