Biolectric, a Belgian company, is currently the sole provider of digesters for both pig and dairy farms across Europe.

What are Digesters?
Digesters convert methane from manure into electricity, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transforming methane into CO2. This process also minimizes odors associated with manure management.

Advantages of Mini Digesters
Mini digesters are cost-effective and simpler to install compared to their larger counterparts. They typically require only a basic local government permit and come pre-constructed, ensuring quick installation. Unlike larger digesters, mini digesters are designed to operate solely on manure without needing additional off-farm materials.

Biolectric’s Presence in Europe
Initially concentrating on dairy farms, Biolectric has installed over 350 mini digesters across Europe. Recently, they’ve expanded to pig farms, with 20 installations already in place and more planned for northern Italy, the Netherlands, Flanders, and France.

Suitable Farms and Electricity Production
Mini digesters are suitable for pig farms with 1,500 to 4,500 fattening pigs, producing about 33kW of electricity. Before installation, the farm’s manure slurry is tested since biogas production varies with different types of pig manure.

Leading Adoption in Poland
Poland is at the forefront of adopting mini digesters for pig farms. Biolectric’s partner, Naturalna Energia.plus, has completed 15 installations in Poland, with five more underway. The high adoption rate is driven by the need for pig breeders to obtain carbon footprint certificates for exporting meat within the EU. Biogas plants provide the necessary certification.

From November to February, Polish farmers cannot fertilize fields with slurry and must store it for at least four months. However, these restrictions do not apply to digestate from biogas plants, encouraging farmers to adopt this technology. Additionally, the highly automated system requires minimal daily maintenance.

Real-Time Monitoring with MyBiolectric App
The MyBiolectric app allows farmers to monitor electricity production in real-time and optimize energy output. It also aligns heat production with farm demands, improving overall efficiency.

How Biodigesters Operate

• A sealed, insulated tank with a mixer is used.
• Fresh liquid manure is continuously pumped in.
• The mixture is kept at a consistent temperature of around 40°C to maintain anaerobic bacterial activity.
• During digestion, bacteria also destroy weed seeds.
• The methane is collected, purified to remove sulfur, and directed to a generator.
• The methane is burned to generate electricity, which can be used on the farm or sold to the grid.
• Heat from the digester can be utilized for heating farm buildings.
• The fluid digestate can be used as fertilizerµ
• Dried digestate can serve as cattle bedding.