Inagro, the West Flemish research centre for agriculture and horticulture, has commissioned a 1,000-litre pilot digester at its biogas site in Roeselare to investigate upgrading biogas into biomethane.
The new digester's substantial capacity enables more realistic testing compared to traditional laboratory setups limited to a few dozen litres. This larger scale brings conditions closer to real-world agricultural operations.
"At Inagro, we help research institutes and companies with constructive, practice-oriented research. This enables us to bring innovation to agricultural practice more quickly and safely," stated Reindert Devlamynck, research leader for Energy & Circular Economy at Inagro.
The facility will test the direct addition of hydrogen to the biogas process, which produces additional methane and increases the gas's energy value.
This upgraded biogas can then fuel tractors and other agricultural vehicles. Further research will explore whether additives could enable the gas to be injected into the natural gas grid long-term.
Bart Naeyaert, member of the provincial executive responsible for agriculture and horticulture, described the initiative as "a strategic step for circular agriculture and the energy transition in rural areas."
He added, "By first testing technologies on a pilot scale, we reduce risks for entrepreneurs and bring sustainable energy closer to practical application."
