Exploring Economic Viability and Market Development of Products from Anaerobic Digestion (EXPAND)

Project Description

The anaerobic digestion (AD) industry is emerging, spurred by the Climate Action Plan's target of 5.7 TWh of biomethane production by 2030. This requires the construction of up to 200 AD plants. Beyond energy production, AD is recognised as a pivotal technology in the wider bioeconomy. The process generates digestate, a nutrient-rich biofertiliser that can reduce emissions in the agricultural sector. However, careful management of digestate and nutrient application will be needed as the industry expands. Biogas is comprised of both methane and biogenic CO2. The CO2 has a variety of potential market applications or can be stored as a means of carbon sequestration. Realising the full potential of AD by-products requires extensive research into their economic viability and market development. To address this gap, the EXPAND project will delve deeper into the utilisation of AD by-products within the broader bioeconomy framework. This involves identifying feasible AD value chains, understanding market demand for AD products, optimising digestate use, exploring biogenic CO2 applications, and evaluating the economic viability of establishing a business ecosystem concerning AD by-products in Ireland. Ultimately, the project seeks cost reduction strategies for AD and to facilitate sustainable growth of the sector while contributing to Ireland's climate goals.