ReSource is working with First Water on an exciting development project aimed at creating value from organic by-products generated by aquaculture and agriculture. The project is part of Terraforming LIFE, which receives funding from the European Union’s LIFE Programme.
One of the project’s key objectives is to develop sustainable solutions for utilizing organic materials such as fish sludge, dead fish and animal manure to produce biogas and organic fertilizer through anaerobic digestion. The aim is to transform materials that can otherwise be costly or challenging to manage into renewable energy and valuable nutrients for agricultural use.
Assessing the feasibility of a research facility
ReSource’s role in the project has included conducting a comprehensive feasibility study for establishing a research facility in Iceland where different organic feedstocks could be tested and evaluated for their potential for biogas and biofertilizer production.
The work was divided into two phases. The first phase focused on identifying suitable analytical methods and developing an experimental plan, as well as procedures for sampling and sample preparation. Particular attention was given to Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) testing, feedstock characterization, digestate quality and monitoring of the anaerobic digestion process.
In the second phase, the concept was developed further into a comprehensive plan for establishing and operating the research facility. This included laboratory layout and equipment requirements, staffing and skills needs, standard operating procedures, cost estimates, an experimental programme and risk assessment.
Turning waste into a resource
The project aligns closely with ReSource’s focus on the circular economy and improved resource efficiency. Aquaculture and agriculture generate significant volumes of organic by-products, and with the right technologies, these materials can become valuable resources for renewable energy and fertilizer production.
The feasibility study indicates that establishing such a research facility is technically feasible and could provide an important foundation for the further development of sustainable solutions for organic by-products in Iceland.
Through the project, ReSource contributes its expertise in biogas, environmental monitoring, analytical methods and organic resource recovery. The collaboration with First Water and the other Terraforming LIFE project partners represents an important step towards developing practical and sustainable solutions for managing and utilizing organic by-products in Iceland.
The Terraforming LIFE project is funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme.
BMP equipment for measuring biogas and methane production. Image: BPC Instruments AB.
