Proposal20120926 LIFEASCÓ

!
l1Tfl Generalitat de Catalunya

!UJJl lnstitut Catala d' Energia
To whom it may concern,
The Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN) is a public company ascribed to the
Company and Employment Department of the Generalitat de Catalunya. His will
is to merge in the socioeconomic Catalan circles to promote technological
innovation projects in the industrial sector, service industry and transport, with
the support of all energy-related agents, as producers, users, professional
associations, equipment manufacturers and engineering companies. Among its
main objectives is the promotion of the rational use of energy, the use of
renewable energy resources, the promotion of research and development of
new energy technologies and the evaluation in collaboration with other public or
private organizations of the own energy resources.
For these reasons, The Catalan Energy Institute (ICAEN) although no plans to
contribute financially in the project "Implementation of a sustainable
alternative for economic development in the framework of nuclear
industry in Asc6", whose proposal is presented by the City Council of Asc6 to
get LIFE + Programme funding from the European Union, is an interested part
as a potential end user of the same results could be derived. The above project
has a manifest interest to our organization because should contribute an
innovative experience in biomethane generation from renewable sources, from
biogas, and its distribution as fuel for domestic use. The Energy Plan and
Climate Change of Catalonia 2012-2020 includes as one of its main priorities
the implementation of anaerobic digestion systems of manure and other organic
materials and the energetic use of generated biogas.
In Barcelona, on September 25, 2012.
L\
Joan Josep Escobar Sanchez
Chief Energy Management
Catalan Energy Institute
im1l Generalitat de Catalunya
iWlll lnstitut Catala d'Energia
A quien correspond a,
El lnstitut Catala d'Energia es una empresa publica adscrita al Departament
d'Empresa i Ocupaci6 de Ia Generalitat de Catalunya. Su voluntad es
integrarse en el tejido socio-econ6mico catalan para promover que se lleven a
cabo proyectos de innovacion tecnol6gica, tanto en el sector industrial como en
el terciario y el de transporte, con el soporte de todos los agentes relacionados
con Ia energia, como los productores, los usuarios, las asociaciones
profesionales, los fabricantes de equipos y las empresas de ingenieria. Entre
sus objetivos principales, esta el fomentar el uso racional de Ia energia, el
aprovechamiento de los recursos energeticos renovables, el impulso de Ia
investigaci6n y el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologias energeticas y Ia evaluaci6n,
en colaboracion con otras organizaciones publicas o privadas, de los recursos
energeiicos aut6ctonos.
Por dichos motivos, el lnstitut Catala d'Energia, si bien no tiene previsto
contribuir economicamente en Ia ejecuci6n del proyecto "lmplementaci6n de
una alternativa de desarrollo econ6mico sostenible en el ambito de Ia
industria nuclear de Asc6", cuya propuesta presenta el Ayuntamiento de
Asc6 para conseguir financiacion del Programa LIFE+ de Ia Union Europea, es
parte interesada como posible usuario final en los resultados que del
mismo se pudieran derivar. El proyecto mencionado posee un manifiesto
interes para nuestra entidad, dado que vendria a aportar una experiencia
innovadora en Ia generacion de biometano de origen renovable, a partir de
biogas, y su distribuci6n como combustible para el uso domestico. El Pta de
/'Energia i del Canvi Climatic de Catalunya 2012-2020 contempla como una de
sus lineas de actuacion Ia implantacion de sistemas de digestion anaerobia de
deyecciones ganaderas y otros cosubstratos y el aprovechamiento energetico
del biogas generado.
En Barcelona. a 25 de septiembre de 2012.
L\
Joan Josep Escobar Sanchez
Jefe de Ia Subdireccion de Gesti6n Energetica
lnstitut Catala d'Energia
Grup de Natura Freixe
Carrer Major, 56, 2n.
43750 FLIX
To whom it may concern,
Entitat membre de
axct
xarxa de custOdia del territori
The association Grup de Natura Freixe from Flix is a non-profit organization founded in
1989 in order to make environmental education activities, observation and study of the
natural environment of the region of Ribera del Ebre, natural space management, activities
custody, or government collaboration with other entities in the missions of protecting and
preserving the natural environment, organization of lectures, studies, courses and
conferences, among other activities.
The Grup de Natura Freixe is the Manager of the Sebes and Flix Meander Wildlife Nature
Reserve since 1999.
For these reasons, Grup de Natura Freixe, although no plans to contribute financially to
the project "Implementation of a sustainable alternative for economic development in
the framework of nuclear industry in Asc6" whose proposal is presented by the City of
ASCO get funding LIFE+ Programme of the European Union is a party as a potential end
user that the same results could be derived.
The above project has a manifest interest to our organization since it is planned the
following list of activities:
- Description and location of the areas (water channels) clogged by the vegetation inside
the Sebes Wildlife Nature Reserve: cartographic location, area determination I
characterization, and determination of potential extraction sites.
- Initial characterization of the selected sites: fauna characterization -fish, birds &
macroinvertebrates-, seasonal surveys and sampling, water quality, sediment.
- Harvesting the reeds and macrophytes from the channels forming the reserve. This
action will improve the habitat for birds that feed and breed in the Nature Reserve.
- Monitoring of the harvesting process and fauna characterization -fish, birds &
macroinvertebrates- , surveys and sampling, water quality, sediment.
At Flix, on September 25, 2012.
Pere Josep Jimenez
Director of the Sebes and Flix Meander
Wildlife Nature Reserve
Ale: freixe@gmail.com www.usuaris.tinet.cat/freixe www.reservanaturalsebes.org
Entitat fundada el 1989, inscrita al Registre d'Entitats de Medi Ambient i Sostenibilitat de Catalunya (nexpedient 2005/072),
al Cens General d'Entitats d'Educaci6 Ambiental de Catalunya (numero de registre EA-088), al Cens d'Entitats de Voluntariat
de Catalunya (num. cens 001480-000) i membre de Ia Xarxa de Custodia del Territori.
TECHNICAL APPLICATION FORMS
Part A administrative information
LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance
Page 1 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161
LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance project application
Language of the proposal:
Implementation of a sustainable alternative for economic development in the framework of nuclear industry
in Asc
Project acronym:
POST-NUCLEAR LIFE
The project will be implemented in the following Member State(s):
Netherlands All regions
Italy All regions
Spain Catalua
Expected start date: 01/07/2013 Expected end date: 01/07/2016
LIST OF BENEFICIARIES
Name of the coordinating beneficiary:
Name of the associated beneficiary: Adverio BV
Name of the associated beneficiary: Confederacin Hidrogrfica del Ebro
Name of the associated beneficiary: Comunitat de Regants d'Asc
Name of the associated beneficiary: Institut per al Desenvolupament de les Comarques de l'Ebre
Name of the associated beneficiary: Uni Empresarial d'Asc, S.L.
Name of the associated beneficiary: Universita' degli Studi di Milano (UNIMI)
Municipal Council of Asc
LIST OF CO-FINANCIERS
FOR ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY
Project title:
English (en)
LIFE+ 2012
Page 2 of 87
PROJECT BUDGET AND REQUESTED EU FUNDING
Total project budget:
Total eligible project budget:
EU financial contribution requested:
2,798,882 Euro
2,798,882 Euro
1,399,441 Euro (= 50.00% of total eligible budget)
PROJECT POLICY AREA
Climate Change
Page 3 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - A2
Coordinating Beneficiary Profile Information
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Legal Registration No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Private non- commercial
Legal address of the Coordinating Beneficiary
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Coordinating Beneficiary contact person information
Surname
E-mail address
Department / Service
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
Telephone No
Website
Function
First Name
PO Box
Town / City
Fax No
Brief description of the Coordinating Beneficiary's activities and experience in the area of the proposal
34977406110
Municipal Council of Asc
AJUNTASC
P4301900I
43791
Asc
C/ Hospital, 2
Spain
Asc is member of the Covenant of Mayors. This is the mainstream European movement involving local
and regional authorities, voluntary committing to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable energy
sources on their territories. By their commintment, Covenant signatories aim to meet and exceed the EU
20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.
