The biogas sector holds significant promise for the practical application of ColdSpark® technology. ColdSpark® aims to provide a modular solution that integrates easily into existing biogas infrastructures, paving the way for the widespread adoption of hydrogen in various industries. The success of hydrogen as an energy carrier or fuel will hinge on a combination of market dynamics and supportive government policies.
In addition to hydrogen, the ColdSpark® consortium is exploring the potential of eCarbon®, a co-product of the technology, for soil enhancement. This application is particularly relevant to biogas plants, which are often situated near agricultural facilities, making ColdSpark® a valuable addition to the biogas ecosystem.
The Fifth ColdSpark® Consortium meeting was held in conjunction with visits to two biogas plants, organized by IBBK as part of the Progress in Biogas VI Conference. These site visits provided project partners with a deeper understanding of energy production in biogas facilities and valuable opportunities to engage with key stakeholders, gathering insights on their needs and expectations.
The first visit was to one of the University of Hohenheim’s research biogas plants, Unterer Lindenhof, which serves as a critical link between academic research and agricultural practice. Here, the ColdSpark® team gained a comprehensive understanding of small-scale energy production processes. The facility covers an area of 104 hectares at an elevation of 470-558 meters, with average annual rainfall of 765 mm and a mean annual temperature of 7.5°C. It produces 2,200 m³ of biogas daily, equivalent to 4.16 million kWh of energy per year.
The second visit took place at Hahnennest Energy Park, one of the largest biogas facilities in Germany. Operated by four family farms, the energy park manages the entire process from substrate cultivation to energy sales. Notably, the park grows Silphium perfoliatum, an energy crop, and produces seeds for sale. This vertically integrated approach addresses many traditional challenges faced by biogas production. The visit allowed consortium members to gain firsthand knowledge of large-scale biogas operations and engage in meaningful discussions with stakeholders about the practicalities and benefits of this setup.
Both visits strengthened the consortium’s commitment to advancing ColdSpark® technology in the biogas sector and highlighted its potential for sustainable energy solutions. They also offered valuable insights into the specific needs and expectations of biogas sector stakeholders.
