LUDAN Spain (a subsidiary of the Israeli multinational Ludan, based in Valencia) and AINIA Technology Centre have launched the first semi-industrial pilot plant that generates biogas and biofertilizers from rice straw. The prototype, based on a new model for treating and recovering of rice straw, has been installed near the Natural Park of Albufera of Valencia. With 15,000 tons of residual straw it is possible to produce about 21 million electric kWh annually, equivalent to energy savings of about 2,000 households.
This plant can process 3 to 4 tons of straw a year. The aim of this technology is to convert straw into clean, renewable energy that can be used on farms as electricity, heat or biofuel for transport vehicles. It is one of the results of the European project SOSTRICE funded through the LIFE program.