Asc is member of the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities (GMF) and the Asociacin de
Municipios en Areas de Centrales Nucleares (AMAC).
Asc has local 'Agenda 21'. This is the roadmap to be followed by the municipality in order to become
sustainable in economic, social and environmental fields.
Ms Environmental Technician
http://www.asco.cat
34977405006
Mnica
Faiget
mfaiget@asco.cat
Spain
43791
C/ Hospital, 2
Asc
Website of the Coordinating Beneficiary
Title
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LIFE12 ENV/- A4
ASSOCIATED BENEFICIARY DECLARATION
The undersigned hereby certifies that:
1. My organisation lnstitut per al Desenvolupament de les Comarques de I'Ebre has not been served with
bankruptcy orders, nor has it received a formal summons from creditors. My organisation is not in any of the
situations listed in Articles 93.1 and 94 of Council Regulation 1605/2002 of 25/06/2002 (OJ L248 of 16/09/2002).
2. My organisation (which is legally registered in the European Union) will contribute 5,309.00 to the project. My
organisation will participate in the implementation of the following actions: 83, E1. The estimated total cost of my
organisation's part in the implementation of the project is 10,618.00 .
3. My organisation will conclude with the coordinating beneficiary an agreement necessary for the completion of the
work, provided this does not infringe on our obligations, as stated in the grant agreement with the European
Commission. This agreement will be based on the model proposed by the European Commission. It will describe
clearly the tasks to be performed by my organisation and define the financial arrangements.
4. For the purposes of the implementation of the agreement regarding this project between the European
Commission and the coordinating beneficiary:
a) My organisation grants power of attorney to the coordinating beneficiary, to act in our name and for our account
in signing the above-mentioned agreement and its possible subsequent riders with the European Commission.
Accordingly, my organisation hereby mandates the coordinating beneficiary to take full legal responsibility for the
implementation of such an agreement.
b) My organisation hereby confirms that we have taken careful note of and accept all the provisions of the above
agreement with the European Commission, in particular all provisions affecting my organisation and the
coordinating beneficiary. In particular, my organisation acknowledges that, by virtue of this mandate, the co-
ordinator alone is entitled to receive funds from the Commission and distribute to my organisation the amount
corresponding to our participation in the action.
c) My organisation hereby agrees to do everything in our power to help the coordinating beneficiary fulfil his
obligations under the above agreement. In particular, my organisation hereby agrees to provide him whatever
documents or information may be required, as soon as possible after receiving his request.
d) The provisions of the above agreement, including this mandate, shall take precedence over any other
agreement between my organisation and .the- coordinating beneficiary which may have an effect on the
implementation of the above agreement between the coordinating .beneficiary and the commission .
I am legally authorised to sign this statement on behalf of my organisation.
--.I have-re-ad. ih-fun (attached to the Model Grant Agreement provided with the LIFE+
application files) .
I certify to the best of my knowledge that the statements made in this proposal are true and the information provided
is correct.
At ... ...................... on .Je .... ... .... ..
Signature of the Associated Beneficiary:
Name(s) and status of signatory:
Page 1 of 1
LI FE12 ENV/ - A4
ASSOCIATED BENEFICIARY DECLARATION
The undersigned hereby certifies that:
1. My organisation Uni6 Empresarial d'Asc6, S.L. has not been served with bankruptcy orders, nor has it received a
formal summons from creditors. My organisation is not in any of the situations li sted in Articles 93.1 and 94 of
Council Regulation 1605/2002 of 25/06/2002 (OJ L248 of 16/09/2002).
2. My organisation (which is legally registered in the European Union) will contribute 200,000.00 to the project. My
organisation will participate in the implementation of the following actions: 82, 83, 84, 85, E1. The estimated total
cost of my organisation's part in the implementation of the project is 400,000.00 .
3. My organisation will conclude with the coordinating beneficiary an agreement necessary for the completion of the
work, provided this does not infringe on our obligations, as stated in the grant agreement with the European
Commission. This agreement will be based on the model proposed by the European Commission. It will describe
clearly the tasks to be performed by my organisation and define the financial arrangements.
4. For the purposes of the implementation of the agreement regarding this project between the European
Commission and the coordinating beneficiary:
a) My organisation grants power of attorney to the coordinating beneficiary, to act in our name and for our account
in signing the above-mentioned agreement and its possible subsequent riders with the European Commission .
Accordingly, my organisation hereby mandates the coordinating beneficiary to take full legal responsibility for the
implementation of such an agreement.
b) My organisation hereby confirms that we have taken careful note of and accept all the provisions of the above
agreement with the European Commission, in particular all provisions affecting my organisation and the
coordinating beneficiary. In particular, my organisation acknowledges that, by virtue of this mandate, the co-
ordinator alone is entitled to receive funds from the Commission and distribute to my organisation the amount
corresponding to our participation in the action.
c) My organisation hereby agrees to do everything in our power to help the coordinating beneficiary fulfil his
obligations under the above agreement. In particular, my organisation hereby agrees to provide him whatever
documents or information may be required, as soon as possible after receiving his request.
d) The provisions of the above agreement, including this mandate, shall take precedence over any other
agreement between my organisation and the coordinating beneficiary which may have an effect on the
implementation of the above agreement between the coordinating beneficiary and the Commission
I am legally authorised to sign this statement on behalf of my organisation.
I have read in full the Common Provisions (attached to the Model Grant Agreement provided with the LIFE+
application files).
I certify to the best of my knowledge that the statements made in this proposal are true and the information provided
is correct.
At ............ .. As.uf. ........ .. .......... . on .. .. . ~ .. .... s . ~ . ~ ~ .. . : . 9 . l . L
Signature of the Associated Beneficiary:
Name(s) and status of signatory:
* When the form is completed, pl ease print, sign, scan and upload it in eProposal
Page 1 of 1
UNIMASC6
855530885
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Associated Beneficiary profile information
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Adverio BV
ADVERIO
851424107 B 01
54744601
24/02/2012
null
9728JT
Netherlands
Laan Corpus den Hoorn 300
Groningen
ASSOCIATED BENEFICIARY PROFILE
Legal address of the Associated Beneficiary
Website
Brief description of the Associated Beneficiary's activities and experience in the area of the proposal
http://
Adverio BV is a Dutch company specialised in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management
(EPCM) of renewable energy, soil decontamination, sewage treatment, biomass to construction material
projects with special emphasis on Waste to Energy (liquid and solid biomass) and Biofuels (methane and
bio-ethanol) projects.
The project managers of Adverio have more than 30 years experience in environmental engineering and
renewable energy projects, worldwide (EU, Africa and China). They have developed multiple projects in UK,
Spain, Ukraine and the Netherlands from feasibility until construction.
