Grass residues as raw material for biogas production
The final report Van Gras Naar Gas was drawn up by New Energy Coalition, Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen, OLEC, 3N Kompetenzzentrum and other organizations from the Netherlands and Germany. The aim of this project was to investigate the feasibility of grass digestion for biogas production and to analyze innovative technologies that more effectively utilize agricultural waste streams.
The project was co-funded by the Interreg program and included both technical research and networking. This final report provides not only technical insights but also legal, economic, and practical recommendations for entrepreneurs in the agriculture and energy sectors.
Featured Insights
1. Availability and quality of grass streams
- Analysis of roadside grass, natural grass, ditch cuttings, silage grass and straw.
- Variation in methane yield and suitability by species.
2. Technological requirements for grass digestion
- Comparison of pretreatment methods such as Methaplanet, Cross-flow Grinder, Ball Mill and Artificial Rumen Reactor (ARR).
- Recommendation of a mesophilic Plug Flow Reactor for dry co-digestion of grass and manure.
3. Innovations for increased efficiency
- The fermolysis process with ARR, Trickle Bed Reactor (TBR) and digestate electrolysis increases the methane yield and makes optimal use of residual flows.
- Hydrogen from ammonia electrolysis supports CO₂ conversion to additional CH₄.
4. Legal frameworks in the Netherlands and Germany
- Permitting requirements for co-fermentation, transport and use of biogas as fuel.
- Information about regulations such as the Environmental Activities Decree (Bal), Natura 2000, EEG and BImSchV.
5. Economic analysis
- Detailed calculation of investment and operating costs.
Grass digestion for biogas
Grass digestion for biogas is more than just a technical option—it offers farmers the prospect of energy autonomy, a reduction in fossil fuel use, and closing cycles on their farm. Thanks to innovative techniques like ARR and TBR, methane production can be increased while simultaneously reducing emissions and valorizing residual flows.
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