The nitrogen crisis in the Netherlands (stikstofcrisis) is an ecological and legal crisis. With intensive livestock farming, the Overijssel region produces a substantial amount of manure annually, causing underground water pollution and carbon and nitrogen emissions. Traditionally viewed as waste that requires costly management, manure has the potential for an innovative solution. It can be used to produce biogas. An innovative solution that turns a problematic byproduct into a cornerstone of renewable energy.
Sustainable network
A study by UT researchers led by Devrim Yazan established an industrial symbiosis model that designs decentralised biogas production units in Overijssel to create a sustainable network that harnesses the power of manure to generate biogas which can further generate heat and electricity. This concept not only seeks to address local waste management challenges but also to contribute to the global need for sustainable energy solutions.
From an environmental perspective, the proposed model offers significant benefits. By converting manure to biogas, greenhouse gas emissions are substantially reduced compared to conventional fossil fuels. This conversion process mitigates the impact of animal-farming waste on local ecosystems, preventing nutrient runoff into water bodies, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and protecting aquatic life.
Revenue for farmers
Economically, the concept encourages a novel revenue stream for farmers, who can sell excess manure to biogas facilities instead of incurring disposal costs. For potential investors in biogas industry, it ensures a consistent and economically feasible supply of raw materials. This symbiosis could fortify the local economy, enhancing stability and resilience against market fluctuations in the energy sector.
Socially, the model fosters a sense of community and partnership among diverse regional stakeholders. It encourages farmers and biogas producers to collaborate closely, building trust and reinforcing mutual dependencies that go beyond simple transactional relationships. The research suggests that such collaborations could lead to job creation across various sectors including technical roles in biogas production, logistics, and environmental management, thus supporting local livelihoods and community development.
The government's role is crucial. By implementing supportive policies and incentives for renewable energy, local authorities could significantly enhance the viability of such a model. These policies would not only aim to meet environmental standards but also to encourage economic growth through sustainable practices.
A sustainable future
The story of this research-based proposal is a narrative of innovation and foresight. It demonstrates how academic research can influence and help transforming local economies by rethinking waste as a resource. This concept, if realised, promises a cycle of benefits—environmental, economic, and social—cementing the foundations for a sustainable future in Overijssel and potentially other regions facing similar challenges.
The study also points out that next to biogas production, recovery of valuable minerals from manure via biorefining would increase the efficiency and added value of the system both from environmental and economic sustainability perspectives.
Circular economy
This model testifies to the potential of the circular economy, where nothing goes to waste and everything serves a purpose in a continuous cycle of use and reuse. It exemplifies how theoretical research can lead to practical solutions that are not only economically viable but also beneficial for the environment and society. The journey from concept to implementation may be complex, but the path is clear, guiding the way toward a sustainable, resilient, and circular regional economy.
