Duckweed to biofuels

„Process development for the production of energy-rich duckweed biomass from cattle urine for the production of biofuels“

The aim of the joint project is to investigate whether aqueous residual streams from dairy cattle farming can be used for the production of lipid- and polysaccharide-rich biomass via an inline cultivation process for duckweed, while at the same time reducing emissions, wastewater disposal costs, feed and fuel costs for farms.
The project aims to develop and test a novel combination of processes for wastewater treatment, duckweed production and maximum storage enrichment through selective mutagenesis and abiotic manipulation for the utilization of bovine urine.
Based on the accumulated metabolites, the conversion of the separated polysaccharide and lipid fractions into bioethanol and biodiesel is to be tested. The overall process and the sub-processes will be validated and balanced on a laboratory and pilot plant scale under process engineering and economic aspects. The aim is to close material cycles and create the basis for penetrating new markets and generating innovative products.

Project partner: Terra Urbana Umlandentwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
Duration: 10/2023 – 03/2026
Funding body: VDI|VDE|IT on behalf of the BMWK