Application of circular bioeconomy principles based on innovative torrefaction technology of bio-waste for the production of biofuels and biofertilizers

The offered cooperation in the topic of this proposal allows the continuation and expansion of research and development activities at the Czech Agrifood National Center, p.r.i. to strengthen cooperation between the research and private sectors in solving problems in a given field of research. This solution in the area of R&D&I would lead to the creation of optimal conditions for improving the transfer and commercialization of research results and their application into practice, especially for improving the environmental aspects of procedures, processes and products, which, when implemented, would not only lead to an improvement in the environment, but would also help in the implementation of research results to create new job opportunities and create interesting investment opportunities in the field of waste management. The cooperation on this proposal is focused on solving issues for improving the environment by using raw material and energy-rich biological waste while applying the principles of the circular economy. The cooperation will include the preparation of a feasibility study on the technology for converting a mixture of these waste materials into biochar using a modified torrefaction process to produce valuable biofuel and biofertilizer from the perspective of assessing the economic and energy efficiency of the production technology and assessing the impact of production and use of products on the environment with regard to saving greenhouse gas production, limiting the release of pollutants (microplastics, PCBs, PAHs, endocrine disruptors, heavy metals, etc.) and managing waste materials according to the principles of the circular economy. The proposal will enable the fulfillment of the task of the EU Waste Management Plan in limiting the landfilling of biowaste and meeting indicative targets for the introduction of renewable energies. The copyrighted biofuel production technology will be transferable to other interested parties under a license. At the same time, the solution should obtain the basic technological parameters for a satisfactory course of the dry and wet torrefaction process with regard to the availability of various waste raw materials, which after specific treatment would meet the necessary parameters for use in this process, such as suitable composition, correct initial moisture and particle size. In addition, the issue of pre-treatment, processing of waste raw materials and production of biochar and biofuel should be technologically and technically resolved using renewable energy produced, for example, by photovoltaic panels, or by involving the use of waste heat of heated air with flue gases from the combustion of volatile substances originating from the torrefaction process, or by reusing the waste liquid portion originating from wet torrefaction as a working medium. The properties of torrefied biochar should represent the production of optimized biofuel for energy use or as an optimized sorbent for biofertilizers, especially as compost improvers, and the resulting by-product after biofuel combustion – ash – is expected to be introduced as a mineral fertilizer for forest or agricultural soils and especially for soil enrichment during the restoration of landscapes affected by mining. The production and use of biochar-based fertilizers from Biodegradable Wastes and residual biomass is an effective way to revitalize disturbed landscapes and support sustainable agricultural development. This process not only improves soil quality, but also reduces environmental impacts and supports higher agricultural production.