Adverio delivers clients services for the entire process of development, construction and operation of
renewable energy projects:
- Feasibility study and conceptual design
- Project plan (targets)
- Design and engineering
- Permit application
- Procurement supervision
- Construction management
- Operational guidance
- Overall project management
- Capital services
The organisation consists of a network of professionals and organisations specialised in the fields of:
- Engineering and the construction of biogas facilities
- Preparation of all necessary documentation for the entire legalisation process of renewable energy
projects
- Biological aspects during the planning and realization and startup-phase of the construction/renovation of
a of the facility
- Capital services, including business planning, investor presentations and pitch books, project feasibility
studies, due diligence on technical, economical and legal aspects of renewable energy projects
Since 2004 employees and partners of Adverio BV have been involved in designing and constructing
anaerobic digesters. Over 30 plants are successfully commissioned varying from an installed electrical
capacity of 150 kW up to 7MW.
Page 12 of 87
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Confederacin Hidrogrfica del Ebro
CHEBRO
Q5018001G
null
null
null
50071
Spain
Paseo Sagasta 24-28
Zaragoza
Website
http://www.chebro.es
The Confederacin Hidrogrfica del Ebro is the River Basin Authority for the river Ebro.
Both the revised text of the Ley de Aguas (Water Act), and the rules that develop, determine its
FUNCTIONS:
- The development of the basin hydrological Plan, as well as its monitoring and review.
- The Administration and control of public water.
- The Administration and control of the exploitation of general interest or that affect more than one
autonomous community.
- The project, the construction and operation of the works carried out by the Agency's own funds, and which
are being mandated by the State.
- Whatever arises from the agreements with the autonomous communities, local corporations and other
public or private entities, or the undersigned with individuals.
OTHER POWERS AND DUTIES:
- The granting of authorizations and concessions relating to public water, except those relating to works
and performances of interest general State, which correspond to the Ministry of the environment.
- Inspection and surveillance of compliance with the conditions of concessions and authorizations relating
to public water.
- The realization of gauging, studies of hydrology, flood information and control of the quality of the waters.
- Study, project, execution, conservation, exploitation and improvement of the works included in their own
plans.
- The definition of objectives and quality according to the hydrological planning programs.
- The implementation, in the field of its competences, plans, programs and actions that have as objective
an adequate management of the demands, in order to promote savings and efficiency, economic and
environmental of the different uses of water by leveraging global and integrated from surface waters and
groundwater, in agreement, where appropriate, with the provisions of the relevant sectoral planning.
- The provision of all kinds of technical services related to the fulfillment of their specific purposes.
Page 13 of 87
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Comunitat de Regants d'Asc
CRRASC
Q04367039G
null
null
null
43791
Spain
C/ Clots, 19-1er
Asc
Website
http://
The Irrigation Community of Asc organizes the collective use of the concession of public waters from the
Ebro River granted by the river basin authority Confederacin Hidrogrfica del Ebro (CHEBRO). It is
currently formed by 340 users, with total irrigated surface of 655 ha. There is a project for the enlargement
of the irrigation area, but at the moment it remains in stand-by due to the lack of financial resources.
The Irrigation Community of Asc have as priority function water distribution and management granted
subjected to standards sanctioned by the Administration and compiled by the users.
The Irrigagion Community of Asc is divided in three areas:
- Area 1: 95 ha and 60 users
- Area 2: 560 ha and 280 users
- Area 3: The irrigation infrastructure is still in the project stage and it will supply water to a total surface
of 800 ha
The need of watering that users have makes them to be organized in irrigation communities, under
compulsion of law. These are determined by the existence of common property or means:
- Water (usually with one or more doses in common).
- Construction of water conveyance and distribution of water.
- Easements originated and work done.
For these reasons, an Irrigation Community necessarily has to be managed, operated and financed under
associative form.
Page 14 of 87
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Institut per al Desenvolupament de les Comarques de l'Ebre
IDECE
Q9350005F
null
null
null
43500
Spain
Av. de la Generalitat, 116
Tortosa
Website
http://www.idece.cat/
IDECE is a public body dependent on the Territory and Sustainability Department (Generalitat de
Catalunya) which was created in 1993.
As Organization integrative of consensus, some of its functions are:
- Elaboration, promotion and evaluation of plans of global / sectoral promotion and development in the
regions of Baix Ebre, Montsi, Terra Alta and Ribera d'Ebre.
- Encouragement of the projection of the regions aforementioned.
- Development of general / sectoral support programmes addressed to local authorities.
- Maintenance and promotion of the Ebro River as a navigable waterway.
- Monitoring of the fulfilment and revision of the partial Territorial Plan of Terres de l'Ebre.
- Support to municipal development policies, through financial and technical means.
- Advice and performance of studies and technical work aimed at getting a better understanding of the
reality and the prospects of the four regions aforementioned.
It was the creator and promoter of the tourism brand that cohesions and identifies Terres de l'Ebre.
Page 15 of 87
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Uni Empresarial d'Asc, S.L.
UNIMASC
B55530885
null
null
null
43791
Spain
C/ Hospital, 21-23
Asc
Website
http://
Uni Empresarial d'Asc (UNIMASC) is a local company highly focussed on the delivery of services to the
community, performance of rural works, construction of rural infrastructures, and edification.
It is formed by an important representation of the entrepreneurs of the village of Asc.
Its purpose is to provide a professional platform from where to develop specific works according to those
contracts achieved. This platform takes into account companies that form UNIMASC as well as other
companies and professionals from the town of Asc.
Page 16 of 87
Legal Name
Short Name
VAT No
Registration Date
X
Legal Status
Public body
Private commercial
Street Name and No
Post Code
Member State
PO Box
Town / City
Universita' degli Studi di Milano (UNIMI)
UNIMI
03064870151
R.D.N.2102
30/09/1923
null
20122
Italy
Via Festa del Perdono 7
Milan
Website
http://
Prof. Pilu is senior researcher with 18 years experience in plant genetics and corn breeding, at the
University of Milano where he received his degree in Biological Sciences in 1994 and the PhD in the
Department of Genetics.
In 1997 he moved to the Department of Crop Production (Di.Pro.Ve.) now renamed Department of
Agricultural and Environment Sciences-Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DISAA).
In 2001 he spent a period at the Risoe National Laboratory, Plant Research Department (DK), to acquire
methods in plant biochemistry.
Since 2003 he held courses in Genetic Improvement of Plants and Essential of Genetics for Agriculture at
University of Milano.
He has been member of different research groups involved in several National and International projects
concerning basic and applied plant genetics. He is author of several papers and communications in
national and international congresses and currently, he is interested in the study of several traits involved
in the modern plant breeding focusing, in particular, on
(i) genetic and molecular analysis of regulatory genes involved in flavonoids biosynthesis,
(ii) phytic acid synthesis and accumulation,
(iii) plant development and architecture and
(iv) study of energy crops.
Page 17 of 87
OTHER PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR EUROPEAN UNION FUNDING
Please answer each of the following questions:
Have you or any of your associated beneficiaries already benefited from previous LIFE cofinancing? (please cite
LIFE project reference number, title, year, amount of the co-financing, duration, name(s) of coordinating beneficiary
and/or partners involved):
No
Have you or any of the associated beneficiaries submitted any actions related directly or indirectly to this project to
other European Union financial instruments? To whom? When and with what results?
No
None of the actions included in the current project fall in the elegibility criteria for financing through
other European Union financial instruments
For those actions which fall within the eligibility criteria for financing through other European Union financial
instruments, please explain in full detail why you consider that those actions nevertheless do not fall within the
main scope of the instrument(s) in question and are therefore included in the current project.
Page 18 of 87
Part B - technical summary and overall
context of the project
Page 19 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - B1
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT (Max. 3 pages; to be completed in English)
Project title:
Implementation of a sustainable alternative for economic development in the framework of nuclear
industry in Asc
The overall objective is the development of an environmentally sustainable alternative as economic
activity model in the municipality of Asc (currently based on the nuclear power plant operating there).
