ECOSMART:2

ECOSMART:2 will demonstrate the smart integration of a novel, enhanced anaerobic digestion (AD) process with solar technology to form the basis of a circular economy model, providing affordable, clean, secure energy access. Through development and operation of the ECOSMART:2 modules, new integrated UK-Nigerian enterprises and supply chains will be established, aligning social and gender considerations with economic and environmental benefits.

With a focus on valorising agri/food waste streams (e.g. cassava and water hyacinth), ECOSMART:2 will ensure a high proportion of beneficiaries are women and those on low incomes.

ECOSMART:2 will build on the consortium's expertise, utilising locally available materials and low-cost components to ensure affordability, and reducing feedstock retention time through system design to to accelerate the AD process. It will also produce soil amenders and fertiliser to replace expensive, synthetic fertilisers, thus supporting local, sustainable agricultural practices.

With a 4.5-year payback, this model of affordable, low carbon, secure bioenergy will tap into Nigeria's £7.45Bn microgrid market to support enterprise and capacity building opportunities with operator training and local manufacture as well as up-skilling both upstream and downstream enterprises/supply chains for the provision of feedstock and the sale of energy and fertiliser. AD and control systems will be adapted by UK SMEs for global commercial opportunities.

With a focus on flexible energy use and affordability, advances in demand-side management and microgrid technology, ECOSMART:2 presents developing countries with an opportunity to leapfrog expensive, centralised infrastructure.