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Biogas
Advanced substrate technology: bioenergy and food production in the circular bioeconomy
High quality mushroom substrate produced using biogas residues.
17 July 2018
The Danish company Advanced Substrate Technology transforms residues from biogas production to high quality substrate for mushroom cultivation. After being used for mushroom cultivation, the substrate from the food production can be re-used in a biogas reactor.
Mushrooms are an integral part of the daily intake in many regions around the world. It is expected that the consumption of conventional and more exotic mushrooms in Europe will grow by five per cent per year. This growth in demand calls for sustainable solutions to decrease the environmental
impact of this intensive food production. Advanced Substrate Technology (AST) has developed a concept where mushroom cultivation becomes a part of the transition to a circular bioeconomy.
Mushroom substrate
In a biogas reactor, biomass is converted into energy and fertilisers by decomposition of protein, cellulose and hemi-cellulose – but not lignin. From the digestate, a fibre fraction that is rich in organic material can be removed and dried and compacted in a new process. This gives a fibre substrate that is highly suitable for mushroom cultivation.
The circle closes
During the growth process, the mushrooms by enzymatic activities break down the lignin so after cultivation, the spent mushroom substrate becomes a valuable input to the biogas reactor. The overall result is enhanced exploitation of the energy and nutrients’ potential in the biomass and sustainable mushroom production without the creation of new waste streams. This concept benefits all stakeholders in the Food Waste – Food Production – Bioenergy value chain, creating added value and has the potential to create new jobs in rural areas.
Proven technologies in a new context
The New Substrate process is based on technologies used in industries where Denmark has a stronghold. The Danish biogas industry has developed through public regulations that promote proper nutrient management and the Danish food sector is widely considered to be among the most effective and innovative in the world. Using AST’s concept and technology, nutrient management, bioenergy production and sustainable food production go hand in hand.
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