The project is particularly important because such nuclear plant is in the final stages of its working life.
The new model could be exported to other territories of the EU with nuclear plants and a similar
conjuncture to that of Asc.
The specific objectives of the project are:
- Obj. 1. Implementation of a renewable energy plant based on the production of biogas through
anaerobic digestion (AD). This facility will process a mixture of organic waste, macrophytes and energy
crops. Resulting from the process it will be obtained biogas as energetic carrier and digestate reusable
as organic fertilizer.
- Obj. 2. Distribution of the energetic carrier as biomethane. This is a new approach, which implies the
upgrading of the biogas to biomethane. There is also interest in the distribution of the separated
carbon dioxide.
- Obj. 3. Harvesting of macrophytes / reed in the Ebro River. The interest in removing macrophytes /
reed from the river lies in: (i) the pilot use as feedstock in the biogas plant and, (ii) the monitoring of
ecological implications including the anthropophilic black fly Simulium erythrocephalum, which is
increasing fast in number and negatively affects the municipalities settled near the river.
- Obj. 4. Implementation of energy crops (not usable as human / animal feeding), which will be later
used as feedstock in the biogas plant. When needed, fertilization of such crops will be carried out using
digestate.
- Obj. 5. Valorization of organic waste as feedstock for the biogas plant. Organic waste available in the
geographic area includes pig and poultry manure, olive mil wastewaters, by-products from wineries,
etc.
- Obj. 6. Implementation of organic crops in the geographic area, using the digestate as fertilizer.
Project objectives:
Actions:
- A1 Preparatory activities, legal paperwork / business plan development
- B1 Anaerobic digestion (AD) with biogas upgrading, from construction to operation
- B2 Collection of organic waste, incl. local inventory of available waste
- B3 Harvesting of macrophytes in the Ebro River incl. extraction, use as feedstock & ecological
monitoring linked to black fly S. erythrocephalum
- B4 Production of energy crops, i.e. Arundo donax
- B5 Production of organic crops targeting high-quality marketing
- C1 Monitoring of the project impact on the main target audiences & on the environmental problem /
issue targeted
- D1 Communication & dissemination of the project and its results
- E1 Project management & monitoring of progress, targeting smooth management and reporting
According to objectives, actions & means involved are:
- Obj. 1&2: Implementation of a biogas plant / biomethane distribution
Actions & means:
Actions and means involved:
Page 20 of 87
A1 Preliminary activities
- Legal procedures
- Business plan
B1 AD w/ biogas upgrading
- Plant construction
- Plant start-up
- Planning plant routinary operation
- Biogas upgrading module set-up
- Biomethane distribution
- CO2 distribution
- Digestate distribution
- Obj. 3: Harvesting of macrophytes / reed in the Ebro River
Actions & means:
B3 Harvesting macrophytes
- Extraction using a harvester
- Ecological monitoring
- Transport & storage
- Obj. 4: Implementation of energy crops
Actions & means:
B4 Production energy crops
- Assessment on A. donax growth under local constrains
- Crop production as feedstock
- Transport & storage
- Obj. 5: Valorization of organic waste
Actions & means:
B2 Collection organic waste
- Inventory available waste
- Transport
- Obj. 6: Implementation of organic crops
Actions & means:
A1 Preliminary activities
- Certification
- Land bank
B5 Production organic crops
- Agricultural production
- Marketing products
Expected results (outputs and quantified achievements):
The aforementioned actions will be developed during the project lifetime aiming to deliver concrete
outcomes targeting the achievement of the objectives proposed. Below are summarized the key results
expected at the end of the project. These results will help in the establishment of an alternative
economic activity model in Asc.
- Obj. 1: Implementation of a renewable energy plant based on biogas production
Main results of the project:
- Business plan
- Construction of the AD plant (biogas power: 750 kW)
- Organic waste processing (12,000 t/yr)
- Macrophytes processing (1,500 t/yr)
- Energy crops processing (1,500 t/yr)
- Production of a digestate recyclable as fertilizer (13,500 t/yr)
- Obj. 2: Distribution of the biogas as biomethane
- Distribution of biomethane (600,000 Nm3/yr)
- Distribution of carbon dioxide (400,000 Nm3/yr)
Page 21 of 87
- Obj. 3: Harvesting of macrophytes / reed in the Ebro River
- Development of a macrophyte / reed harvester prototype
- Extraction of macrophytes / reed from the Ebro River (1,500 t/yr)
- Report describing results concerning effects on the ecosystem and the black fly S.
erythrocephalum
- Obj. 4: Implementation of energy crops
- Report describing testing of A. donax as energy crop in Asc
- Production of energy crops (15 ha)
- Obj. 5: Valorization of organic waste
- Database concerning inventory of available organic waste in the area of Asc
- Obj. 6: Implementation of organic crops
- Obtaining organic certification by the EU / CCPAE
- Production of organic crops (30 ha)
- Development of a marketing plan for these organic products
- Report including field data concerning production of organic crops in Asc
X
Can the project be considered to be a climate change adaptation project? Yes No
A climate change adaptation project is defined as a project where the main actions concern initiatives
and measures that can be used to reduce the vulnerability of natural and human systems against
actual or expected climate change adaptation.
In this regard, the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project allows to:
- Mitigate the greenhouse gases emission in addition to produce renewable energy (biogas) owing to
the treatment of organic waste by anaerobic digestion.
- Replace fossil natural gas by biomethane. The implementation of the biogas plant targets the
distribution of biomethane as substitutive of fossil natural gas. The separated carbon dioxide will be
trapped and also distributed.
- Replace mineral fertilizers by organic digestate. In this regard, CO2 emissions related to mineral
fertilizer synthesis (and subsequent transportation) will be reduced.
- Fight against desertification. Production of energetic and organic crops using fields currently non-
cultivated will help to fight against desertification in the area of Asc.
- Fight against eutrophication due to the growth of macrophytes within the Ebro River.
- Fight against uncontrolled growth of Simulium erythrocephalum. The harvesting of macrophytes from
the Ebro River will help in controlling the population of this anthropophilic black fly (Simuliidae). The
bite of this insect is causing severe nuisances to the inhabitants / tourists of this area.
Page 22 of 87
1. European context for renewable energy systems:
EU policies concerning renewable energy systems (RES) have set forward a fixed goal of supplying 20%
of the European energy demands from RES by 2020. In this regard, there is a considerable potential of
biogas production in Europe, targeting not least than 25% of all the bioenergy generated [1].
Furthermore, the production of biofuels in EU in relation to the total fuel consumption is supposed to
increase up to 25% by 2030. The challenge is to increase substantially the production of biofuels by
using innovative feedstock, processes and technologies, which are both competitive and sustainable
[2].
2. Nuclear energy in Asc:
Asc is a municipality of Spain. Within Catalonia, it belongs to the province of Tarragona and the
district of Ribera dEbre (see figure). The municipality is located to the right of the Ebro River. The
population consists of 1,665 people (2011), of which 866 are men and 799 are women.
Spain has 8 nuclear reactors generating a fifth of its electricity. There are currently no plans for either
expansion or accelerated closure of these reactors. The lifetime is limited to 40 years, being applicable
license extensions at 10 yr increments. Nuclear plants do not emit greenhouse gases (GHG). However,
they produce radioactive waste to be stored in insulated tanks and monitored for long time. There are
2 reactors in Asc (Asc I & II), each one with a net electric power of 990 MW, approx. Uranium dioxide
synth. is used as fuel in both pressurized water reactors, which are refrigerated using water from the
Ebro. Asc I was started in 1983 / Asc II in 1985. These reactors are operated by Asociacin Nuclear
Asc-Vandells II, A.I.E. (ANAV). Asc is member of Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear
Facilities (GMF) and Asociacin de Municipios en Areas de Centrales Nucleares (AMAC).
