Organic residuals for biogas
Biogas
Biogas is an example of renewable energy. The bio-digesters contain bacteria that convert organic materials into CH4 (methane) and CO2 (carbon dioxide). The combination of these two gases is known as biogas. AgriBioSource supplies residual flows – ranging from steamed carrot peels to beet tips – to bio-digester operators to increase gas yields. Furthermore, the residual heat of the largest digester in the Netherlands is used for valorising raw materials. We use this heat to dry various materials, such as potato granules, potato flakes and chicory pulp, after which we use these products for making petfood. The bio-digester operators ensure that rejected products that are not feed-quality are not just destroyed, but are used to generate energy.
Production of biogas
Plant-based raw materials are used to produce biogas. These materials are generally residual products that are released by the production processes of food and feed companies. Because during their growing season, the processed plants fix CO2 from the atmosphere (short-cyclic), the CO2 released during the combustion of the biogas or the valorisation of biogas into natural gas is not considered an added emission of greenhouse gases. This is in contrast to the combustion of fossil natural gas. In this case the CO2 was fixed millions of years ago (long-cyclic). When this gas is combusted, the CO2 that is released is considered an added emission of greenhouse gases.
