Food waste to energy tests as Eco-Solids International press ahead with VALORGAS programme

Led by the University of Southampton, with thirteen international partners under the EU’s 7th Framework Programme Energy theme, VALORGAS is exploring ways in which energy potential can be realised through effective collection, pre-processing and optimisation of fuel conversion technology. The €3.5M, 42-month R&D programme also considers how integration of these aspects with improving conversion efficiencies can maximise net energy gains.

Dr Sonia Heaven, Principal Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, commented: “To deliver recommendations for valorisation, with maximum benefit of food waste as a second-generation biofuel energy source, Eco-Solids International bring considerable expertise to this project and are proving a very knowledgeable and valuable partner”.

Dr Peter Barratt, Eco-Solids’ Sales, Marketing and IP Manager, added: “VALORGAS is an excellent project for us to play our part in, with the University of Southampton at the heart of a programme that brings together a group of very dynamic organisations.

“We have made a major breakthrough with our pre-treatment, biogas-enhancing Cellruptor technology at Yorkshire Water’s Esholt plant, and we are equally keen to deliver net energy gains to food waste projects”.

As well as exploring ways to enhance renewable energy from food waste, Eco-Solids International’s laboratory-scale tests at the University of Southampton will also look at increasing the processess’ pathogen kill.