The economic activity in Asc currently moves around the nuclear plant. Asc also submitted
candidacy to host a nuclear waste cemetery a couple of years ago, but finally it was chosen an
alternative location outside Catalonia. Hence, the future for the municipality is un-clear beyond the
closure of the nuclear plant. It is under demographic regression from the point of view of the number of
individuals / the age of the population. Furthermore, there is an abandonment of agricultural activities.
Both the Agricultural Cooperative and the Irrigation Community (CRRASC) are threatened by the low
turnover.
3. Context for agriculture:
Around 40% of the EUs land area is farmed. Farming has been and still remains the most important
influence in shaping Europes rural landscape, as well as being a major determinant of biodiversity.
Low input systems and extensive farming methods are all closely associated with popular cultural
landscapes and high nature value farmland. On the other hand, intensive farming can exert significant
environmental pressures through the consumption of water, the use of toxic substances and the
production of waste, causing negative impacts on the quality of soils, water and air.
New issues have emerged in the last few years that farmers now need to deal with. These include
increasing globalization of markets, greater market volatility for agricultural feedstock, on-going
technological advances, and increasing food demands. Other recent concerns involve responding to
issues linked to managing environmental uncertainties of genetically modified organisms in
agriculture, climate change and mitigation of GHG emissions, and production of bioenergy (first- vs.
second-generation fuels).
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It
relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use
of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to
benefit environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. The
market for organic products has grown fast in the last 2 decades.
Traditionally, economic activity in Asc has been based on agriculture (i.e., grape & olive crops).
However, the implementation of the nuclear industry hindered its development. In this regard,
although the Agricultural Cooperative and the CRRASC have invested in new infrastructures, they are
currently underexploited.
4. Context for organic waste:
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM TARGETED
Page 23 of 87
Organic waste, particularly manure, is usually stored until applied as fertilizer to farmland, but this
practice increases the risk of environmental impacts. Manure management remains as an increasingly
important task for Europe's agricultural sector as livestock farming methods continue to intensify.
Appropriate handling provides control on environmental impacts such as excessive nutrient supply for
soils and water, pathogenic hazards, and emissions of odour-causing compounds and GHG. Processing
of organic waste through anaerobic digestion and reuse of the digestate as fertilizer according to a
nutrient management plan will help to reduce potential impacts.
5. The lower Ebro River:
The lower Ebro has been altered by large (a)biotic changes in the last decades; i.e., damming, water
intakes, land use, industrial pollution, introduction of exotic species, etc. Such river stretch is currently
dominated by a new combination of invasive fauna, macrophytes, and altered hydromorphology. It
exists an ecosystem regime shift from the dominance of phytoplankton to the dominance of
macrophytes. This shift is triggering remarkable changes in the biological communities, such as
massive colonization of Simuliidae (black fly).
6. European legal framework:
The Renewables Directive (2009/28/EC), lays down common framework for the production and
promotion of energy from renewable sources. It requires EU member states to produce a pre-agreed
proportion of energy consumption from renewable sources such that the EU as a whole shall obtain at
least 20% of total energy consumption from renewables by 2020.
The Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) lays down measures to protect the environment by
preventing or reducing the adverse impacts of the generation and management of waste and by
reducing overall impacts of resource use and improving efficiency of such use.
The National Emission Ceilings Directive (2001/81/EC) sets upper limits for each member state for the
total emissions of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and
ammonia.
The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) sets clear guidelines on European water policy for the
decade ahead, and requires all water bodies to reach "good status" by 2015.
The IPPC Directive (96/61/EC) imposes a requirement for activities with high pollution potential to have
a permission which can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met. It concerns highly
polluting new or existing industrial and agricultural activities (energy industries, mineral industry,
chemical industry, waste management, livestock farming, etc.).
The Nitrates Directive (91/676/EC) has the main objective of protecting community waters against
excessive nitrates from agricultural sources. It limits application of manure in vulnerable areas to 170
kg N/ha/yr.
The Council Regulation on Organic Production of Agricultural Products (834/2007) establishes the legal
framework for all levels of production, distribution, control and labelling of organic products which may
be offered and traded in the EU.
7. Environmental commitment of Asc:
Asc is member of the Covenant of Mayors
(http://www.eumayors.eu/about/signatories_en.html?city_id=347). This is the mainstream European
movement involving local and regional authorities, voluntary committing to increase energy efficiency
and use of renewable energy sources on their territories. By their commintment, Covenant signatories
aim to meet and exceed the EU 20% CO2 reduction objective by 2020.
Asc has local 'Agenda 21', an international project promoted by the EU
(http://www.asco.cat/categorias/index/ajuntament/1103/agenda-21). This is the roadmap to be followed
by the municipality in order to become sustainable in economic, social and environmental fields. One of
the 104 actions included in this action plan is the creation of a local land bank aiming at keeping
agricultural activity of the farmland available in the municipality, and which will be managed by the
Municipal Council.
8. Link with LIFE+ priorities:
Page 24 of 87
POST-NUCLEAR LIFE is a demonstrative project featuring innovative aspects. The main objective is to
implement an environmentally sustainable model alternative for economic development in Asc. It is
addressed to the European financial instrument for the environment LIFE+, and particularly to the
program of Environment Policy & Governance. The topic of the project fits within the area Climate
Change since it targets implementation and demonstration of small-scale renewable energy
technologies / demonstration and implementation of innovative technologies that substantially reduce
GHG emissions.
In addition, the results of the project have a transversal effect in other priority areas such as Waste &
Natural Resources and Water. In the first area the contribution is ensuring sustainable management
of natural resources and wastes while in the second area the contribution is decreasing vulnerability of
water and ecosystems to climate change impacts and other anthropogenic pressures. Nature &
Biodiversity strand is not prioritized here although some actions of the project aim at protecting and
restoring natural ecosystems. This is because these actions are considered complementary rather than
primary.
Cites:
[1] Holm-Nielsen et al., 2009, The future of anaerobic digestion & biogas utilization, Bioresour Tech
100, 5478-84
[2] European Commission, 2006, Biofuels in the European Union: A Vision for 2030 and Beyond, Final
report, Biofuels Research Advisory Council, EUR 22066
1. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a bioprocess commonly used for the treatment of organic waste and
other renewable resources aiming to produce energy (biogas) while offering several environmental,
agricultural, and socio-economic benefits throughout the mitigation of greenhouse gases emission, the
improvement of the quality of organic materials as fertilizer, and a considerable reduction of odours
and inactivation of pathogens [1]. The AD process consists on the conversion of organic-C into biogas
under absence of oxygen by microbial syntrophy. Biogas is mainly composed of methane (CH4) and
carbon dioxide (CO2), with typical contents of about 60% and 40%, respectively. The produced
digestate keeps the fertilizing value of the raw materials because N, P, K as well as other nutrients by-
pass the process without being removed. When the digester is feed with a menu composed of a
mixture of organic materials, the process is referred as codigestion. In this regard, codigestion allows
taking advantage of complementarities between organic sources. Hence, the digester menu must be
designed guarantying issues such as high gas yield, appropriate water content inside the digester and
ammonia levels below inhibitory threshold.
