Project Title: Assessment and optimization of co-digestion of grass silage and animal slurry

Overview: Within the framework of the European policies to reach climate neutrality by 2050, scenarios include a potentially promising role in generating zero-emission gases, such as biogas. There is a vast potential for biogas production from anaerobic digestion (AD) in Ireland due to the available grasslands and slurry that can be implemented as AD feedstocks.

 Sofia’s study involves the optimization of co-digestion of grass silage and animal slurry for biogas production at a full-scale application. The proposed project addresses bioenergy recovery from slurry and grass silage and the production of organic fertilizer.

 Sofia’s project will provide operational parameters for co-digestion of slurry and grass silage and benefit the gas production industry. The bigger picture will be to study how the provision of grass, grass silage, and slurry for biogas might be integrated into the operation of a ‘typical’ farm system.

In the long term, this research should contribute to a thriving, sustainable and circular bio-economy and create wealth and quality jobs in rural areas.

 Sofia is from Argentina and holds an Agricultural Engineering Degree from the University of Buenos Aires. She has an avid interest in Sustainable Production and Circular Bio-Economy.

Programme Area: Sustainable Production Systems & System Analysis

Supervisors: Dr. Paul Crosson and Prof. Xinmin Zhan

Location: Grange

Funding Source: Teagasc