Gasification technology solution to turn agricultural waste into clean energy

Gasification technology solutions help Dak Lak farmers utilize post-harvest by-products as a clean energy source for the agricultural product drying process.

The gasification furnace model utilizing agricultural waste has been widely supported by farmers. (Photo: Helvetas Vietnam)

Application of gasification technology, energy saving, emission reduction

Recently, in Ea Kar commune, Dak Lak province, within the framework of the Project "Circular economy in cocoa production" funded by the European Union (EU), Helvetas Vietnam officially introduced and demonstrated the model of a heat-supplying gasification furnace for drying agricultural products for Nhat Tam Agricultural Service Cooperative.

This is a new solution in circular agriculture, helping farmers utilize post-harvest by-products as a clean energy source for the agricultural product drying process.

In the context of a large amount of agricultural by-products after each crop is often discarded or burned outdoors, causing waste and pollution, this model is considered to bring a sustainable direction. Particularly for cocoa trees, the fruit shell accounts for about 70% of the total harvested volume - a valuable biomass source that has not been effectively utilized.

Representatives of Helvetas Vietnam and coordinating units hand over the gasification furnace to Nhat Tam Cooperative. (Photo: Helvetas Vietnam)

In Ea Kar, prolonged rainy conditions make drying agricultural products such as cocoa and coffee difficult; beans are susceptible to mold and reduce quality, while traditional drying equipment consumes a lot of fuel and emits high emissions.

The system delivered by Helvetas to Nhat Tam Cooperative uses the new version of KANAI-800 gasifier, operated semi-automatically by pneumatic valves, and can utilize a variety of agricultural by-products such as cocoa husks, coffee husks, rice husks, and macadamia nut shells as fuel.

Through the gasification process, these by-products are converted into synthetic gas (syngas), then completely burned to create a clean heat source, almost no smoke. The heat source is flexibly adjusted according to each type of agricultural product, continuously supplied 24/24 hours, meeting the drying capacity of 5-15 tons per batch.

High quality biochar obtained from the gasifier. (Photo: Helvetas Vietnam)

Notably, the gasification process also produces biochar - a by-product of high economic value, which can be used to improve soil, increase porosity, retain moisture, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

Thus, the entire process forms a closed loop, helping to reduce emissions, save costs and increase income for farmers.

Pioneering circular economy model

The gasification furnace system integrated into the traditional agricultural drying drum system at Nhat Tam Cooperative is one of the pioneering circular economic models, first implemented in Vietnam.

People observe the operation of a gasification furnace to dry agricultural products. (Photo: Helvetas Vietnam)

According to Helvetas representative, replicating this model will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions, increasing farmers' income, and making practical contributions to the goals of developing green agriculture, circular economy and sustainable development in Vietnam.

Mr. Pham Van Luong, Country Director of Helvetas Vietnam, said: This initiative is a testament to Helvetas’ commitment to accompany Vietnam on the journey of transition to circular agriculture and sustainable development. The application of gasification technology helps farmers increase their autonomy, turn waste into clean energy, optimize costs and reduce emissions.

Technical team instructs people on how to operate the gasification furnace to dry agricultural products. (Photo: Helvetas Vietnam)

Representative of Nhat Tam Cooperative, Ms. Nguyen Hong Thuong, Director of the Cooperative shared: “Previously, we spent a lot of fuel each crop, while the by-products were wasted. Now with the gasification furnace, the cooperative can utilize the waste products as clean fuel, and also collect biochar to fertilize plants. People are very excited because it not only saves costs but also has more profit for production.”

Mr. Duong Van Truc, Director of Saigon Clean Water and Environment Company Limited (SAWAEN) - the technical support unit, said: Using gasification furnaces in drying agricultural products helps save up to 75% of operating costs compared to drying with electricity or gas, with a payback period of only about 4 months. Compared to burning wood, costs are reduced by about 40%, with a payback period of 9 months. This is a solution that brings clear efficiency both economically and environmentally.

TRUNG HUNG

Source: https://nhandan.vn/giai-phap-cong-nghe-khi-hoa-bien-phe-pham-nong-nghiep-thanh-nang-luong-sach-post917890.html