EU project targets energy from food waste

New Milton, UK – Eco-Solids International is set to commence tests for the EU-funded VALORGAS programme that will examine the potential for biogas production when pre-treating food waste for anaerobic digestion (AD) feedstock.

Led by the University of Southampton, with 13 international partners under the EU’s 7th Framework Programme Energy theme, VALORGAS is exploring ways in which energy potential can be realised through effective collection, pre-processing and optimisation of fuel conversion technology.

The Euro3.5m, 42-month R&D programme also considers how integration of these aspects with improving conversion efficiencies can maximise net energy gains.

Dr Peter Barratt, Eco-Solids’ sales, marketing and IP manager, said: “VALORGAS is an excellent project for us to play our part in, with the University of Southampton at the heart of a programme that brings together a group of very dynamic organisations.

“We have made a major breakthrough with our pre-treatment, biogas-enhancing Cellruptor technology at Yorkshire Water’s Esholt plant, and we are equally keen to deliver net energy gains to food waste projects”.

As well as exploring ways to enhance renewable energy from food waste, Eco-Solids’s laboratory-scale tests at the University of Southampton will also look at increasing the processess’ pathogen kill.

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