Karin Tonderski and research colleagues from Linköping University and the Biogas Solutions Research Center presented mapping studies of nutrient demand and biogas production in Östergötland.
The research highlights how biogas plants can contribute to circular systems in which waste is converted into fertiliser and fossil free energy. The project also examines economic models aimed at making digestate a competitive product.
On 25 November 2024, a workshop was held at Vreta Kluster as part of the research project New Business Models for Digestate, led by Karin Tonderski at Linköping University.
Researcher Mikael Ottosson, a business economist specialising in business development, contributed insights into linear and circular fertiliser models, as well as the challenges associated with centralised and decentralised production.
Key conclusions from the workshop
- The nutrients in digestate need to be concentrated, for example through dewatering or pelletisation, in order to reduce transport costs.
- Improved business models are required to streamline the chain between biogas producers and farmers.
- Technological development, such as nitrogen capture and new spreading systems, can increase the value of digestate.
