A highly lignocellulosic feedstock such as maize or crop residues can be difficult to fully digest during the traditional AD process. Resulting in sub-optimal digester performance; lower gas yield, longer HRT and lower digestate quality. The fibrous structure of most lignocellulosic feedstock requires a combination of technical solutions; both mechanical and biochemical to access their sugar and starch. Even then hydrolysis can be a limiting step to full degradation with these complex feedstocks. The key to unlocking their potential and maximising energy release is increased conversion efficiency where a higher proportion of the total material becomes available for gas production.

Alps Ecoscience help site operators maximise the potential of complex feedstock by designing specific pre-treatment protocols. These accelerate substrate decomposition and ensure complete digestion resulting in greater gas yield and a higher quality of digestate in lower volumes.