Using a conversion process developed by Fraunhofer (TCR® process), the dewatered and dried grain can be converted into coal. The "by-products" of the process are gas and oil, which in turn can be used to generate electricity and heat. The recovered energy is fed back into the brewing process via combined heat and power (CHP), which improves the energy balance of the plant. The resulting coal can be reused as Bio-Char.

Climate-neutral barbecue coal

Fabian Stenzel, Head of the Biological Process Engineering Department at Fraunhofer UMSICHT Sulzbach-Rosenberg says: "If we succeed in marketing the carbonisate as barbecue coal briquettes, this would enormously increase the overall cost-effectiveness of the concept. And the uncertainty of the acceptance of the spent grain would also be eliminated". In addition to economic efficiency and overall plant productivity, the potential greenhouse gas savings of the overall concept are also evaluated.

Innovative SMEs in the beer industry

Georg Schneider, owner of the brewery "Schneider Weisse" in its sixth generation, is proud to be part of the project: "The innovative strength of the beer industry lies in the medium-sized businesses. Large corporations only focus on new developments and ideas when they see them as a success. Energetic recycling of spent grains from beer is another important step towards greater sustainability and independence".