LIFE REPTES (EN)

[español]

The LIFE REPTES project «Renewable bio-hydrogen production technologies from lignocellulosic waste and sewage sludge co-fermentation» (GA 101074329) aims to reduce the massive emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and particulate matter from burning rice straw, which affects the quality of life of nearby populations, by implementing a new circular model that integrates the production of biohydrogen from pre-treated lignocellulosic by-products and WWTP sludge through a dark fermentation process.

In the Albufera Natural Park (Spain), between 5 and 6 tonnes of straw are produced annually from each of the 14,700 hectares under cultivation. The management of this bio-waste entails a high economic cost for farmers when techniques other than burning or burying are used. The Albufera park accounts for around 20% of the rice straw at national level, with Spain being the second largest rice producing country in the EU.

The new circular model proposed by LIFE REPTES allows the rice straw, together with sewage sludge, to be used for the production of renewable gaseous biofuels (biohydrogen and biogas) thanks to the application of a combination of technologies.

The project, developed within the framework of the European Union’s Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE), has a duration of 5 years, from 1 August 2022 to 31 January 2026, and a total budget of 1,646,711.81 euros, with 60% co-financing from the European Commission.

OBJETIVES

The LIFE REPTES project has as a global objective the implementation of the key plans and strategies to achieve a successful energy transition, facilitating and promoting the use of new sources of bioenergy -such as biohydrogen- in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Being the specific objectives, the following:

• To design, construct and implement a demonstration plant at Pinedo WWTP including 3 different modules: Pre- treatment module for rice straw by bioextrusion of previously ensiled rice straw, Dark fermentation reactor and Pilot anaerobic digester module for the demonstration of the enhancement of the biogas generation by using the fermented steam as a co-substrate.
• To provide new solutions to the problem of the removal of rice straw from the fields based in a cost effective and environmentally efficient process that can be transferred to the treatment with other lignocellulosic residues.
• To provide local authorities with new tools for reaching a climate neutral economy by increasing the generation and use of renewable energy and improving the energy efficiency.
• To promote the use of green hydrogen in the agricultural sector, while encouraging the sustainable management of bio-waste and the social acceptance of new Circular models based on waste valorisation.
• Highlight the transferability of the LIFE REPTES project to other locations and/or sectors.

WORK PACKAGES

To achieve all objectives planned during the execution of the project, the work plan of the LIFE REPTES project will be carried out in 6 Work Packages (WP).

WP 1 – Coordination of the project
Partners Involved: All partners

WP 2 – Design, construction and start-up of the demo plant in WWTP
Partners Involved: DAM, AINIA, GENIA

WP 3 – Implementation of the demo plant in Pinedo WWTP
Partners Involved: DAM, AINIA, GENIA

WP 4 – Impact assessment
Partners Involved: All partners

WP 5 – Business and Exploitation Plan
Partners Involved: GENIA, DAM, AINIA

WP 6 – Public awareness and dissemination of results
Partners Involved: CRIB, DAM, AINIA, GENIA

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