Utilization of lignocellulose-rich substrates for biogas and fiber, or cellulose extraction using innovative processes
Topic
The use of fiber-rich residues is increasingly in the political spotlight. According to the key points of the announced “National Biomass Strategy,” the material utilization of residues should be prioritized over energy use in the future. One possibility for the material utilization of fiber-rich residues is their use as a peat substitute. Peat is used to produce growing substrates for both commercial horticulture and hobby gardening, whereby commercial substrates consisting of over 70% peat in Germany. According to the Climate Protection Program 2030, peat should be replaced as far as possible by substitutes, as peat extraction requires the drainage of wetlands. Both drainage and peat extraction are generated CO2 emissions. To successfully establish a substitute and reduce peat extraction, the substitute must possess similar properties to peat. Through an innovative bioeconomic process, the fibers from the residues should be processed to serve as a peat substitute. Simultaneously, the byproducts generated during this processing should be used for energy purposes.
Goals
The project aims to utilize fiber-rich residues for both material and energy purposes. Thermochemical hydrolysis will be used to produce both a suitable peat substitute and biogas from a two-stage biogas plant, with the aim of achieving a largely neutral energy balance. To achieve this, the influence of the process parameters in the thermochemical hydrolysis and the biogas plant on the properties of the peat substitute and its biogas potential will be investigated.
