Video: Fermentation for sustainable energy at Vijf Eiken Business Park – Interview Thijs Rodenburg

Fermentation for sustainable energy

Organic by-products that are no longer suitable for bio-based materials, human or animal nutrition are an excellent source of renewable energy. The organic matter in by-products can be converted into sustainable gas through fermentation, using bacteria and fungi.

Vijf Eiken–Heihoef is one of thirteen industrial estates in North Brabant that falls under the provincial project ‘Grote Oogst’ to make existing industrial estates more sustainable more quickly. This business park will play a significant role in energy transition, climate adaptation, smart mobility, circular economy and nitrogen .

Interview with Thijs Rodenburg

How does fermentation work?

Fermentation is a biological process in which microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, break down organic substances in an oxygen-poor environment.

These organic substances often originate from by-products of the food and fermentation industries. During fermentation, these by-products are converted into biogas, a renewable energy source. The process begins with hydrolysis, in which organic molecules are broken down into simple sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. This is followed by acidogenesis, in which these molecules are converted into volatile fatty acids, alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. In the next step, acetogenesis, the volatile fatty acids are further broken down into acetic acid, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. Finally, methanogenesis takes place, in which the acetic acid and hydrogen formed are converted into methane and carbon dioxide, the main components of biogas.