EDELNASS

Duration

01.07.2023 - 30.06.2026

EDELNASS focuses on the material use of the regrowth from rewetted peatland meadows, which are heterogeneous in species composition and often subject to management restrictions (e.g. harvest time). Biomass and its site parameters from 5 peatland sites in Germany will be analyzed, tested and evaluated with regard to their applicability in 2 utilization processes: (i) conversion in biorefineries to the bio-based, high-value basic chemicals HMF and furfural and optimization of the processes at the University of Hohenheim. Lignin is also produced as a by-product. The HMF can be further processed into the recyclable, bio-based high-performance plastic PEF, from which the Albstadt-Sigmaringen University develops sustainable packaging solutions, (ii) the Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy, together with its partners, produces fibres from the biomass and further processes them into paper and fibre mouldings. Coupling potentials of material flows of the raw material fractions between the processes will be investigated by feeding intermediate and by-products of one process into the respective other process. The aim of the research is to develop new value chains based on the management of wet grasslands that combine the productive use of wet grasslands with the achievement of nature conservation and climate protection goals. Data bases for the future remuneration of the ecosystem services of the wet grasslands and peatlands will be compiled: CO2 balance of processes and possible products (including soil-borne emissions), development of biodiversity and water quality. The costs from raw material supply to final product will be analyzed in order to derive appropriate operating models for the individual processes and to project them in peatland regions as examples. Subproject 2 "Platform chemicals from wet meadow biomass" is led by the University of Hohenheim. The aim of the work package is to demonstrate that wet meadow biomass can be converted in biorefineries into high-quality basic chemicals such as HMF and furfural in a sustainable and economically scalable manner. The raw material fractions (e.g. lignin from the biorefinery) will be investigated for possible application in work package 2. In task 1 of work package 2, the different biomass samples will be analyzed, the HMF reactor will be optimized and process optimizations for the biomass digestion module of the biorefinery will be worked out. This will be supported by specific process simulations. Task 2 of WP2 deals with HMF production in campaign operation with the aim of producing HMF within the limits of the current REACH (Annex VII) certified HMF. This would greatly facilitate subsequent commercialization.