Construction of two mono-manure digesters: Marrum and Alphen-Chaam

HoSt is constructing two new mono-manure digesters in the Netherlands: one in Marrum in Friesland and one in Alphen-Chaam in North Brabant. The biogas is produced from 95% manure and a maximum of 5% of co-products, which is upgraded to biomethane in the biogas upgrading system. The projects have a total value of almost 10 million euros.

Dutch available

‘Biogas Marrum’

HoSt is the operating company of ‘Biogas Marrum’, whose construction has recently started. The fully autonomous plant in Marrum processes annually more than 35,000 tonnes of manure and produces annually 2.2 million Nm3 of biomethane with natural gas quality. The biomethane is fed into the gas network and equivalent to the average yearly gas consumption of 1.450 households. In addition to the biomethane production, high-quality fertilizers are processed for local sales in the agriculture sector and are used as raw material. The digestate is separated into a thick and a thin fraction. After hygienisation, the thick fraction becomes an export-worthy residual product and is exported. The first biomethane is expected to be fed into the grid early next year.

‘Van Eijck Groengas’

For the realization of project ‘Van Eijck Groengas’ of the Van Eijck brothers in Alphen-Chaam, 1.1 million euros have been raised through crowdfunding, also known as funding by the people. Project ‘Van Eijck Groengas’ was the very first biogas project ever on the crowdfunding platform Oneplanetcrowd. Already within a week, more than the target number of €900,000 was crowdfunded. The biogas facility processes more than 43,000 tonnes of manure per year and produces annually 2.4 million Nm3 biomethane, which will be fed into the national gas grid. The digestate is separated: the thin faction will be supplied to arable farmers and the thick fraction will be exported. In addition to the turn-key supply and construction of the plant, HoSt will also provide maintenance for the biogas upgrading system based on a 24/7 service contract.

Advanced techniques

In both projects, an advanced gas treatment technique is applied for the upgrading of biogas to biomethane. To cover the heat consumption, maximum heat recovery is applied by the use of a heat pump; this results in a high efficiency. All the products are stored in enclosed spaces and the exiting air is first treated with an advanced air treatment technique to ensure minimal odor.

SDE+ subsidy

The projects are supported by the Dutch government with the SDE+ subsidy: for the period of 12 years a fixed fee is paid per Nm3 biomethane. SDE+ stands for Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production.