This research is crucial for advancing the circular economy and achieving the European climate targets for 2030.
We study various biomass sources, including:
- Organic food waste
- Residual waste from forestry and agriculture
- Side streams from the processing industry
- Municipal wastewater
- Animal manure
- Municipal and industrial waste
To mitigate climate change, the research emphasizes replacing fossil carbon with renewable "green" carbon derived from photosynthesis. In order to maximize the utilization of the biomass, reduce emissions and create value, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of different biomass types, as well as pre-treatment and processing methods.
Studies show that dry organic waste, such as industrial waste fractions or mixed waste fractions, has a high heating value and a low content of fossil carbon. Replacing coal or other fossil fuels with solid recovered fuel (SRF) or refuse-derived fuel (RDF) can significantly reduce net CO2 emissions from industrial plants.
URGENT has experts in biochemical, chemical and thermochemical conversion of biomass working on design and testing of different experimental processes. In addition, advanced modelling, simulation and validation techniques are used to optimize these processes. For example, we are exploring the use of biomass and waste in anaerobic digestion to methane as well as gasification to produce biofuels and biochemicals.
