The need for sustainable management solutions for by-products from the industrial agro-food sector is more pressing than ever, in light of the environmental, energy and agronomic challenges of the era. The NutriCore project responds to this challenge through the development and pilot implementation of an innovative system for processing liquid digestate from anaerobic digestion units, aiming to recover water and plant nutrients that will be reused for irrigation and fertilization. The project’s design focuses on harnessing the waste heat from cogeneration units, reinforcing the principles of the circular economy and the rational management of resources.
The collaboration is implemented between the National Research and Technological Development Center (ERKAT) and the company EPELECTOS BIOAIR FARSALON MONOPRISONAL SA. ERKAT is one of the largest research institutions in the country, with long-standing experience in developing circular bioeconomy technologies, innovative solutions in the energy and agri-food sector, and an active role in European and national projects. EPELECTOS BIOAIR FARSALON, a subsidiary of the EPELECTOS Group, has a functioning biogas plant in Thessaly, processes a large number of residual and agro-industrial flows, and presents particular interest in enhancing the added value of its by-products.
The project methodology includes initially the technical and physicochemical characterization of the inputs and the treatment of the biogas unit. Subsequently, a pilot system for the treatment of the liquid sludge will be designed and installed, based on vacuum atomization using recovered heat from the co-generation unit and final filtration through a bio-activated carbon bed. The products of the process (slurry suitable for water-repellent applications and solid fertilizer for conventional use) will be evaluated under real conditions of agricultural application. In parallel, a plan will be developed for the supply chain and the commercial exploitation of the produced products, with the participation of local producers.
NutriCore aims to highlight a technologically applicable and environmentally beneficial model for utilizing the waste in the Thessaly Region, promoting recycling practices for plant nutrients and saving water and energy resources. The implementation of the project is expected to enhance the sustainability of biogas units, reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, and contribute to the creation of new business models for the circular economy in the agricultural sector.