Green gas producer Future Biogas will launch a new subsidiary consultancy service next month focusing on the biological expertise required to optimise anaerobic digestion (AD) plant efficiency.
Established in 2008, Future Biogas is at the forefront of the AD industry harvesting 250,000 tonnes of maize to power 13 AD plants, producing 50MW of biogas every single hour of the year.
It is one of the only British biogas producers to have its own dedicated laboratory, with a team of experienced scientists constantly analysing digestor samples and other data to optimise gas outputs.
Future Biogas said its new service, Fern AD, to be launched on 8th April, will mean that other AD plant operators will be able to benefit from the company’s industry-leading biologists and inhouse laboratory for the first time.
With the launch of Fern AD, they will be able to show other plant owners and managers how to use the latest science to optimise biogas yields.
This will primarily be through the analysis of tank digester samples and subsequent provision of detailed, tailored guidance on how to improve gas production.
As well as being the source of the latest scientific expertise on AD efficiency, Fern AD will be the exclusive retailer of its own tank digester additive, made with a balanced recipe of trace elements.
The result of years of laboratory work and extensive practical trials, ‘T16’ has been proven to support AD plant optimisation.
Fern AD will also offer in-depth training on managing the microbiological aspects of AD plant operation.
Wider consultancy on all other aspects of the AD process – plant operations, engineering, feedstock planning and silage clamping – will be available, when required.
Philipp Lukas, founder and Managing Director of Future Biogas, said, “Over the years, we’ve accrued a wealth of specialist knowledge, especially in our biology and farming teams.”
“When it comes to the growing and ensiling of energy crops or the biological management of an AD digester tank, they truly are the experts.”
“We want to share this knowledge, because we believe collaboration is key to a cleaner, greener future.”
“Learning from each other is in everyone’s best interests. It’s how we improve the AD sector’s standards, environmental credibility and profitability as a whole.”
“On our collective journey to carbon net zero, we must work together as partners to facilitate the speedy transition to a viable renewable energy mix.”
“That’s why we’re now opening our doors and sharing our knowledge with the launch of Fern.”
Dr Denise Cysneiros, the microbiologist who heads up the Future Biogas and Fern AD lab, said, “Our secret weapon is our inhouse tank additive, T16. Energy crops, like maize and barley, seldom have the right balance of nutrients for the optimisation of the AD process.
“Consequently, soon after joining Future Biogas, I set about creating a supplement for feedstocks.”
“After extensive lab work and practical trials, the outcome was T16 – a unique recipe of 16 trace elements, including carbon monoxide, selenium, manganese and nickel. It’s been shown to boost biogas outputs, time and time again.”
“As a scientist, I wholeheartedly believe in sharing knowledge. I look forward to sharing our insights and biological services – as well as the benefits of T16 – with other AD companies, to help them become more successful.”
Sourced from Gasworld - written by Joanna Sampson