AnDigNet

AnDigNet

AnDigNet aims to investigate the possibility of developing a network of appropriate partners in order to rationally utilise the energy potential of the agricultural organic residues generated in huge quantities from the citrus-processing industries in Southern Europe, as well as developing the proper infrastructure leading to actual project implementation.

An innovative integrated approach.
There have been a number of projects in the past dealing with either the techno-economics of selected biogas projects or with the barriers associated for the development of similar projects. However, there is not an integrated approach for the creation of a network for carrying out the proposed project activities and identifying the necessary synergies and linkages to handle the risks, the barriers and other non-technical aspects and practical details, issues closely associated with the actual project implementation.
Networking advantages versus independent activity The involved fruit-processing industries (mostly SMEs) do not often meet the critical size to ensure an economical operation taking into account the energy valorization of these residues nor do they have the organizational capabilities to sustain such complex energy generation and environmental protection schemes. Furthermore, in order to meet the necessary feasibility criteria, networking and co-operation not only between similar firms is considered important but also active involvement of partners from different disciplines, such as technology suppliers, specialized contractors, finance providers. Finally, such an undertaking requires an integrated approach, careful planning and active co-operation in an appropriate network between urban and rural partners. Competent partner focussing on non-technical aspects Such a network of competent partners (SME's, financiers', etc.) should further focus on the non-technical aspects of the project development such as the social and environmental impacts, the institutional and financial barriers, the risks involved and the interactions and synergies to be developed the partners involved, in order to ensure efficient networking for the actual implementation of the project.

Project achievements.
The expected achievements, amongst other, have been
1. the identification and set-up of networking activities and synergies amongst partners,
2. the communication of the final output to:• agro-industrial SME's, • financing bodies, • policy makers, • funds, financial bodies, ministry administrators etc.
3. the implementation of AD schemes in citrus processing industries in Southern Europe.

The final output.
The final output of the project will be a detailed approach for the actual implementation of the above project, which is expected to constitute a stand-alone methodological tool/guide ready to use and apply to projects of similar nature.

Last updated: 2004-10-28