The READ project explored innovative ways to enhance the sustainability of anaerobic digestion (AD) by transforming its by-products into valuable resources. AD is a process that converts organic waste into biogas, but it also produces digestate—a nutrient-rich residue that poses disposal challenges. This project focused on converting digestate into durable, water-resistant pellets that can be used as biomass fuel or slow-release fertiliser.
The project involved academics from all three CASE research partners: Queen’s University Belfast, Ulster University and AFBI, who collaborated with industry partners B9 Organic Energy, AgriAD, Mineral Processing Systems and Fuel Pod Systems, and trialled a novel pelletisation technique using low-energy agglomeration technology. Unlike traditional methods, this approach significantly reduces energy consumption and production costs, making it more viable for widespread use.
The pellets demonstrated strong combustion properties and retained their integrity even after prolonged water exposure. Early trials showed no negative impact on plant growth, and fuel testing found the pellets had a higher calorific than wood pellets, albeit with a higher ash production when burned.
Industry engagement was central to the project, with partners contributing to equipment trials, chemical formulation development, and performance testing. The outcomes suggest promising applications for waste-to-energy and sustainable agriculture, with potential benefits including reduced landfill, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and new revenue streams for AD operators.
READ exemplifies CASE’s commitment to advancing low-carbon technologies through collaborative research, offering scalable solutions for renewable energy and resource recovery.