2. Organic waste typically processed by AD includes animal manure, agroindustrial by-products,
sewage sludge and organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The process results in the mineralization
of organically bounded nutrients, in particular N, and in a lowering of the C/N ratio. Both effects
increase the short-term N fertilization effect. Besides gas yield, transportation is an important factor to
consider when analyzing feasibility of a biogas plant processing organic waste [2]. Large savings are
possible if transport is optimized. Affordable distances depend on aspects such as the methane
production potential (MPP) of the raw materials, and the fertilizing value of the digestate. Availability of
arable land nearby the biogas plant where to apply the digestate will help at this point. Application
must be carried out according to specific agronomic rates and accounting for a maximum value of 170
kg N/ha/yr [3].
3. Numerous plants and plant materials have been tested for their MPP including many varieties of
grass, cereals and maize. A fairly wide range of MPP, between 120-658 Nm3 CH4/t VS -VS: volatile
solids-, was reported from AD of different energy crops [4]. The characteristics of the ideal energy crop
are [5]: high yield, low energy input to produce, low cost, a composition with the least contaminants
and low nutrient requirements. Desired characteristics will also depend on local climate and soil
conditions. Water consumption can be a major constraint, making the drought resistance of the crop an
important factor. When produced by sustainable means, biomass emits roughly the same amount of
carbon during conversion as is taken up during plant growth. The use of energy crops, thus, does not
contribute to a build up of CO2 in the atmosphere. On the other hand, it became more and more
obvious that first-generation biofuels have several drawbacks; e.g., they contribute to higher food
prices due to their competition with food crops. That explains why currently interest is increasing in
STATE OF THE ART AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT
Page 25 of 87
second-generation biofuel production from non-food biomass [6]. In this regard, use of Arundo donax
was recently proposed for producing biogas [7]. This is a perennial rhizomatous grass which is widely
diffused in temperate regions. Its spontaneous and rapid growth makes it to be considered as an
invasive weed. However, lately it is being considered as a promising energy crop due to its high
biomass production and great adaptability to marginal land. The propagation of A. donax is strictly
agamic by rhizome fragmentation and sprouting from cane nodes. Preservation and storage of A.
donax as feedstock for AD must be further evaluated. Ensiling might be limited owing to the lack of
polysaccharides.
4. In recent years, macrophytes (aquatic weeds) have proliferated fast in the lower Ebro River.
Bentonic species (Potamogeton pectinatus, P. crispus, P. lucens, Myriophyllum spicatum,
Ceratophyllum demersum) and pleustonic species (Lemna sp., Azolla sp.) currently grow in vast areas
of the river [8]. Such uncontrolled growth causes negative impacts on the river concerning hydraulic
behavior, eutrophication, biodiversity, industrial activity, water intakes, navigability, river tourism, etc.
Although the process of eutrophication and its consequences is reasonably understood in lakes, there
is still an incomplete understanding of how eutrophication develops in rivers. The lower Ebro River
shows distinctive traits owing to the large changes that have occurred in the last decades; i.e.,
damming, water intakes, land use, industrial pollution, introduction of exotic species, etc. Adaptation of
the ecosystem to such changes is still not well understood. Hence, the lower river stretch is currently
dominated by a new combination of invasive fauna, macrophytes controlling primary production, and
altered hydromorphology (very low suspended sediment, higher water conductivity, clearing of the
riparian forest, etc.). An initial hypothesis to explain the shift from a phytoplankton- to macrophyte-
dominated ecosystem is the combination of oligotrophication (diminution of nutrients) with a decrease
in the number of flood events (bottom-up effects). However, an alternative hypothesis based on the
river colonization by the zebra mussel (top-down effects) has been also postulated [9]. In either case,
the macrophytes growth boom promoted the reproduction of the anthropogenic and extremely
aggressive black fly Simulium erythrocephalum [10]. The biting of this insect causes nuisances to local
people and tourists, making necessary, in some cases, medical attention. In 2011, local sources
quantified the affectation of this plague in the lower Ebro area in 4.500 people attending primary care
health centers. Use of emergent macrophytes for biogas production has shown similar MPP than other
common plants. Owing to their structure, comminution to decrease fibers length may help in avoiding
mechanical problems inside digesters while favoring the methane yield [11].
5. Biogas can be utilized in several ways, either raw or upgraded [12]: production of heat and steam,
production of electricity in combined heat and power plants, industrial energy source, fuelling of
vehicles, injection in the natural gas (NG) grids, etc. As it is aforementioned, biogas consists primarily
of CH4 and CO2. Trace components that are often present in biogas are water vapor, hydrogen sulfide,
siloxanes, hydrocarbons, ammonia, oxygen, carbon monoxide and nitrogen. Biogas upgrading is
generally performed to meet the standards for injection in the NG grid or for use as vehicle fuel. It is of
increasing interest because the biogas can be used in a more efficient way. In order to transform
biogas into biomethane, two major steps are performed [13]: (i) a cleaning process to remove the trace
components harmful to the NG grid, appliances or end-users; (ii) an upgrading process to remove CO2
to adjust the calorific value and relative density. Depending on the technology employed, the
separated CO2 can be even recovered for commercial use. As biogas cannot always be used nearby
the production facilities, injection of biomethane into the NG grid widens up the opportunities for its
utilization. In many EU countries, the access to the grid is guaranteed by state ordinances. Countries
like Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland have defined quality standards for the injection. Utilization of
the biomethane in the transport sector is also widely distributed in Sweden and Switzerland. In this
case, the upgraded biogas is stored at 200 to 250 bars in gas bottles [14]. On the other hand, biogas
upgrading is a very incipient option in Spain, with a few experiences at pilot- / full-scale.
Cites:
[1] Deublein & Steinhauser, 2011, Biogas from Waste and Renewable Resources: An Introduction, 2nd
ed, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, Germany
[2] Flotats et al., 2009, Manure treatment technologies: On-farm versus centralized strategies. NE
Spain as case study, Bioresour Tech 100, 5519-26
[3] Council Directive 91/676/EEC, of 12 December 1991, Concerning the Protection of Waters Against
Pollution Caused by Nitrates from Agricultural Sources
[4] Murphy et al., 2011, Biogas from Crop Digestion, Task 37, IEA Bioenergy
[5] McKendry, 2002, Energy production from biomass (part 1): overview of biomass, Bioresour Tech 83,
37-46
[6] Bauer et al., 2010, Analysis of methane yields from energy crops and agricultural by-products and
estimation of energy potential from sustainable crop rotation systems in EU-27, Clean Tech Environ
Policy 12, 153-61
[7] Pilu et al., 2012, Giant reed (Arundo donax L.): A weed plant or a promising energy crop?, Afr J
Biotech 11, 9163-74
Page 26 of 87
[8] Durn et al., 2010, Asistencia Tcnica para el Control de Macrfitos: Mejora de la Gestin de los
Embalses del Bajo Ebro, Informe final, URS Espaa
[9] Ibez et al., 2012, Regime shift from phytoplankton to macrophyte dominance in a large river:
Top-down versus bottom-up effects, Sci Total Environ 416, 314-22
[10] Ibez et al., 2008, Changes in dissolved nutrients in the lower Ebro river: Causes and
consequences, Limnetica 27, 131-42
[11] Prochnow et al., 2009, Bioenergy from permanent grassland - A review: 1. Biogas, Bioresour Tech
100, 4931-44
[12] Holm-Nielsen et al., 2009, The future of anaerobic digestion and biogas utilization, Bioresour Tech
100, 5478-84
[13] Ryckebosch et al., 2011, Techniques for transformation of biogas to biomethane, Biomass Bioener
35, 1633-45
[14] Weiland, 2010, Biogas production: current state and perspectives, Appl Microbiol Biotech 85, 849-
60
Page 27 of 87
Asc (location) Name of the picture:
Page 28 of 87
The POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project targets to demonstrate the feasibility of an alternative model for the
economic development of Asc rather than the current (based on the nuclear industry). The
demonstrative activities included must be considered as an opportunity to gain experience in how to
handle similar conjunctures in other geographic areas of the EU.
