Research centre tests installation converting biogas from farms into fuel for tractors
Inagro, the research centre for agriculture and horticulture, has commissioned a 1,000-litre pilot digester at its biogas site in Roeselare, West Flanders. The installation is intended to help make better use of biogas from farms. It will be used to investigate how biogas can be upgraded to biomethane, a renewable fuel that can power agricultural machinery such as tractors.
The new digester has a large capacity, which allows for more realistic testing. Traditional laboratory setups are limited to a few dozen litres. The larger capacity is closer to real-life conditions.
“At Inagro, we help research institutes and companies with constructive, practice-oriented research," said Reindert Devlamynck, research leader for energy & circular economy at Inagro. "This enables us to bring innovation to agricultural practice more quickly and safely."
Inagro is using the digester to test the direct addition of hydrogen to the biogas process. This adds extra methane to the biogas, increasing its energy value and enabling the gas to be used as fuel for tractors and other agricultural vehicles. Further research is needed to determine whether additives can be added to the gas in the long term so it can also be injected into the natural gas grid.
“By first testing technologies on a pilot scale, we reduce risks for entrepreneurs and bring sustainable energy closer to practical application," said Bart Naeyaert, member of the provincial executive responsible for agriculture and horticulture. "This is a strategic step for circular agriculture and the energy transition in rural areas."
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © PHOTO NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP
Related news
