From biogas residues to business opportunities
The BioReME project is developing practical circular economy solutions to support the green transition in South and Central Ostrobothnia. As peat production declines, the project focuses on turning locally available resources into new value: improving nutrient cycling, strengthening energy self-sufficiency, and reducing dependence on imported fertilisers and fossil fuels.
The project explores two underutilised opportunities in the biogas ecosystem: the efficient use of straw and other plant-based biomasses in biogas production, and the processing of digestion residues into high-quality recycled fertilisers. The aim is to improve processes, but also to create commercially viable solutions that can be adopted by local companies.
The blockage of the “Strait of Hormuz” is leading to a situation where supply chains of inorganic fertilizers will face a shortage in the near future. This is because both natural gas, and also sulphur compounds are shipped from production sites in the middle east around the globe. The production of inorganic fertilizers is heavily depending on these 2 feedstocks.
– Now, when our BioReME project aims for local supply chains from organic re-cycled fertilizers, this geopolitical problem would no longer be a problem to Finland. at least for the farmers that are then using the locally produced alternative, compared to the ones that rely on imported fertilizers, says the project manager Fabian Sander.
Centria is focusing on the processing and refinement of digestion residues. We will produce digestion residues from different feedstocks and develop methods to upgrade them into fertiliser products suitable for practical use, utilizing our pilot-scale biogas plant. The residues are analysed and tested further in laboratory and cultivation trials, ensuring that the solutions are both effective and scalable. This work supports the development of new business concepts and strengthens opportunities for SMEs operating in the biogas and nutrient cycling value chains.
The project also contributes to the renewal of rural business structures. By enabling new value chains around biofertilisers and nutrient recycling, BioReME supports entrepreneurs, technology providers, and logistics operators in adapting to the changing energy landscape. The result is a more resilient regional economy built on local resources and expertise.
Centria’s work in BioReME builds on its long-term development of biogas solutions. Over the years, Centria has investigated feedstock combinations, process optimisation and nutrient recovery, and recently established a mobile pilot-scale biogas plant to bring testing closer to real-world applications. This foundation enables BioReME to move efficiently from research to practical solutions.
The project is co-funded by European Union with the Cities of Kannus and Kurikka, and the Kaustinen region.
BioReMe-project is part of the Low Carbon Energy research group. Learn more about the group: https://net.centria.fi/en/rdi/we-research-and-develop-with-you/smart-wood/low-carbon-energy/