Project aim

The HanfNRG project aims to evaluate residual materials from the hemp processing industry as cost-effective raw materials for bioenergy production and to identify economically and ecologically advantageous process chains for subsequent transfer of the project results into practical applications.

The main focus of the project is on the hemp fiber insulation production process. Efficient combination of bioenergy production from hemp processing residues with hemp fiber production has the potential to increase resource efficiency while improving the economic and ecological sustainability of hemp fiber insulation materials. The results of the project are expected to contribute to an increased cascade use of fiber-rich biogenic residues and to strengthen the value creation in rural areas as well as to support the development of a Circular Bioeconomy.

 

The project focuses on the following tasks:

  • Expanding the feedstock spectrum for biogas/biomethane plants by tapping biogenic residues from industrial hemp processing (by-products of fiber hemp production and extraction residues from CBD and hemp oil production).
  • The development of a CHP concept for the provision of process heat for the hemp fiber production process by utilizing waste heat from the biogas plant process or from thermal residue recycling
  • Extension of the feedstock spectrum for biomass CHP plants and thermal conversion processes gasification and pyrolysis with special focus on material characterization and fuel conditioning
  • Extension of the feedstock spectrum for bioenergy carrier production based on biomass gasification with the objective of producing high-quality renewable fuels, platform chemicals and synthesis gases
  • Investigation of utilization options for co-products of energetic residue utilization
  • Increasing the competitiveness of ecological hemp insulation materials and further improvement of the climate footprint