Biogas boost: Research reveals productivity gains for red meat processors
The Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) is co-funding a research program to help red meat processors generate more energy in the form of biogas using on-site waste.
Biogas is a renewable energy source produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic matter. This research is trialling different organic wastes such as agri-industrial waste, waste grain, and crop residues (sorghum), with on-site processing waste, to determine the ideal combinations to improve biogas productivity.
This program is part of the RACE for 2030 initiative and is being led by Griffith University with support from Tessele Consultants and participation from industry partners.
AMPC Program Manager Matthew Deegan said, “We’re investing in this important research to support the red meat processing industry’s decarbonisation pathway.”
“Bioenergy represents the second-largest opportunity for accelerating the decarbonisation of our industry.
“This program has been the most significant investigation into uplifting biogas productivity for the red meat processing industry, and early results are showing the potential to improve current anaerobic digestion yields significantly.”
Twelve Australian red meat processing plants have supplied 54 different processing waste substrates, while a range of agri-industrial co-substrates have been collected and used in extensive trials at Griffith University in Queensland.
The researchers have developed a way to measure the ideal combination, looking at the lipid, protein, carbohydrate ratio and trialling different samples to balance the ratio in the combined substrates.
Once an ideal ratio is achieved, these combinations are further trialled in small-scale continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) to confirm the improved biogas productivity. The initial results are promising.
Trials will continue for the next five months. Then, ideal combinations will be further trialled in larger-scale CSTRs.
After the biogas is produced, a solid byproduct called digestate remains. The next stage of this program will characterise the digestate and explore opportunities for its beneficial reuse, such as land spreading, composting, or creating biofertiliser pellets. AMPC will compile the findings and share them with industry and governments to enhance understanding of the digestate’s potential uses.
Matt said, “A recent workshop at Griffith University gave processors a chance to see the small-scale reactors in action.
“Representatives from Griffith and Tessele delivered a presentation on the project and demonstrated how all the substrates were sourced and combined. This was followed by a Q&A session with industry participants.”
Watch the video below for the workshop highlights and updates on the project.
For more information, contact AMPC Program Manager Sustainability Matt Deegan at m.deegan@ampc.com.au