Exploitation of by-products from biogas plants for greenhouse heating and production of high added-value agricultural products with reduced environmental footprint

Project code: Τ2ΕΔΚ-04794

Duration: 30 months 

Project start: 28.08.2020 

The aim of the proposed project is the development and exploitation of an innovative and symbiotic management of biogas and greenhouse plants, where the greenhouse will be heated exclusively by renewable energy and will utilize by-products of the biogas plant, such as carbon dioxide from combustion. An exhaust heat recovery exchanger between the biogas plant and the greenhouse will feed the second with thermal energy, taking advantage of the excess heat of the exhaust fumes that would otherwise be discharged into the environment. In addition, an “intelligent’’ integrated greenhouse control/monitoring system with wireless sensors and appropriate decision-making software will be developed to alert the admin in time for off-boundary parameters. It will also contribute to the optimal consumption of renewable energy by the biogas unit for heating/cooling of the greenhouse and water/chemicals for the fertigation of the hydroponic tomato crop resulting in the production of high added value agricultural products with reduced environmental footprint. Raising awareness of all stakeholders involved in agri-food chains and increasing the social acceptance of the project results will lead to the use of agricultural practices that rationally and fully utilize natural resources, maximize the income of our country's farmers and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Consequently, this project will contribute to the development of circular bioeconomy, zero-waste societies and zero-fossil use.

Consortium:

1. BIOGAS HALKIDIKI PCC
2. SCIENTACT SA