Yanmar R&D Europe Showcases Farm Circular Solution at International Biochar Initiative Event
Yanmar’s Farm Circular Solution: Turning Farm Waste into Energy and Green Products
Yanmar’s Eco-Friendly Farm Circular Solution Showcased at Italy Biochar Event
Yanmar R&D Europe recently participated in an event organized by the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), where leaders in biochar technology came together to discuss sustainable farming practices. Held from October 16 to 18 in the beautiful Chianti region of Italy, the event featured visits to vineyards and olive groves using innovative biochar applications. The event showcased how these methods contribute to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.
Introducing the Farm Circular Solution
At the event, Yanmar presented its Farm Circular Solution (FCS)—a portable system designed to turn farm waste into energy and agricultural products. The FCS is housed in two standard shipping containers, making it easy to move and set up. It allows farmers to convert woody agricultural waste into electricity and heat, along with biochar and wood vinegar as by-products. This practical solution promotes sustainable farming by recycling waste while also helping farmers reduce costs.
Addressing Environmental Problems
Farm waste disposal is often expensive and harmful to the environment, causing air pollution and biological hazards as plants decompose. Instead of burning waste, the Farm Circular Solution offers a cleaner way to recycle agricultural waste into useful products.
Roberto Mussi, the head of Yanmar’s Renewable Energy Group, explained, “With our technology, farmers can take waste from their own fields and turn it into products that help their farm.” This eco-friendly process not only saves farmers money but also cuts down pollution and waste.
The Farm Waste-to-Energy Process
- Waste Collection: Farmers collect woody waste, such as tree branches, which are shaped into bales.
- Pellet Production: The waste is processed into pellets.
- Gasification: These pellets go into a gasification unit that creates syngas—a gas that powers Yanmar’s combined heat and power (CHP) generator.
- Electricity and Heat Generation: The generator produces 20 kW of electricity and 35 kW of heat, providing energy for the farm.
The system also creates two important by-products:
- Biochar: Improves soil fertility and stores carbon, helping the environment.
- Wood Vinegar: Works as a natural pesticide and promotes plant growth.
Improving Product Quality with New Technology
Yanmar has developed a multi-stage, self-cleaning catalytic filter to remove contaminants from the syngas. This ensures high-quality gas that improves energy efficiency and increases the value of the generated products.
Real Benefits for Local Farms
The Farm Circular Solution is already making a positive difference for many farmers. Filippo Legnaioli, president of a group of 185 farms in Florence, shared how it has reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and lowered energy consumption.
By using biochar and wood vinegar, farmers can cut down on the need for synthetic fertilizers. In addition, olive oil mills within the farming group are now using energy from the waste-to-energy system, reducing their energy bills and environmental impact.
Expanding Sustainable Solutions
The Farm Circular Solution is part of Yanmar’s larger vision for promoting sustainable farming. Its modular design allows the system to be installed in various settings, from rural farms to city environments.
Looking ahead, Yanmar is testing ways to adapt this technology for urban use through a potential “City Circular Solution.” This version would focus on turning urban waste into energy, offering eco-friendly solutions to cities. Current research is also exploring the possibility of using pine straw as a new type of waste feedstock, which would expand the system’s applications even further.
Committed to a Green Future
Yanmar’s commitment to sustainability aligns with its Green Challenge 2050 initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build an environmentally friendly company. The Farm Circular Solution reflects this mission, offering a cleaner way to manage waste and produce energy for a better future.
“We see the Farm Circular Solution as a step forward in sustainable farming,” said Mussi. “Our goal is to promote eco-friendly agriculture and energy independence for farms worldwide.”
About Yanmar
Founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar became the first company to create a compact diesel engine in 1933. Today, Yanmar is a global leader in producing agricultural equipment, marine engines, construction machinery, and energy systems. With a strong focus on innovation, Yanmar provides sustainable solutions across land, sea, and urban environments to help tackle modern challenges and create a sustainable future.
For more information, visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
