Publications

Green Assist: Producing sustainable end products from renewable raw materials

Seeking to balance ecology, economy and society, STERCORE turns waste into high-quality organic fertilisers and green energy. With expert guidance from Green Assist, STERCORE plans to bring to market a new solution to combat waste. 

STERCORE’s project aims to transform raw materials (animal manure and digestate) into high-quality sustainable end products through pyrolysis, ensuring no waste is left behind. The pyrolysis process produces Bio-Based Carbon (Biochar), which serves as organic substitute for chemical fertilisers and soil improvers, as well as green gas (biomethane). Other products include residual heat and liquid CO2. Liquid CO2 is produced after syngas (e.g. carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, sulphur) is cleaned first by removing the sulphur, then processing it through a methanation system. Finally, any remaining CO2 can be turned into liquid form. 

The Bio-Based Carbon meets the highest standards of the EU Regulation 2019/1009 and can be certified with the ‘end of waste’ status and be used as a ‘new’ raw material for agricultural purposes. Additionally, STERCORE generates CO2 removal certificates (CORC). 

The market for high-quality carbon-based organic fertilisers is growing worldwide. As such, STERCORE sees strong opportunities to become a key player in this market, partly due to local production capabilities. In Emmen (the Netherlands), STERCORE will build their first plant and plans to expand further in the Netherlands and internationally.

In a bid to strengthen its position in the market, STERCORE’s project team contacted Green Assist to receive dedicated and specialised support. Through the Green Assist Roster of Experts, an experienced and highly skilled technical expert was selected to provide free tailored advisory services from May to June 2024.

Green Assist’s advisory assignment involved a comprehensive review of STERCORE’s business plan, with a particular focus on technical documentation. The review was requested by of one of the company’s equity suppliers. To meet their needs, the Green Assist expert validated the business plan’s feasibility and effectiveness by assessing the technical documentation, analysing project structure, eligibility criteria and project financing structure.    

Because of Green Assist’s support, the project investment decision is on track for a positive final investment decision. This means more green products will be produced and supplied to the Bio-Based Carbon product market faster.

Green Assist also assessed the biochar and compost markets in Europe, making sure that the project adhered to the Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) principle. The project team received assistance in identifying market segments with high potential, thus increasing the value-added of the analysis. The financial feasibility of the different EU markets, including available incentives, and leading sales channels were also considered.

Hans Jansen, CEO of STERCORE, was pleased with Green Assist’s support, noting: 

"Thanks to the professional and independent efforts of CINEA and Green Assist, STERCORE now has an up-to-date review of its economic and technical business plan, which is essential for potential investors.”

Green Assist aims to build a pipeline for high-impact green investment projects in sectors related to biodiversity, natural capital and circular economy, as well as in non-environmental sectors.

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Stercore Hans Janen Richard Kusters
Publications

Nature as a guide: STERCORE’s future-oriented innovation

In the Netherlands, many people work passionately with biomass as a raw material. They work on innovations, improve (production) processes or create policy for a fossil-free future. We have had a series of conversations with people who work at companies where bio raw materials are central. In this mini-series we highlight what drives them to work on the transition to a sustainable world. First a conversation with Hans Jansen from STERCORE.

“Nature shows what is possible and you should focus on that!” This statement perfectly reflects the vision of Hans Jansen, one of the driving forces behind STERCORE, in his search for a (artificial) fertilizer product that is beneficial for both plants and the planet. STERCORE, derived from the Latin word for manure, emphasizes Hans’ belief in harnessing the power of animal fertilizers for a greater good. As a seasoned expert in the world of fertilizers, he has closely studied the impact of current synthetic fertilizers on soil, water and plants. Convinced that there had to be a better way, Hans strongly believes that rethinking the value of animal manure is essential for soil recovery and healthier plants. This view is particularly relevant given the alarming rate at which we currently waste animal manure.

“Nature shows what is possible and you should focus on that!”

After years of exploring and innovating, Hans and his partner Richard Kusters have now unveiled a groundbreaking solution that, in addition to the high-quality, organic fertilizer and soil improver Bio-Based Carbon (=Biochar = carbon), also produces green gas and liquid CO2, without further waste flows. This versatile value creation enables STERCORE to develop a sustainable revenue model without emissions. Is this the “fertilizer factory” of the future? With the planned construction of a revolutionary factory next year, Hans’ motto remains unchanged: “Always think twice before you take action, during the action, and again afterwards!” Hans and Richard crossed paths in the world of fertilizers, where Richard’s technical expertise matched perfectly with Hans’ commercial insight. While traditional fertilizer manufacturers often shy away from organic material, Hans saw a growing demand for this among his customers. After both left an organic fertilizer manufacturer, Hans and Richard further developed their vision. By combining the technical innovations with the opportunities that both saw, they quickly realized that they had a promising company on their hands. Hans explains: “The current fertilizer and crop protection methods are under heavy social pressure. But if you don’t want to use it or are no longer allowed to use it, you need an alternative to prevent significant harvest loss. The product that we will produce with STERCORE is an excellent alternative. In addition to fertilizer, our product acts as a soil improver, resulting in healthier soil, resulting in less fertilizer use and less need for pesticides and healthier crops. Livestock farmers are also satisfied, because they can now dispose of their excess manure responsibly and sustainably, and we turn it into a product that improves their soil. A real win-win situation for everyone.”

The proces

The raw manure undergoes a drying process, during which virtually all ammonia (nitrogen) is removed. The nitrogen-containing drainage water that results from this can be used as a nitrogen fertilizer substitute or can be added to the end product Bio-Based Carbon. The released CO2 is captured and converted into a liquid form, suitable for greenhouse horticulture.

The wastewater is thoroughly cleaned and reused, without leaving any residual flows or waste flows behind, making the entire process completely circular. The carbon released during gasification is therefore marketed as high-quality fertilizer.

The gas that is produced is Bio-syngas, which is further upgraded into green gas. Green gas is a collective term for upgraded biogas that meets the quality standards of natural gas and can be injected into the natural gas network. Biogas is any type of gas that is created by biological enzymatic processes, originating from biomass. It has a different composition and quality than natural gas and cannot be injected directly into the natural gas network. In order to use biogas in households, it must be upgraded to green gas, which has the same composition and smell as natural gas.

Hans and Richard’s journey illustrates how nature’s wisdom can guide innovative minds to solutions that benefit both humanity and the environment. By rethinking the potential of animal waste, they are leading us to a future where agriculture and sustainability go hand in hand. In their pursuit of healthier soils and plants, they have been inspired by the complex dance of nature, reminding us that the path to progress often lies in harnessing the wisdom of the natural world.

 

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better tomorrow
Publications

Article about STERCORE in the trade magazine Grondig

The trade magazine Grondig is a source of news for entrepreneurs and employees in the cumula sector. It offers a fresh look at the sector, people, machines and business. Every day they produce news about agricultural contracting, agricultural engineering, earthmoving, fertiliser distribution, garden, park and (agricultural) construction.

After the completion of the STERCORE trials, Grondig devoted an article to them. Our plans are discussed there, as well as our partnership with Meilof Smilde. They will supply the manure that we will transform into Bio-Based Carbon and green gas in our future factory.

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