Search the EPA Research Database

Project title

Assessment and optimization of co-digestion of grass silage and animal slurry

Primary Funding Agency

Teagasc

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

n/a

Project Abstract

To enhance our understanding of the engineering of co-Anaeobic Digestion (AD) systems digesting animal slurry and grass silage, this project, comprising field testing and desktop studies, aims at assessing and optimizing the field co-digestion system at Teagasc Grange. It will comprise three major research tasks over 48 months. Research contents will include: (1) Mathematical modelling of the co-digestion digester to enable changes in operation conditions to be simulated. The modelling will be based on the data of the field Teagasc Grange digester and will be developed from the International Water Association (IWA)�s modelling framework for anaerobic digestion (ADM1);� (2) optimization of operation parameters, in particular the grass silage fraction in the feedstock and the hydraulic retention time, to achieve high gas yields, improve the digester�s economic performance and maximize the biological stability of the digestate; (3) �assessment of environmental sustainability of co-digestion of slurry and grass silage in consideration of soil nutrient conditions through environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), and study of integration of the livestock farming, grass production and co-AD into a sustainable farming system. The project aligns with the interests of farmers, the gas production industry, policy makers and the general public. It is a multidisciplinary, novel research addressing important challenges of strategic importance like Climate Action Plan, energy security, rural environment protection, job creation in rural communities and bioeconomy. The PhD student will participate in well-designed training and career development activities, assisting in academic development and employability.�

Grant Approved

�96,000

Research Hub

Climate related research

Research Theme

Achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

Start Date

01/11/2021

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/10/2025