Integrated business model for turning Bio-waste and sewage sludge into renewable energy and agri-urban Fertilizers
LIFE In-BRIEF develops a sustainable business model for managing biodegradable waste, focusing on bio-waste from the agri-food sector and sewage sludge from urban wastewater. The project builds and tests an industrial-scale prototype with a 10 m³/day digestate capacity that produces four types of fertilisers and recovers over 80% of surplus thermal energy. Piloted within a biogas plant setting, the process integrates renewable energy production and nutrient recovery to promote circular economy principles. Although the prototype operates successfully, commercial viability of the main liquid fertiliser remains unproven, limiting market potential. LIFE In-BRIEF supports EU directives on waste management and nutrient recycling, aiming to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing resource efficiency in bio-waste valorisation.
Duration: 2015 – 2019
Programme: LIFE
Project ID: LIFE14 ENV/ES/000427
Total Budget: € 1,184,381
Keywords: biodegradable waste management, bio-waste valorisation, sewage sludge recycling, biogas plant prototype, renewable energy recovery, organic fertilisers, nutrient recovery, sustainable agriculture