Project ECOOVALUE: Flexible bioprocesses for a sustainable bioeconomy

Fermentation plays a key role in the production of sustainable products, from alternative proteins to bioplastics. New, sustainable production facilities run on electricity, but pressure on the electricity grid is increasing rapidly. As a result, new production facilities are increasingly unable to get off the ground because the required grid connection capacity is not available.

This creates a significant barrier to the establishment, growth and sustainability of the biotechnology industry. Fermentation processes require large amounts of energy for aeration, cooling, mixing and downstream processing. Subsequent processing steps, such as drying, can consume substantial amounts of energy as well. When all these activities take place simultaneously during peak hours, they place even greater pressure on the electricity grid. ECOOVALUE therefore investigates how to design and operate bioprocesses so that energy-intensive steps take place when sufficient renewable electricity is available locally, without compromising on yield or product quality.

ECOOVALUE explores how to make fermentation and biorefinery processes more flexible. We look not only at the fermentation itself, but at the entire production chain surrounding it. As a first step, we map existing industrial processes in detail. Together with project partners, we analyse which stages of the process consume energy and which offer opportunities for flexibility. Some intermediate products, for example, can be stored without difficulty, while other process steps may be accelerated or delayed.

The consortium is also developing advanced models that monitor and predict fermentation processes. Using laboratory-scale reactors, we simulate industrial processes and investigate how factors such as temperature, oxygen supply and nutrients influence fermentation. By combining this data with advanced modelling, we gain insight into how we can control processes flexibly without product loss. 

Turning CO₂ emissions into new feedstocks

The project focuses not only on fermentation adaptation and smarter energy use, but also on the carbon dioxide released during fermentation. At present, this CO₂ often ends up in the atmosphere as a waste stream. ECOOVALUE explores whether it can instead serve as a valuable feedstock. Using renewable electricity, we aim to convert CO₂ into formic acid or methanol. Both can act as feedstocks for new fermentation processes. This creates a cycle and takes us a step closer to a more circular and climate-neutral production system.  

Dutch and European ambitions for a circular and biobased economy depend on the large-scale production of sustainable materials, chemicals and food ingredients. Without solutions for energy use and grid congestion, however, progress may stall. ECOOVALUE helps companies make more efficient use of available energy, reduce their dependence on fossil resources and design production facilities that remain viable in the long term. In doing so, the project supports the growth of the bioeconomy. At the same time, the consortium works closely with a grid operator to contribute to a more stable electricity system and better use of locally generated renewable energy. 

ECOOVALUE is a public–private partnership that brings together companies, research organisations and societal partners. The consortium consists of eleven partners, including nine companies: Wageningen University & Research, Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Alliander, Burg Groep, ChainCraft Development, Royal Cosun, Enough, Farmless, CO2Dry, Tielo-Tech and Vivici. This project is part of Topsector Energie.