Patience is a good thing, even when it comes to manure. After more than six years of plans and objections, the shovel can finally go into the ground for the manure gasifier of Stercore in Emmen. The installation of Stercore converts manure into fertilizers and green gas. The construction of the factory costs 56 million euros.
The arrival of the factory has had a long run. Already in 2018 the municipality of Emmen and Stercore sat around the sale of a piece of land (more than 22,000 square meters) at Industriepark. A years of legal battle with Milieudefensie Westerveld caused a delay. The organization thereby questioned the nitrogen calculations of Stercore. The dispute ended up at the Council of State, which wiped the objections of Milieudefensie off the table. After which the scribbles can still be placed under the sales contract.
Initiators Hans Jansen and Richard Kusters now expect to be able to take on. According to Jansen, the idea is to take over the animal manure products from local farmers (in a circle of 70 kilometers) for a good price. “For most farmers, the manure is a waste product, where you have to pay for the removal.” Instead, the farmers will soon be paid at Stercore for the manure.
The installation of Stercore will convert 350,000 tons of dry, animal manure and digestate per year on an annual basis into natural fertilizers and soil improvers that can replace fertilizer. The process also releases 23 million cubic meters of green gas. According to Jansen a by -product that can be delivered directly to the gas network. “Good for 240,000 households,” says Jansen.
The total production of 2026 has already been sold to various customers. A ten -year contract has since been concluded for the gas. According to the company, around 30,000 tons of liquid CO2 are released every year when the green gas is upgraded, which according to Kusters can be used in converted form for, for example, greenhouse horticulture.
According to Jansen and Kusters, the area does not have to fear for odor nuisance. “If a car with manure is entered, it drives through an air curtain,” explains Kusters, similar to a heating blower that hangs above a store’s entrance. According to Kusters, the air cannot escape from the building. Various ventilation and air changing techniques are used inside the building. Industrial air washers keep possible odors under control, Jansen adds.
The idea is to start construction at the end of May, according to Jansen. “We expect to produce in June or July.” The arrival of the factory is good for around 40 jobs, which, according to Jansen, have already been partially filled.
Alderman Guido Rink (PvdA) says he is happy with this development. “It has been a long -breath matter, but a nice development. The company provides around 40 jobs at different levels.” The municipality of Emmen wants to develop as a hot spot for green chemistry and circular activity. And, according to the alderman, Stercore fits perfectly in that picture.