Demonstration of Integrated Technologies to transform Biowaste from MSW into 2G Biofuels
LIFE WASTE2BIOFUEL is a pilot project that aims to solve a serious environmental problem caused by the accumulation of waste in EU landfills by reducing the impact that incorrect waste management has on air, water and soil ecosystems.
This project is funded with the support of the European Union within the framework of the LIFE programme.

WASTE POLICIES
Landfill Legislation (Directive 1999/31/EC).
Ley 22/2011, de 28 de julio, de residuos y suelos contaminados.
OBJECTIVES
To this end, LIFE WASTE2BIOFUEL will develop an Integrated Gasification Fischer-Tropsch (IGFT) process for the thermal treatment of the biomass fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). The system shall allow treating the target waste through an energy sustainable and environmentally friendly process.
To assess the technological performance of the IGFT process
To validate that it is possible to convert biowaste into liquid fuels in an energy self-sufficient way.
To assess the environmental sustainability of the IGFT
By means of performing LCA and LCC of the system.
To assess the economic viability of the IGFT process
Through developing feasibility studies of industrial scale plants in order to plan bankable projects.
To reduce GHG emissions and air pollutants
To minimize the rate of waste disposed in landfills and the waste refused fraction.
To implement and promote a new waste treatment model
That indeed considers landfilling a “last choice” according to the waste management hierarchy.
To demonstrate the replicability and transferability during and after its implementation
Through knowledge, useful networking, technology and business model transfer strategy.
WHAT WE WILL ACHIEVE?
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
- Alternative to raw materials and fossil fuel without risk of causing indirect land-use change.
- Producing liquid fuels from renewable sources.
- To avoid unpleasant odor episodes.
- To reduce the occupation of land. In comparison with biofuels from traditional pathways (energy crops).
- To reduce ground water pollution from leachates.
- To reduce air pollution.
THE PROCESS
The pilot plant will include a pre-treatment unit, a gasification module, syngas purification and conversion into liquid alternative fuel using the F-T process.
DURATION
39 months
From 01/10/2017 to 21/12/2020
LOCATION
Planta de tratamiento de residuos de Algimia de Alfara. Castellón. Spain.
BUDGET
Total project budget: 2.117.818 €
Financial contribution of the European Union EU contribution: 973.429 €
THE ALGIMIA WASTE TREATMENT PLANT
Algimia Waste Treatment Plant is the most advanced Waste Valorization and Treatment facility in the Valencian Region. The Plant is completed integrated in the landscape and it is made of fully recyclable elements. The recovering rate is up to 72% of the waste feedstock.