Biotechnological production of energy by electrification of biowaste

Project Information

FimusKraft

Grant agreement ID: 882691

DOI

10.3030/882691

Project closed

EC signature date 29 November 2019

Start date 1 November 2019

End date 29 February 2020

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

FIMUSKRAFT
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FimusKraft (Biotechnological production of energy by electrification of biowaste)

Reporting period: 2019-11-01 to 2020-02-29

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The continuing use of fossil fuels and the effect of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on the environment have initiated research efforts into the production of alternative fuels from bioresources. The amount of GHG emissions in the atmosphere is rising. In addition, the global energy demand is increasing rapidly, with approximately 88% of the energy produced at the present time being based on fossil fuels. Moreover, the security of the energy supply is a crucial challenge because most natural energy resources (i.e. oil and gas reserves) are found in politically unstable regions. In this context, biogas from waste and residues can play a critical role in the energy future. Biogas is a multilateral renewable energy source that can replace conventional fuels to produce heat and power while also helping to reduce the current environmental and economic problems related to biowaste. However, biogas adoption is still hindered by various economical and technical limitations. Biogas systems are significant capital investments with a long payback currently around 10 years, representing a challenging investment. Additionally, currently available biogas usually has lower energetic efficiency and is less convenient than fossil-derived natural gas.
To solve these problems and improve biogas adoption by the industry, Fimuskraft has developed FimusKraft Biogas Plant (FKBP), the first system able to produce biogas with higher energetic potential at a lower initial investment than traditional technologies. Fimuskraft’s technology is the first combining bio-gas fermentation with the pre-handling of bio-waste through enzymes to produce methane-rich biogas, which has high energetic potential. Thanks to this innovative technology. FKBP transforms biowaste in a stable source of green energy for biowaste producers such as farms and food industries. In addition, Fimuskraft’s technology can be integrated into existing biogas plants to improve their efficiency. FKBP also allows to process a wide range of raw materials, thus being suitable for a wide range of users as well.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the feasibility assessment, Fimuskraft completed a full analysis of the technical and business potential of FKBP. During the project, Fimuskraft gained crucial information based on ongoing meetings and discussions with potential customers and stakeholders that will contribute to the commercial success of FKBP. Fimuskraft expanded their knowledge on market and different customer segments. A sound business model and commercialisation strategy were established for the market launch. Fimuskraft assessed its go-to-market strategy to reach FKBP’s target customers/users, looking at their needs, financial capacity and willingness to pay for this solution to determine the optimal business model (the sale of the entire FKBP system or only the microbiological boostering unit) that would be most attractive to customers whilst maximizing revenue for Fimuskraft.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the feasibility study, it became clear that a successful demonstration would consolidate Fimuskraft’s position in the market and lead to greater profitability and bankability. In subsequent years, following successful launch of FKBP, it is Fimuskraft’s mission to produce larger systems and to expand the outputs range, targeting larger biowaste producers. To do this, the lessons learned from the development of FKBP will directly inform risk reduction and cost minimization strategies.
Overall, with this project Fimuskraft will be placed within the European anaerobic digestion market, with a customer-centric approach that gives Fimuskraft a unique edge over companies. When new-build designs begin to enter the market, Fimuskraft’s customers will already have installed FKBP modules and experienced the benefits of Fimuskraft’s technology. This familiarity and trust will continue to make Fimuskraft the preferred provider of biogas plants. FKBP can produce biogas with 30-50% higher energetic potential than traditional biogas plants, transforming biowaste into a profitable source of green energy that could efficiently substitute fossil fuels. This vision is revolutionary and will greatly impact climate change linked to the current use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions

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