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Projektteam BioRED vor dem Biogas-Reformer der TU Bergakademie Freiberg
Projektteam BioRED mit Prof. J. Kapischke; HS Ansbach, A. Himmelstoß; AEV Energy, E. Ferchau; TUBAF, J. Fichtner; HS Ansbach, J. Ninow; HS Ansbach, Prof. H. Krause; TUBAF (v.l.n.r.)

On 21 November 2024, the partners AEV Energy GmbH, the Department of Gas and Heat Technology at the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF), the Gas Engine Technology working group of the Biomass Institute at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences and the Agrargenossenschaft "Bergland" Clausnitz e. G. met to sign the cooperation agreement and for the first planning meeting as part of the BioRED project.G. for the signing of the cooperation agreement and the first planning meeting as part of the BioRED project in the Lampadius Building on the TU Bergakademie Freiberg campus. This project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) with a total of one million euros as part of the FNR programme "Sustainable Renewable Resources" and aims to support the sustainable production and use of renewable resources such as biomass. The project will run for three years until 31 August 2027.

Objective of the project

Professor Hartmut Krause from the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg formulated the main objective of BioRED: "We need to ensure the continued operation of existing biogas plants with optimised carbon dioxide reduction that makes sense both economically and ecologically. In particular, we want to focus on plants that process a high proportion of agricultural residues such as liquid manure and biowaste." These plants face the challenge that their remuneration under the Renewable Energy Sources Act will expire in the near future. As part of the joint project, practical solutions are being developed to optimise the continued operation of existing biogas plants in agriculture. In particular, the focus is on the cost-efficient and flexible production of biomethane and electricity, which not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also increases the utilisation options for biogas production.

Technological approaches

Biogas is produced by fermenting liquid manure and residual and waste materials. This process can reduce emissions of methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia by up to 80 per cent. The biogas produced consists mainly of carbon dioxide and methane, the latter being known as biomethane, and has the potential to replace natural gas. A key aim of the project is to develop a cost-effective membrane plant for separating biomethane and a usable carbon dioxide-rich gas. This enables the flexible utilisation of both material flows: Biomethane as a clean fuel for vehicles and as a substitute for natural gas in heating systems, and the carbon dioxide-rich gas, possibly together with biogas, for electricity and heat production in combined heat and power plants. Managing Director Alfons Himmelstoß from AEV Energy GmbH knows: "The development and implementation of new, innovative technologies are crucial for the future of biogas plant operators. Cost-efficient and reliable solutions enable us to meet the challenges of the energy transition while minimising our environmental impact."

Importance for agricultural cooperatives and biogas plant operators

The agricultural cooperative "Bergland" Clausnitz e.G. is showing great interest in continuously reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. Significant reductions can be achieved through the increased use of liquid manure in biogas plants. This model is intended to set an example for similar farms in Germany and abroad. "Through our cooperation in this project, we not only want to reduce our own emissions, but also make a contribution to the sustainable development of agriculture," emphasises Kerstin Pahlke, CEO of the Bergland Clausnitz agricultural cooperative.

Conclusion

The BioRED project represents an important step towards a sustainable energy supply and is supported by the BMEL in order to develop innovative technologies to optimise biogas plants. "The close cooperation between science and industry is crucial to the success of this initiative," says Professor Jörg Kapischke from Ansbach University of Applied Sciences.

Research