The role of food production in the energy system
On December 1st, Professor Aravind PV of the University of Groningen (RUG) will begin the two-year research project "Powering Agrifood." The research, with a total budget of €200.000, is fully funded by project partners from the energy and agricultural industries and knowledge institutions and focuses on the energy system in the agricultural and food processing industries. Because the sector is inherently highly innovative, it is expected that significant gains can be made in terms of energy efficiency and the application of new technologies.
Powering Agrifood
The agri-food value chain, which consists of diverse companies 'from field to plate' (Farm to Fork), is a global leader in product and process innovation. New technologies offer the sector opportunities to accelerate the energy transition while simultaneously reducing its own energy costs and CO2-reduce footprint.
Energy-efficient La Trappe beer
The research follows two tracks. On the one hand, it examines how farmers, cooperatives, and processing companies themselves can impact local or regional energy systems. The various energy flows (biomass, solar, and wind) that are available and needed offer unique opportunities for self-sufficiency or flexibility within the sector's energy system – think of heat, electricity, fuel for agricultural vehicles, and transport.
In addition, the use and potential of innovative energy technologies in the production process are being investigated. For example, a biogas fuel cell is being deployed at Koningshoeven Abbey, where the Trappists brew La Trappe beer. Initially, the research team will convert the residues from the brewing process and the associated water purification into electricity and heat for the brewery. Because the chosen technology is flexible, other conversions, such as hydrogen production from renewable energy, are also being tested.
The research team's ultimate goal is to understand how modern technology can be successfully deployed (economically) to provide access to clean energy to farmer cooperatives and agro-industrial companies worldwide.
Project partners
The project is fully funded by the project partners: EBN, GasTerra, Gasunie, NAM, Royal Cosun, Abbey of Our Lady of Koningshoeven, Delta Agrifood Business, Biosfera foundation, iRCB Ltd., Delft University of Technology, University of Groningen and AVANS University of Applied Sciences and New Energy Coalition. More information about the project can be found on the webpage