Keeping in mind interest in sustainable production of energy (and biofuels), this project proposes the
construction of a renewable energy system based on a biogas pilot-plant (prototype) with biogas power
equivalent to 750 kW (1,000,000 Nm3/yr). A new aspect concerns the biogas upgrading to biomethane.
There already exist in North Europe successful experiences regarding biogas upgrading and
subsequent injection on the natural gas grid / use as vehicle fuel. However, this is not the case in all
the European countries, and particularly in Spain. Thus, this will become an important demonstrative
case of biogas upgrading in our country, where further processing of this energetic gas carrier is still
untapped. Also, in demonstrative terms, entrapment and distribution of the separated CO2 is of high
interest, making possible and additional reduction on GHG emissions.
Use of energy crops as co-substrate (mixed with organic waste) in anaerobic digesters has been widely
implemented in some European countries. However, the energy crops usually considered are also
human / livestock food crops, and this is certainly a drawback of this approach. Use of alternative
crops, non-competitive with food production, is quite less significant in Europe although clearly
interesting. In this regard, this project will help in demonstrate interest of using Arundo donax as
energy crop for biogas production.
Proliferation of macrophytes in the lower Ebro River is an environmental concerning issue. This is not
an exceptional case; instead it is becoming more frequent in European natural environments modified
by the human activity. This project aims to demonstrate the positive effects of extracting these
macrophytes from the river, including fight against black fly (Simuliidae). Potential valorization of such
biomass as feedstock in anaerobic digesters is an additional added value of the project. Although
scientific information is available concerning anaerobic digestion of macrophytes, it often describes
case studies in developing countries processing local species. Hence, characterisation of the use of
(Ebro) local emergent macrophytes as co-substrate is considered to be of high interest.
DEMONSTRATION CHARACTER OF THE PROJECT
i. Geographical scope and transferability of the project:
The POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project involves three European countries, and partners are representing
different sectors: university, business and local public administration; in order to cover the main local
agents that can ensure the success of the implementation and ensure an economic growth. Therefore,
partners bring their expertise and disseminate the project results in each of its sectors.
This partnership will provide and develop an alternative economic development for Asc. But also will
be transferable to cities with nuclear plants in its final stage management. In fact, Europe has similar
cities as Asc, which will be certainly interested in the results and the solutions adopted for this
project.
A communication plan will be designed to transfer the main results to interest groups and to allow
partners to improve their dissemination at regional and local levels.
ii. Pertinence and coherence with EU policies and legislation:
The objectives of the Post Nuclear LIFE are fully in line with EU environmental policies, as the project
contributes to:
- Efficient use of resources. This is one of the seven flagship initiatives as part of the Europe 2020
strategy which aims to create smart growth, sustainable and inclusive. According to the European
Parliament and the European Council, the efficient use of resources is also the main strategy to
generate growth and jobs in Europe.
EU ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT AND ITS ACTIONS
Page 29 of 87
SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT
To the city of Asc planning the future without the nuclear facility will involve some changes in
important issues that will be a problem to solve:
The township is falling in demographic decline, both in reducing the number of individuals and the
increasing age of the population, more and more old.
Presently there is an abandonment of agricultural activities in general terms, with a high degree of
aging farmers with full-time dedication, aging even more pronounced than the overall population.
The agricultural activity is developed as a complement to a job in the nuclear or any other company
related to the activity of the nuclear plant. This results in low agricultural productivity and generally
flows in the abandonment of the land because the decline of the prices of products produced making
farming unviable.
This situation can be affected positively and reversed with the start of a new economic activity that
involves harvesting of organic crops in the present project.
Both the Agricultural Cooperative and the Community of Irrigators are threatening their existence by
not having enough volume of agricultural production partners or enough water consumption for
irrigation of its affiliates.
From the point of view of economic revitalization, the Municipal Council needs tools to support business
initiatives arising from the same population of Asc.
Finally, another possibility of the Town as tourism is being threatened by the presence of a plague
insect commonly called black fly (Simuliidae), whose bite is very painful and causes many health
problems. A controlled activity using the river as the macrophytes harvesting source will transform it to
a cleaner and planned area.
Therefore, the nuclear power is a source of wealth and, in turn, a drag on both personal and business
development of this town. This has led to an under-utilization of land and agricultural heritage of the
municipality, which can be clearly seen when evaluating the diminishing importances that have
historically key institutions such as the Agricultural Cooperative and the Community of Irrigators
(CRRASC). All these issues can be solved with a new industrial project that will be seen as closer to
the people, than it is considered a nuclear facility.
- Increase the percentage of renewal energy according to Renewal Energy Directive 2009/28/EC which
aims to improve the renewal sources.
- Stress the objectives of the VI Environmental Action Program which aims to reduce the overall
generation of waste and to improve the environmental quality by reducing anthropogenic pollutants
which cannot represent any risk to the population.
- Reduce organic waste produced in nearly agro-industrial activities, and increase the recycling rates
by Anaerobic Digestion treatment, in line with Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC objectives.
- Stress that anaerobic digestion is especially suitable as wet bio-waste treatment, according to the
Green Book of Biowaste COM (2008) 811 final. 3-12-08. And it also notes that thanks to the biogas
produced can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), particularly when used as a transport fuel
or injected directly into the gas distribution grid.
In addition, the project still contributes to other EU policies, such as the growth strategy for the next
decade which sets 5 goals in work, innovation, education, social inclusion and climate / energy
(European 2020). The project enhances the economic development of areas by low and elderly
population. The project creates a real alternative to the abandonment of agriculture by the nuclear
work through energy crops and organic crops. In other words, this project covers and gives tools for
local economic growth and push indirectly new business initiatives based in organic crops. And finally,
the project solves a public health problem which has decreased tourism, the eradication of the plague
of insects in the Ebro River.
Page 30 of 87
EFFORTS FOR REDUCING THE PROJECT'S "CARBON FOOTPRINT"
The project itself has a very small carbon footprint. This is a new approach, which implies processing of
organic waste and plants (non-food crops & macrophytes) through anaerobic digestion, further
upgrading of the biogas to biomethane, and also trapment and distribution of the CO2.
The reduction measures to implement in the industrial process, from the point of view of the main
sources of CO2 (and other GHG) generation, are:
- In the main process, the biogas generated will be stored in high security containers. Uncontrolled
releases must be avoided and pressure within digester and storage tanks continuously controled. The
burning of the biogas before eventual emissions will prevent the release of CH4 into the atmosphere
that is 21 times more detrimental to the climate change than CO2.
- In the main process, as a sub-product, separated CO2 is stored to be distributed later to the industry
(i.e., food beverages, welding industry, etc.).
- In the auxiliary procedures within the industrial process. These procedures include the different
stages of the sub-production processes and the different transportation systems. The measures involve
reducing fossil fuel consumption such as natural gas, gasoline and diesel.
- The distribution of an energetic vector such as biomethane to the surrounding area will be also an
important measure to reduce the carbon footprint of the project.
- The use of digestate as organic fertilizer, replacing use of synthetized mineral fertilizer, will also
contribute to reduce carbon footprint.
Other measures will be:
- It is required the reduction of electricity usage within the biogas plant. Additionally, the plant will
design the landscape around the facility as a no-mow habitat to further reduce fossil fuel usage.
