Biogas is an important solution for tackling global warming and reducing dependence on non-sustainable energy resources. Despite its environmental benefits, biogas production generates significant amounts of anaerobic digestate, which is currently mainly used as fertiliser on agricultural land. However, this practice poses considerable environmental challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution and soil contamination.
In response to these issues, the LIFE DIMITRA project aims to strengthen the sustainability of agricultural management practices. Its objective is to valorise anaerobic digestate from biogas plants for the production of bio-fertilisers for various crops. It also seeks to achieve a synergy of benefits by using new technologies to sustainably valorise and manage digestate, while promoting the dissemination and adoption of low-carbon technologies.
The project is expected to deliver multiple positive impacts, including climate change mitigation, increased crop yields and enhanced profitability for agricultural holdings. Through these innovations, LIFE DIMITRA seeks to establish a more resilient and environmentally friendly approach throughout the entire biogas production cycle, aligned with Europe’s broader objectives for sustainable agriculture and resource management.

The objectives of the LIFE DIMITRA project will be implemented through the creation of two technology demonstration sites in two European countries, Greece and Italy. The technological solutions include the treatment of raw anaerobic digestate and the management of the resulting liquid and solid fractions, with the aim of producing value-added products that can be utilised by local farmers, achieving zero liquid and solid waste.
The proposed technologies will be installed and evaluated in two pilot applications at existing and operational agricultural-waste anaerobic digestion facilities. Comparative as well as long-term monitoring of the pilot units will demonstrate the technological systems in an industrial environment, aiming for their technological maturity. At the same time, procedures have been developed for both cases of pilot interventions by the National Technical University of Athens (DEMO1) and the University of Brescia (DEMO2).

Learn more about the project at life-dimitra.eu.