The methanization sites of the Greater Avignon andAptunion inject Gas output at 17.9 Gigawatt/h in the GRDF network. A contribution expected to double within five years, thanks to the first two agricultural methanization units planned.
The treatment of bio-waste is at the center of the attention of the gas distributor GRDF which supports farmers. Two of them, Sylvain Bernard and Benjamin Favalier, took advantage of the Med'Agri show to present their objectives on the stand of the main gas distribution operator, an activity governed by a public service contract and whose mission is to develop supply of renewable gas produced in France.
Nothing is lost, everything is transformed
GRDF's national objective is to achieve green gas production of 20 % by 2030 and 50 % minimum by 2050. In the projections, methanization represents a third of this contribution, two other techniques are being studied at GRDF.
« Pyrogasification produces gas from biodegradable materialsuch as recovered wood heated to very high temperatures and thermal gasification will recover wastewater treatment plant sludge to heat it again, reduce residues and produce gas. These two processes added to methanization, we will achieve our objectives »explains Olivier Bonifay, GRDF territorial director.
Producing green gas from fermentable waste, fruit vegetables, plant cover, requires anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen) in a huge pressure cooker. The gas fraction of approximately 10 % of the volume of bio-waste is filtered then injected into the GRDF network. The remaining volume comes out in the form of digestate, a natural fertilizer. “ The anaerobic digestion of agricultural biowaste contributes to energy sovereignty, creates non-relocatable jobs and reduces dependence on fertilizer-importing countries. », continues Olivier Bonifay.
Two projects in the making with the hope of being operational before 2030
For the two farmer groups, the future agricultural methanization units are part of a virtuous approach : « We are talking about green energy production, decarbonization and waste recovery. underlines Sylvain Bernard.
Methalcyon, union of agriculture and composting experts
Benjamin Favalier, agronomist and farmer, produces vegetables in Mornas. He joined forces with Jérémy Lacousse producer from Luzerne and Cindy Coq, director of the Alcyon composting platform (the largest in the Paca region) to finalize the construction of a methanizer in Mondragon. The goal is to recycle agricultural biowaste, but also that from school canteens and individuals. On paper, the project provides for the injection into the GRDF network of the equivalent of the annual consumption of 5,000 inhabitants. At the same time, they are developing a spreading plan with organic residues from methanization operations. “ Digestate is a natural fertilizer that can replace chemical fertilizers» underlines the young farmer. Ten farms interested in using this natural fertilizer have already formed a partnership. But they still have to wait. the file is currently being investigated in the administrative services», specifies Benjamin Favalier. Investment €10 million
The tomato program methanizer
Sylvain Bernard grows tomatoes and other vegetables in Uchaux. He is involved with nine other farmers from seven farms in a collective methanizer project linked to the “Tomatoes” program, a device to revive tomato growing in a virtuous program. Feasibility studies made it possible to identify four possible sites in Piolenc and Uchaux. “ They meet the obligations of proximity to the gas network and minimum distance from homes (200 meters), but it is in the hands of the administration. We hope to be up and running within 4-5 years. Our tomatoes will produce green gas, grow and ripen thanks to the digestate from methanization and will be transformed by cooking with green gas. We will be consumer contributors», explains the young farmer. Investment 4 to 5 M€
