In the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, researchers at Dalhousie University are tackling a stinky problem with a high-tech solution. Mohammadali Kiehbadroudinezhad, lead author from the Circular Process Engineering Laboratory, is spearheading a review that could revolutionize how we think about animal manure and its potential in the energy sector. Published in the Biofuel Research Journal, the study delves into the promising world of thermochemical conversion and carbon capture, offering a glimpse into a future where waste becomes a valuable resource.
Livestock manure is often seen as a nuisance, a byproduct of agriculture that contributes significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions. But what if this waste could be transformed into energy, biochar, and other valuable products? That’s the question Kiehbadroudinezhad and his team are exploring. “We’re looking at thermochemical technologies like pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal processing,” Kiehbadroudinezhad explains. “These methods can convert manure into useful products, but they often still emit carbon. That’s where carbon capture comes in.”
The process isn’t straightforward. Combustion and co-firing, for instance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels but are hindered by manure’s high ash and moisture content. Advanced methods like pyrolysis and gasification yield biochar, bio-oil, and syngas, but they face similar challenges. Hydrothermal processing, particularly hydrothermal liquefaction and carbonization, shows promise in addressing moisture-related issues, especially for pig manure. Catalytic gasification improves conversion efficiency and product quality but remains costly due to expensive catalysts and process complexity.
The real game-changer, according to the review, is integrating carbon capture with these thermochemical processes. This combination could lead to net-negative emissions, significantly enhancing the environmental benefits and energy efficiency of manure valorization. “Integrating carbon capture with thermochemical conversion offers a viable solution for achieving net-negative emissions,” Kiehbadroudinezhad states. “However, the widespread deployment of these integrated systems is constrained by high capital costs and infrastructure requirements.”
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The potential is enormous. As the world shifts towards a circular bioeconomy, technologies that can convert waste into energy and valuable products will be in high demand. This research could pave the way for innovative waste-to-energy solutions, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the environmental impact of livestock farming.
But there are challenges to overcome. High capital costs and infrastructure requirements are significant barriers. Realizing the full potential of these integrated systems will require targeted investment, technological innovation, and robust policy support. “We need to drive scalable, sustainable implementation,” Kiehbadroudinezhad emphasizes. “That means overcoming existing barriers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”
The review, published in the Biofuel Research Journal, is a call to action for the energy sector. It’s a reminder that waste isn’t just waste—it’s a resource waiting to be tapped. And with the right technologies and support, we can turn manure into a valuable asset, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. As the world looks for ways to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy, this research offers a compelling path forward. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of a circular bioeconomy. The future of energy might just be under our noses—or rather, under our livestock.