Novis specialises in the construction of biogas plants with unusual feedstocks that are often difficult to ferment. Mushroom compost is such a difficult substrate. We were tempted to experiment with it. Our experiments have shown that if the right additives and enzymes are added, the yields increase dramatically. We have achieved 200-300% higher biogas yields than with conventional methods.

Champost is produced in large quantities - about five million tonnes per year in Europe. This means that there is enough material. Our project solves a disposal problem for mushroom growers. Due to its hygienisation and the fungal growth, Champost is already quite accessible, but most of the nutrients have already been used up. This is why biotechnological high tech is needed to fully digest the fermentable residues.

We are currently conducting tests with the Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences. Mushroom substrate consists mainly of horse and chicken manure, with country-specific variations. We optimize the biotechnological parameters, i.e. the enzymes and fungal additives used, so that we achieve the highest biogas yield in the end and remove as many salts as possible from the champost. The higher the temperature, the more tolerable the material will be later as fertilizer.

The pilot plant will be built in the Spanish region of La Rioja - Spain's largest mushroom growing area. By 2025, further plants are to follow in a total of six European countries, including Germany.

We have two very exciting project approaches based on champost and also on normal fermentation residues: On the one hand, we were able to prove in growth trials that champost, after hydrolysis - the first stage of the biogas process - is perfectly suited as cover soil for mushroom cultivation. Usually, casing soil with a very high proportion of peat is used. We are sure that our process will replace large parts of the peat use with modified champost or fermentation residues.

On the other hand, fermentation residues have another great property: Fibres can be extracted from them at low cost. We are working on producing natural fibre composites from these fibres using bio-based resins, together with a large European fibre and textile research institute. In terms of their properties, these natural fiber boards are better than wood-based boards and can ideally simply be composted at the end of their lifecycle. The fibre fleeces produced from fermentation residues could also be processed into ecological moulded parts for the automotive industry.

Interview: Judith Reichel