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Keenan Recycling

Biofuel – Feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion

What is Biofuel?

Biofuel is a carefully blended feedstock for Anaerobic Digestion processes which is used to create electricity and gas for the grid.  By recycling food waste into biofuel we extract the maximum potential from the waste stream.  Instead of being sent to landfill where the methane produced harms the environment, it is digested anaerobically in plants designed to convert the methane to electricity or biogas to then be fed into the national grids.

How do we make it?

The process of de-packaging and sorting food waste is one of the first steps in the pre-treatment that we provide for the waste we collect from households, workplaces, restaurants, food processors, supermarkets, and other businesses.

Our process utilises turbo separator technology combined with water injection to maximise the separation of organic materials from packaging. The packaging comes free from contamination and is ready to be disposed of or recycled further. Recovered organics are combined into a liquid with additional ingredients to make biofuel. This biofuel is optimised for anaerobic digestion at approximately 20% dry matter content.

This biofuel is transported by our tankers and then loaded into Anaerobic Digester tanks, where anaerobic bacteria break down over time. This usually takes around 40 days and may change depending on the AD plant.

During this breakdown, methane is produced by the activity of the bacteria. This methane is extracted from the digester and is known as biogas. This biogas can be used for electricity, gas for the grid, heating, or even biomethane for transport.

Once this process is complete, a by-product is left behind, called digestate. Digestate is the fibrous material left over from food waste, which is then removed and spread to agricultural land as a fertiliser.

The Benefits

Biofuel is a renewable energy source with multiple outcomes from the AD process. Recycling food waste into biofuel also ensures it does not go to the landfill, where the methane it produces would be released into the atmosphere, contributing to the detriment of the environment. Other benefits include:

Electricity

Used for electricity, gas and heat.

Transport

Used as a biomethane fuel for transport.

Less Fossil Fuels

Decreases the need for fossil fuels.

Circular Economy

Significantly contributes to the circular economy and is beneficial for environment.

Fertiliser for Crops

Produces digestate as a by-product that can be used as a fertiliser for crops. Digestate is an organic fertiliser which is beneficial for crops.

Anaerobic Digestion Process

Take a look at the steps involved in recycling your food waste through Anaerobic Digestion.

FAQs

Biofuel is derived from renewable organic materials such as plant matter or animal waste. It can power vehicles, generate electricity, and heat homes.

Yes, biofuel is renewable because it is made from organic materials that can be regrown or replenished. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and non-renewable, biofuels can be produced indefinitely as long as the organic materials they are made from are available.

Biofuel is made by converting organic materials into liquid fuel through a process called fermentation. The organic materials are broken down by microorganisms or enzymes, which release sugars that can be converted into ethanol or biodiesel.

Using biofuel has several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting local economies, and promoting energy independence. Biofuels also have the potential to be more sustainable and cost-effective than fossil fuels in the long run.

While biofuel has many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks, such as the potential for competition with food production and the environmental impact of growing crops specifically for biofuel. It’s essential to carefully consider the pros and cons of biofuel and weigh them against other options when deciding on energy use.

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