The case

The biogas plant in Tønder, Denmark, will be one of the largest plants in Europe when completed. Annually, it will process 900,000 tons of agricultural feedstock and industrial organic waste and produce 40 million Nm³ of biomethane, equivalent to 400 GWh per year – enough to cover the annual energy consumption of 20,000 households.

The biogas production process begins with feedstock from local farmers being delivered and loaded into storage tanks. Once inside, the feedstock is heated by an HCI heat pump to stimulate the production of biogas. The generated biogas then goes through a purification process, and once upgraded, it can be fed into the natural gas grid, replacing natural gas and contributing to a sustainable energy supply.

The remaining feedstock, after processing and gasification, is cooled by the HCI heat pump system. This cooling step captures the remaining energy and converts the degassed feedstock into an eco-friendly fertilizer. Essential nutrients are preserved, odour is reduced and the fertilizer is ready for use on fields.