PYRAGRAF- Decentralized pyrolytic conversion of agriculture and forestry wastes towards local circular value chains and sustainability

• This is Dr. Rainer Janssen (WIP Renewable Energies), Duygu Celik (WIP Renwable Energies) and Olgu Gizem Birgi (WIP Renewable Energies) contribution to 21o EEBIONews.

The PYRAGRAF project, spanning four years, aims to utilize agricultural and forestry residues by introducing innovative solutions. Its objective is to empower local circular value chains and advance sustainability efforts. Project’s approach comprises five key stages: initial selection of raw materials and refining of pyrolysis methods, creation of a portable pyrolysis unit with solar assistance, showcasing the ecosystem benefits of biochar and wood vinegar at project sites, investigating energy applications for pyrogas and bio-oil, and finally, evaluating the technical, economic, environmental, and social sustainability dimensions.

Background

Agricultural and forestry industries are vital to the EU economy, providing income and employment for millions. Given the world's extreme climate challenges, it's crucial to enhance resilience and minimize environmental impacts in these sectors. They're significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, by increasing waste and reliance on fossil fuels for energy. Climate change has led to 13 European countries facing desertification, further escalating emissions, diminishing fertile land, and reducing crop yields.

The Project

Considering the previously described status, EU project PYRAGRAF aims to diversify the feedstock and technology base, accelerate the uptake of biochar and wood vinegar in the fertilizer and bio-pesticides market, and achieve this by utilizing lignocellulosic biomass residues through an innovative path that incorporates solar-assisted pyrolysis. The PYRAGRAF solution comprises a mobile biomass pyrolysis unit enhanced with concentrated solar energy to enable efficient and cost-effective production of biochar and wood vinegar at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. The biochar and wood vinegar produced will be utilized in three target countries (Germany, Turkey, Portugal) with different locations, diverse climatic conditions, and varying soil characteristics to assess their potential in agricultural practices.

The PYRAGRAF project is coordinated by IPP, and the project consortium comprises 13 partners from 7 countries: Portugal, Germany, Turkey, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy. The consortium includes universities, non-governmental organizations, private and industrial partners, as well as a municipality, ensuring a well-balanced and diverse consortium.

As the PYRAGRAF project reaches its ten-month mark, the completion of the "Characterization of Local Feedstocks" report represents a crucial accomplishment. Reaching this milestone is essential to the project's main goal of promoting sustainable forestry and agriculture practices in Portugal, Germany, and Turkey, the project's demonstration countries, by locating and assessing viable feedstock choices for biochar production.

As the project develops, the use of local feedstocks demonstrates a commitment to resource optimization and regional sustainability. Additionally, the project's collaborative nature ensures that the study findings align with the needs of the relevant demonstration countries. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, PYRAGRAF continues to work on sustainable agriculture and forestry practices, providing positive environmental, social, and economic implications throughout Europe and beyond.

Project coordinator contact: Catarina Nobre, IPP Email: [email protected]

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