Manure digester in Twente can supply green gas

Waste worker and energy producer Twence has been given the green light for the construction of a controversial manure digester. The installation in Zenderen in Twente will soon have to process 250.000 tons of pig manure annually. This will provide 3.000 households with green gas.

The plans for the manure valorisation installation have been on the table for 6 years. Partly due to fierce resistance from local residents and from the municipal authorities, it was uncertain for a long time whether the installation would ever be built. Opponents feared nuisance due to transport, stench and noise.

Capacity shortage
When the Council of State canceled the plans in 2017, the curtain seemed to have fallen for good. At that time, the province of Overijssel decided to lend a helping hand with the necessary zoning plan and an environmental permit. One of the reasons: a shortage of capacity for manure processing in Twente. In addition, the installation ensures significant sustainable energy production.

The municipality of Borne then started a new case together with various foundations. However, that procedure came to an end yesterday (Wednesday, October 28) when the Council of State ruled in favor of the matter. Construction of the manure processing plant is now expected to start in early 2021.

Circular agriculture
If everything goes according to plan, the installation will be operational in the spring of 2022. This can then process a large part of the regional manure surplus. With the annual processing of 250.000 tons of pig manure, more than 3,5 million cubic meters of green gas can be produced. And that fits within the vision for circular agriculture.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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