BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT96-2083 - Anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial wastes: information network AD-NETT

FAIR-CT96-2083
Anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial wastes: information network AD-NETT

Contacts
Website: www.ad-nett.org
Further Information

To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
Agricultural Residues : Biological Conversion : Enviromental Aspects : FAIR Area 1.1 - Biomass and Bioenergy Chain : Liquid Biofuels and Biogas

	Type of Project	Concerted Action
	Contract No	FAIR-CT96-2083
	Total Cost	497,400 ECU
	EC Contribution	497,400 ECU
	Start Date	01/02/1997
	Duration	36 Months

Anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial wastes: information network - AD-NETT

Background

Waste biomass from farming and food-industries, such as slurries and the organic waste from food processing, can present a considerable waste disposal problem. Release of large quantities of organic wastes into local watercourses or sewage into ground water results in pollution. To prevent this occurring, the wastes need to be treated and stored in a suitable manner. One method of treatment is microbial degradation under anaerobic conditions. This technique has been applied to agricultural wastes worldwide, often on a small scale. Treating the waste using anaerobic digestion (AD) shows environmental benefits as well as producing an energy source in the form of biogas, an inflammable gas. This can easily be used to generate electricity and heat. The potential benefits from on-farm and local use include sparing of fossil fuels and provision of energy within rural communities.

There is significant interest in AD for waste treatment in many countries, both within and outside the EU. In countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Austria and Switzerland there are many examples of codigestion of farm manure with other suitable organic wastes in prefabricated digesters.

Objectives

To form an network focusing on anaerobic digestion for agro-industrial wastes to enable exchange of information and experience and to disseminate this information to relevant organisations, such as potential users and developers.

Technical approach

Establish a European network of experts to share experiences on the AD of agro-industrial wastes.
Examine barriers to the implementation of AD and suggest how these might be overcome.
Identify key research and development problems and assist in the direction of future research activities by the EU and Member States.
Examine environmental impacts of AD of agro-industries and compare them with traditional disposal practice.
Publish the results of the AD-Nett to interested groups and those interested in the use or purchase of AD technology.
Make a state-of-the-art book based on the results
Produce a database of sites and contacts, and establish a Web-site on the Internet to promote the findings and obtain feedback.

Each participant in AD-Nett is responsible for disseminating the information within their own country. To assist this work technical summaries on key areas and articles on the latest developments will be produced. In addition each partner will establish a network of interested organisations within their own country to assist in the dissemination of the information produced. This national network will include contacts in the agro and food industries, the AD-industry, researchers etc.

Results to Date

Web site on the Internet, http://www.ad-nett.org
Technical summary sheets from each country
Collecting information for the state-of-the-art book
Database on biogas plants in Europe
Seminars, national and European level, and mini-training courses

Agro-industrial wastes at an anaerobic digestion plant.

Anaerobic digestion plant.

Contacts

Coordinator

Herning Kommunale DENMARK

Participant