Research project corresponding to the call 2021 and reference: TED2021-132809A-I00, within the State Program to Promote Scientific-Technical Research and its Transfer (Strategic Projects Oriented to Ecological Transition and Digital Transition).

RAVIOLIC is aimed at developing an innovative bioprocess for vegetable and fruit waste (VFWs) valorization into bioethanol (as energy carrier) using an anaerobic non-conventional fermentation conducted by an open-mixed culture. To this end, a strategy to promote ethanologenic microbial enrichment for maximizing bioethanol production via anaerobic fermentation (AF) will be developed. This novel fermentation attends to the concept of process intensification in which, the hydrolysis and fermentation are conducted in a single reactor by creating a tailor-made ethanologenic microbial community. The achievement of this objective will allow bioethanol production with a low-complex technology, thereby overcoming some of the drawbacks identified in current technologies. Additionally, the solid spent resulting from AF will be further revalorized as biogas via conventional anaerobic digestion to make the process energetically-self maintained. RAVIOLIC will be key to decrease process costs because an intensified reactor based on nonaxenic conditions is considered, while it also entails a strong reduction of wastes to be managed because in fact they are considered valuable feedstocks.

Partners: IMDEA Energy Institute

Funding Institution/Program: Ministry of Science and Innovation – European Union NextGenerationEU – PRTR / Strategic Projects Oriented to Ecological Transition and Digital Transition

Period: December 2022-May 2025

IMDEA Energy Institute external funding: 149.500 €

IP: Dr. Silvia Greses