Watch the recording of the launch of the Task Force 5.2 report at ESNI 2024

19th of September, 2024. During the ESNI Conference 2024 – Growing the Future of Nutrient Recycling in Brussels, Task Force 5.2 launched its report “Improving Digestate Valorisation: Novel Technologies and Research Needs.” The recording of the event is now available for review.

Biomethane offers not only an energy source but can be a product of much value. One of the by-products of biomethane is digestate, which can be used not only as organic fertiliser but also as a source of additional valuable products such as minerals, biomaterials, and purified water for irrigation or fertigation.

The Task Force 5.2 report is structured into three parts and analyses the 1) Current state of digestate use in the EU; 2) Novel technologies and gaps and; 3) Recommendations for further research.

Task Force 5.2 outlined seven critical research domains needing further exploration:

  • Agronomic use of digestate
  • Mineral nutrient extraction and valorisation (NKP)
  • Extraction of other valuable compounds
  • Microbial valorisation
  • Trans-sectoral use
  • Economic optimisation and social acceptance
  • Environmental impact

An interactive poll during the event revealed that participants considered economic optimisation, social acceptance, and environmental impact as the most pressing research and innovation needs.

The event also featured a presentation from BIP Task Force 2, which shared its draft report detailing current good practices in digestate valorisation. The scope of work of the draft report includes:

  • Benefits of (untreated) digestates for GHG emissions, soil and plants
  • Current and good practices for return to soil & barriers for adoption
  • Role of (untreated) digestates in biogas/biomethane economic model
  • Existing commercial processes (>TRL9) for transforming digestates into fertilising products; benefits & barriers for further deployment.

Get involved

Stakeholders interested in contributing with insights to the Task Force 2 draft report can contact the BIP secretariat at secretariat@bip-europe.eu.

The slidedeck from the event is also available for download.