Projects

Summary

The project aims to investigate biorefinery technologies to valorise industrial by-products generated in Gipuzkoa, with special focus on organic waste from the agri-food industry, which reaches an annual volume of around 30,000 tonnes. The initiative seeks to create a new industrial hub specialised in valorising these residues, promoting the circular economy, sustainability, and the competitiveness of the local industrial fabric. The research will focus on identifying and evaluating biorefinery processes to obtain high value-added bioproducts, mainly volatile fatty acids, and developing a preliminary biorefinery concept adapted to the specific characteristics of Gipuzkoan by-products. In addition, a simulation platform will be built to design and evaluate different technological scenarios, and laboratory-scale experimental tests will be carried out to optimise the production and separation of bioproducts.

Objectives

Advance the valorisation of agri-food by-products through biorefinery processes. Analyse the state of biorefineries in Europe and assess technologies applicable to local residues. Develop a preliminary biorefinery concept adapted to Gipuzkoa. Build a simulation platform for virtual evaluation of technological scenarios. Experimentally validate selected processes and optimise the production of key bioproducts, such as volatile fatty acids.

Role of Ceit

Ceit participates in the development of the biorefinery concept, in building the simulation platform, and in the experimental validation of selected processes, bringing its expertise in circular economy technology and waste valorisation.