Key Takeaways
- Lystek International has launched the LysteMize Livestock Waste Characterization Study with $585,000 in federal funding from Canada’s Energy Innovation Program.
- The study will evaluate various animal manures and organic farm waste in southern Ontario for anaerobic digestion (AD) to produce renewable energy.
- Lystek’s LysteMize technology aims to enhance biogas production and introduce low-carbon Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) for the livestock sector.
- Preliminary results show promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing Canada’s net-zero energy goals.
- The project, supported by Brown and Caldwell, will conclude in 2027, providing critical data for scaling LysteMize applications.
Advancing Clean Energy in Agriculture
Lystek International has announced the LysteMize Livestock Waste Characterization Study, supported by $585,000 in funding from the Government of Canada’s Energy Innovation Program. This four-year project aims to assess the potential of livestock waste as a feedstock for Lystek’s LysteMize anaerobic digestion process, focusing on renewable energy production and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction.
The study will examine manure from over ten livestock farms in southern Ontario, including cattle, swine, sheep, goat, and poultry operations, using laboratory-scale Lystek Thermal Chemical Hydrolysis Process (THP®) systems.
“This project is a game-changing extension of Lystek’s proven resource recovery technology suite,” said Mike Beswick, Executive Vice President of Lystek. “We are exceedingly optimistic about the prospect of bringing cost-effective and easy-to-operate solutions to a wider range of users to help build the circular economy and reduce GHG emissions in Canada and abroad.”
Innovation in Waste-to-Energy Technology
Lystek’s LysteMize process utilizes its patented THP® technology, which combines high shear mixing, low-pressure steam, and alkali addition to optimize the biodegradability of organic waste. By breaking down recalcitrant organic carbon, the technology enhances biogas production potential by up to 70%, depending on the feedstock’s baseline characteristics.
Municipal biosolids and food waste have already shown significant improvements in biogas yields using LysteMize. Extending this application to livestock waste could enable smaller farms to generate biogas on-site, reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as diesel and propane.
“Brown and Caldwell is very excited about the opportunity to support Lystek in innovation around anaerobic digestion of agricultural lignocellulosic wastes,” said Dr. Kati Bell, Managing Director of Water Strategy at Brown and Caldwell. “Advancements in this technology will help farmers achieve significant environmental benefits and reduce pollution while producing green energy.”
Federal Support for Lystek’s Initiative
Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Small Business, expressed optimism about the project’s impact on Canada’s agricultural sector. “By supporting their latest project, the Government of Canada is strengthening Canada’s agricultural industry, which stands to benefit from more affordable, widely available, and cleaner fuels.”
Promising Results and Future Applications
Preliminary findings from the study indicate significant potential for biogas recovery and renewable energy generation from livestock waste. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will provide a critical knowledge base for implementing LysteMize technology across the livestock waste sector.