Approximately eight tonnes of spent grain are produced each week. The brewery needs a solution for disposing of this residual material, which is still rich in energy and nutrients. For that reason, it can function very well as animal feed.
“We tested this on a small scale, and at first the cows were a little sceptical, but after a while they began to eat it. The second time, the cows came running when they saw us. We concluded that this is something they like,” says brewmaster Niklas Gustafsson as he shows the BSRC group around the brewery, which is located in the former A7 military area just outside Visby.
A fresch product
Spent grain from breweries often becomes animal feed. However, for this to work on a larger scale, the material needs to be analysed.
Barlingbo Bryggeri
“And those analyses are carried out on the mainland. By the time we received the test results, the spent grain had spoiled. It is a fresh product. And we produce it in tonne quantities, so we cannot store it,” says Niklas Gustafsson.
Feels right
The brewery then became aware of the biogas plant’s need for substrate, meaning organic and energy rich material that can be converted into biogas.
“It turned out very well for us. We do not have to think about logistics to farms, and it feels good to know that what we leave behind can be transformed into energy. We are also considering using biogas in our heating processes. But there are many conditions and requirements that we need to take into account,” says Niklas Gustafsson.
“Enjoyable”
He notes that several of his colleagues have chosen cars that run on biogas.
“Whether there is any connection, I do not know. But of course it is enjoyable to know that you have contributed to what is in the tanks of cars driving around here on Gotland.”
