Yanmar R&D Europe Showcases Farm Circular Solution at International Biochar Initiative Event

Yanmar R&D Europe recently participated in an event organized by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), connecting with global leaders to discuss innovative biochar technologies. From October 16 to 18, participants toured biochar project applications in the vineyards and olive groves of Italy’s Chianti region, showcasing the positive impact of these sustainable practices.

Introducing the Farm Circular Solution

At the event, Yanmar showcased its Farm Circular Solution (FCS), a portable, containerized system designed to convert farm waste into energy and valuable agricultural products, promoting sustainability and environmentally friendly farming practices.

The Farm Circular Solution allows farmers to efficiently transform woody agricultural residues into electricity and heat, with biochar and wood vinegar as useful by-products—all housed within two standard shipping containers.

Addressing Environmental Concerns

Disposing of farm waste often presents significant environmental challenges, including air pollution, high disposal costs, and biological hazards from decomposing plant material. The Farm Circular Solution tackles these issues by allowing farmers to convert waste into beneficial products.

“The advantages of FCS derive from its circularity,” said Roberto Mussi, Group Leader of the Renewable Energy Group at Yanmar R&D Europe. “Instead of burning agricultural residue, Yanmar technology enables farmers to create useful products for their farm from the waste of the very same farm.”

The Process of Transformation

The process begins by collecting woody farm waste, which is then formed into bales and processed into pellets. These pellets are fed into a gasification unit that produces combustible syngas, which powers a Yanmar combined heat and power (CHP) generator. The generator produces 20 kW of electricity and 35 kW of heat, providing farms with a sustainable energy source while reducing operational costs.

In addition to energy production, the gasification process yields two valuable by-products: biochar and wood vinegar. Biochar enhances soil fertility and sequesters carbon, while wood vinegar serves as a natural pesticide and growth stimulant for plants.

Enhancing Gas Quality and Product Value

One key benefit of the Farm Circular Solution is its ability to produce multiple valuable products. To maximize the quality of each output, the team developed a multi-stage, self-cleaning catalytic filter to improve gas quality by removing contaminants. This innovation ensures high-quality gas, resulting in greater value for customers.

Positive Impacts on Local Farms

The Farm Circular Solution has already demonstrated tangible benefits for Yanmar’s customers. Filippo Legnaioli, president of a consortium of 185 farms in the Florence area, has observed two significant advantages: reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers and decreased energy consumption. By utilizing wood vinegar and biochar, Legnaioli has minimized the impact of chemical fertilizers in his fields, while the olive oil mill within the consortium has lowered its energy consumption by using energy generated from agricultural waste processed through the Farm Circular Solution.

A Vision for the Future

As Group Leader of the Renewable Energy Group, Mussi is optimistic about the future of the Farm Circular Solution and its potential to enhance energy sustainability in agriculture. The system's adaptability means it can be replicated in various settings, further promoting sustainable practices across different farming operations.

The Farm Circular Solution aligns with the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050 initiative, which aims to realize an environmentally friendly and greenhouse gas-free company. This initiative underscores Yanmar’s commitment to addressing societal challenges in support of its brand statement: A Sustainable Future.

Future Developments and Broader Applications

Yanmar's introduction of the Farm Circular Solution in Italy marks the beginning of a broader strategy to refine the solution and expand its reach throughout Italy and Europe. The modular design of the waste processing and gasification units allows for easy transportation and installation near farming operations.

Furthermore, there is potential to adapt the principles of the Farm Circular Solution for urban settings, transforming it into a “City Circular Solution.” This would focus on converting urban waste into energy, creating sustainable cycles within cities. At the moment preliminary tests are underway to evaluate the feasibility of pine straw as a potential waste feedstock. This would further widen the potential application options.

The Farm Circular Solution is poised to revolutionize farming practices in Italy and beyond, providing long-term, sustainable benefits to the agricultural sector. Yanmar R&D Europe is committed to promoting a sustainable future through innovative agricultural solutions and looks forward to further developments in the field.

Farm Circular Solution video: https://youtu.be/AWDRgxPV-Ws?si=4Gs-Y4lfV37JbsUL

About Yanmar

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

https://www.yanmar.com/global/about/