Source: rtvdrenthe.nl
Patience is a virtue, even when it comes to manure. After more than six years of planning and objections, the shovel can finally hit the ground for Stercore’s manure gasifier in Emmen. Stercore’s installation converts animal manure into special fertilizers and green gas. The construction of the plant costs 56 million euros. The arrival of the plant has had a long lead-up. As early as 2018, the municipality of Emmen and Stercore sat down to discuss the sale of a plot of land (over 22,000 square meters) at the Getec industrial park. A years-long legal battle with Milieudefensie Westerveld caused delays. The organization questioned Stercore’s nitrogen calculations. The dispute ended up before the Council of State, which dismissed Milieudefensie’s objections. As a result, the sales contract can finally be signed.
Manure from the neighborhood
Initiators Hans Jansen and Richard Kusters now expect to be able to move forward. According to Jansen, the idea is to acquire animal manure products from local farmers (within a 70-kilometer radius) for a good price. “For most farmers, manure is a waste product, for which they have to pay for disposal.” Instead, farmers at Stercore will soon be paid for the manure. Stercore’s facility will convert 350,000 tons of dry animal manure and digestate annually into natural fertilizers and soil improvers that can replace synthetic fertilizers. The process also releases 23 million cubic meters of green gas. According to Jansen, this is a byproduct that can be supplied directly to the gas grid. “Good for 24,000 households,” says Jansen. The total production for 2026 has already been sold to various buyers. A ten-year contract has now been signed for the gas. According to the company, around 30,000 tonnes of liquid CO2 are released annually during the upgrading of green gas, which, according to Kusters, can be used again in a converted form in, for example, greenhouse horticulture.
Odor
According to Jansen and Kusters, the surrounding area need not fear odor nuisance. “When a truck carrying manure is driven inside, it passes through an air curtain,” explains Kusters, similar to a heating blower hanging above a shop entrance. According to Kusters, this prevents the air from escaping the building. Various ventilation and air exchange techniques are employed inside the building. Industrial air scrubbers keep potential odors in check, adds Jansen. The plan is to start construction at the end of May, says Jansen. “We expect to be producing in June or July 2026.” The arrival of the factory will create around 40 jobs, some of which have already been filled, according to Jansen.
Glad
Alderman Guido Rink (PvdA) says he is pleased with this development. “It has been a long process, but a great development. The company will create approximately 40 jobs at various levels.” The municipality of Emmen aims to establish itself as a hot spot for green chemistry and circular business activity. And according to the alderman, Stercore fits perfectly into that picture.
0 comments