Mapping unused residues and wastes

In the upcoming Biomass Mobilization and Strategy course we want to dive further into the theme of identifying unmapped bio-feedstock potential. In this context, waste streams and residues could be a promising potential bio feedstock which can be used in biorefinery. But what is the potential of those side streams and which sources can be identified? What are the hidden gems?

Full program:

• 14h-14h05: Welcome and introduction
• 14h05-14h10: Recap 2nd Biomob session

Mapping residues/wastes

• 14h10-14h30: Presentation by Wolter Elbersen (WUR) about how to identify, map and value waste streams
• 14h30-14h45: Questions and discussion
• 14h45-14h50: Short break

Waste/residues for clean shipping

• 14h50-15h20: Presentation by TU Delft by Susan van der Veen, Luis Cutz
• 15h20-15h45: Questions and discussion

Discussion and End of Masterclass

• 15h45-15h55: Discussion developing the sustainable bio feedstock manifest.
• 15h55-16h00: End of Masterclass

Introduction to the masterclass

Mapping residues and wastes by Wolter Elbersen (WUR)

Wolter Elberser, WUR, will present how better valorisation of wastes and residues will free up further biofeedstocks supply. Side streams from agrifood production are full of valuable components, for which many surprising applications are possible. The expanding need for protein production in Europe will create new renewable feedstock supplies. These residues and waste streams have a high valorisation potential, these are currently not fully discovered yet. The residues and wastes could for example be used in a biorefinery, and value is added to the material when it is converted into energy and other beneficial byproducts, think of biochar.

Together with Wolter Elbersen, we will investigate how to identify residual flows suitable for further valorisation in biorefinery, such as protein, lipids, sugars and lignin. We will discuss what can be done with these identified residues and why these can be interesting for different parties. How can we optimize the valorisation of residues, in both the Netherlands, but also internationally.

Wastes/residues for clean shipping

In this part, we look with Luis Cutz from the process and energy department, TUDelft at one of the routes for biomass processing: hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). HTL is a thermal process in which biomass is converted into crude-like oil. This oil has a high energy density and is a promising alternative for energy-insensitive fuels. Theoretically, any biomass can be converted into bio-oil using hydrothermal liquefaction regardless of water content, and residues and wastes are also interesting.

Together with Luis Cuts, Susan van der Veen from TU Delft, we will discuss potential residues identified for HTL, with a focus on biomass potential that has the potential to improve local condition, either improving health condition or stimulation / social-economic/social development. And those feedstocks that don’t not have a competing use or can be valorised better.