Project

How to use the by-product vinasse

Vinasse is a brown, viscous liquid residue that remains during the ethanol production. It contains substances, such as proteins, fats, and minerals, excluding the carbohydrates converted into alcohol that are added to the mash. Vinasse can be partially or entirely processed to form biogas and therefore used for energy production, or it can be used as an organic fertilizer.

Usage of vinasse as a fertilizer
The LIGNOFLAG Consortium has been evaluating the possibility to use vinasse from the cellulosic ethanol production as a fertilizer for local agriculture. Field trials with winter wheat as well as with the summer crops maize and sunflowers have already been performed in Germany. The test proved the fertilizing effect of vinasse and showed good environmental sustainability. After the successful field trials in Germany, similar field trials started in Romania, where the flagship plant’s vinasse will be used. Two crops, winter wheat and sunflowers, were tested in three different locations with different soil types and qualities. In all three locations, the vinasse did have a positive effect on the soil and therefore on the growth and the yield of the plant. Besides, tailor-made equipment for a large-scale application of vinasse was developed and showed good performance.

Usage of vinasse for energy production
Vinasse can not only be used as a fertilizer, but also for biogas production. To this aim, continuous tests of vinasse used as a co-substrate have been performed to evaluate the long-term performance. These tests have shown that, due to its composition, vinasse is best used in a mixture of vinasse and common feedstocks. A ratio of 20/80 turned out to be the best option as a basis for biogas production. Negotiations with biogas operators to off-take vinasse from the cellulosic ethanol plant in Podari have already been initiated and are ongoing.