Amsterdam-based The Waste Transformers, a startup that develops and builds small-scale biodigesters, announced on Wednesday that it has implemented a sustainable solution in Amsterdam’s Zuidoost to tackle food waste generated by various companies.
It includes the Johan Cruijff ArenA and ING, followed by Amsterdam UMC (AMC location) and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
Converts food waste into local green energy
The initiative involves the utilisation of a smart biodigester, known as the Waste Transformer. This device efficiently converts inedible food waste into local green energy and organic fertiliser.
Located next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA, the biodigester will generate renewable energy to power the stadium. Additionally, this project will contribute to job creation by offering seven full-time positions annually to individuals facing challenges on the labour market.
Future plans involve processing food waste from the weekly market in Amsterdam Zuidoost.
Converts 350 kg of food waste daily
In the initial phase, the biodigester in Amsterdam Zuidoost is projected to convert 350 kg of food waste daily into energy and valuable nutrients.
There are plans to scale up the operation to handle 1800 kg per day, resulting in annual generation of 92,000 kWh of electricity. This amount of energy is equivalent to 33 Dutch households’ annual consumption.
To ensure a seamless process, the participating organisations in Amsterdam Zuidoost will provide daily food waste collections, which will then be locally processed in the Waste Transformer.
In addition to producing electricity, the residual heat generated by the biodigester will be utilised to cool the data centre beneath the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
By implementing the Waste Transformer, food waste transportation from Amsterdam Zuidoost will be significantly reduced, minimising CO2 emissions.
Moreover, food waste contains valuable nutrients being explored for their potential to replace artificial fertilisers with natural alternatives.
Waste Transformers Amsterdam Zuidoost
The project is an initiative of Zuidoost Circulair, a consortium of local businesses in Amsterdam Zuidoost that seek a sustainable solution for local waste management.
Besides The Waste Transformers, the Johan Cruijff ArenA, and the Municipality of Amsterdam, other participating organisations include ING, Amsterdam UMC (AMC location), Amsterdam Zuidoost, ABN-AMRO, Pantar, BAM, TNO, HvA, UvA, and Royal Haskoning DHV.
“The power of daily visible collection within organisations and immediate local processing creates opportunities to inspire and inform employees. We want to show people and businesses what can be achieved when we join forces,” says Lara van Druten, CEO of The Waste Transformers.
This unique project has garnered a lot of interest, particularly from football fans: the Johan Cruijff ArenA aims to be a flagship stadium in terms of sustainability, and UEFA has already embraced the project and its technology as a shining example for other stadiums worldwide seeking to become more sustainable.
The project is also supported by the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and partly financed as part of the Union’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Waste Transformers
Founded by Lara van Druten, The Waste Transformers has developed commercial garbage disposal systems to reduce food wastage.
The Amsterdam company has an on-site containerised anaerobic digester — Waste Transformer. It turns biodegradable waste such as kitchen and commercial waste into biogas or electricity and heat.
Read the orginal article: https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/the-waste-transformers-sets-smart-biodigester/
