Converting agricultural waste into pipeline-quality RNG through hyperthermophilic hydrolysis

Lead Applicant: Brandon Gilroyed

Research Priority: Innovative Products & Product Improvement

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2024/2025

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: Hyperthermophilic hydrolysis (HTH) combined with anaerobic digestion (AD) represents a sustainable solution for conversion of agricultural residues into renewable natural gas (RNG). Traditionally, AD is conducted at mesophilic temperatures and when using lignocellulosic substrates, such as crop residues, this results in the need for extended retention times and increased reactor volume. In contrast, HTH uses lignocellulolytic microbes adapted to grow at 70C to hydrolyze cellulose into simple sugars that can quickly be converted into methane during anaerobic digestion. This project will investigate HTH coupled with AD to convert chicken manure and wheat straw into methane. This process will valorize underutilized agricultural residues while also providing a sustainable source of renewable energy that will offset fossil fuel usage.