- Implementation of organic crops in the geographic area, using the digestate as organic fertilizer, will
allow the reduction of the energy consumption in comparison with the energy consumed in the
synthesis of the mineral fertilizer that would be used instead.
Page 31 of 87
Stakeholders involved in the project POST-NUCLEAR LIFE and target audiences (other than project
participants) are identified as follows:
1. Ebro riverside energy industries: Particularly, it is referred to hydroelectric plants (e.g., Flix) and the
nuclear plant in Asc (and by extension, the Asociacin Nuclear Asc-Vandells II, A.I.E.). These power
plants are currently reporting serious problems due to the presence of macrophytes in the riverwater
uptakes. Control of the macrophytes growth will result in an enhancement of the industrial activity.
2. Ebro riverbank (local population / tourists): Water intakes by Irrigation Communities and
Municipalities can be enhanced because of the lack of sudden macrophytes drags or mass mortality.
Touristic activities will not be constrained by the presence of macrophytes in the water body. Hence,
use of the river concerning recreational or sporting issues will be better exploited. Furthermore, the
river will improve its hydraulic behavior. This will allow reducing standing water areas where usually
proliferate exotic / invasive species that can damage the river ecosystem. The withdrawal of the river
macrophytes will lead to a reduction of the environment where the black fly (Simuliidae) lays its eggs.
This will imply a very significant decrease on the population of this insect and, consequently, a lower
incidence in the human beings. This action may act in favor of controlling the insect, which would make
feasible the suppresion of those treatments currently carried out by applying BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis
israelensis) on the Ebro River using a helicopter, and which have an annual cost of 300,000 .
3. Ebro Sebes Nature Reserve: Harvesting of macrophytes / reed in the reserve in order to clean
existing channels currently clogged by these aquatic weeds (including exotic species such as Azolla
filiculoides) will help in preventing breeding of exotic fish (Silurus glanis, Alburnus alburnus,
Pseudorasbora parva) and enhance the habitat for the local fauna (e.g., birds such as Botaurus
stellaris, Ardea purpurea, Ixobrychus minutus, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, A. paludicola, A.
melanopogon, etc.; and mammals such as Lutra lutra).
4. Local (livestock) farmers and agro-industries: This project becomes an opportunity to enhance the
local handling of the organic waste generated in this geographic area and provides chances of
collective management.
5. Nearby municipalities to the biogas plant: Local distribution of biomethane as vehicle fuel, or
through its injection into in the natural gas grid promoting its domestic use for heating and cooking,
will reduce the costs of transportation of other energetic carriers and become a good example of
sustainability.
6. Biogas plant constructors & operators / gas distributors: The use of unusual co-substrates (i.e.,
macrophytes, non-food energy crops), and subsequent biogas upgrading, can be considered as an
interesting case study making the project (and the knowledge derived) attractive for other
constructors, operators and distributors.
7. Producer Associations of Asc and surrounding areas will receive direct benefits of the
implementation of the biogas plant and organic farming. The digestate can be distributed to the
villages around Asc as organic fertilizer and can also facilitate the implementation of organic crops.
The project will provide experience in organic agriculture in this area and, thus, it will help in the future
scaling-up of this activity. Furthermore, knowledge gained with the production of energy crops may
favour this activity. Agricultural Cooperative of Asc is included in this point.
8. Local, autonomic, and state governmental institutions, particularly those concerning energy,
environment and rural development.
9. Other river basins with similar problems concerning growth of macrophytes / reed and derived
conjucture. For instance, this is the case of the Guadiana River, which has similar problems due to the
fast proliferation of the invasive macrophyte called water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes).
10. Other nuclear locations with a similar conjuncture to that of Asc, and that would like to move its
productive model towards a more sustainable option. In this regard, the Group of European
Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities (GMF) is an interesting targeted audience. The commitments of
the group are: (i) Defending and ensuring that European nuclear municipalities take part in the existing
STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED AND TARGET AUDIENCES OF THE PROJECT OTHER THAN PROJECT
PARTICIPANTS
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discussion forums and in the processes of decision making that are being carried out in the EU; (ii)
Having information exchanged among its members about the nuclear reality in every European country
and about municipal experiences in relation to territorial arrangement, economic development and civil
protection; (iii) Carrying out future projects with the participation of all or part of its members in order
to favour their integration in the EU; (iv) Organising annual encounters so that European municipal
authorities can gather and exchange information. These encounters will also aim at improving the
knowledge of the elected by the majority about nuclear reality in Europe, its safety and its future.
Furthermore, Asc is also member of Asociacin de Municipios en Areas de Centrales Nucleares
(AMAC).
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EXPECTED CONSTRAINTS AND RISKS RELATED TO THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND HOW THEY WILL
BE DEALT WITH (CONTINGENCY PLANNING)
The project has deliberately been designed to be robust. Thus, there are only few moments when
partners can meet serious difficulties to carry out their engagements. The technical and economical
guarantees provided are as follows:
Difficulty 1: Obtaining of the obligatory permits. Delays on the construction of the biogas plant will also
result in delays on other activities.
- Guarantee: The request of obligatory permits will be started as soon as possible, once the project
approved by the EU. Furthermore, this aspect has been scheduled with time enough under normal
conditions in order to avoid temporal constraints in the planned activities.
Difficulty 2: Lack of some feedstock (organic waste, energy crop or macrophytes) to be processed in
the biogas plant.
- Guarantee: Digester menu will be reconsidered changing dosage of co-substrates already available
while targeting minor effects on biogas yield and water / nitrogen content inside the digester.
Difficulty 3: Problems in the distribution of biomethane / carbon dioxide.
- Guarantee: If problem arises concerning gases distribution making necessary their release to the
atmosphere, methane would be first burnt in a torch in order to ensure its emission in form of carbon
dioxide (CH4 has a greenhouse effect 21 times more powerful than CO2).
Difficulty 4: Adequation of the digestate to the market demand.
- Guarantee: Enforce marketing strategy and improve the quality of the product in order to adapt it to
the market demand. Some kind of post-treatment for the digestate could be considered.
Difficulty 5: Problems for partners to carry out their engagements.
- Guarantee: Technical and economical guarantee.
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CONTINUATION / VALORISATION OF THE PROJECT RESULTS AFTER THE END OF THE PROJECT
1. Extended biogas plant: Once the project reaches its end, it is intended to continue with the
production of biogas and its upgrading to biomethane. Assuming that the biogas plant has shown good
performance and that there are available feedstocks, it will be attempted to find an investor in order to
enlarge the capacity of the facility up to 3.0-4.5 MW (power referred to biogas). This will take
advantage of economies of scale, reducing specific fixed costs while increasing profitability.
2. Starting a new business based on the distribution of biomethane: Once biomethane become
available, it will be mandatory to ensure its distribution. In this sense, as the biomethane production
raises, it will become more and more necessary the creation of a company responsible for the
distribution of biomethane for domestic use through its injection into natural gas grids. This would
allow to replace fossil fuels by biomethane (a renewable energy carrier). Accounting for an annual
consumption of 5,000 KWh in a household of 3 people, a biogas plant of 4.5 MW could supply gas to
7,200 families. Upgraded gas could also be used to fuel transport vehicles providing feedstock to the
biogas plant. Furthermore, the same company may be responsible for the distribution of the separated
CO2.
3. Creating a network for the collection of organic waste: As the plant capacity grows, it also increases
the amount of feedstock needed, and thus, the area where to collect it. However, provision of
feedstock (organic waste) to the biogas plant needs to be assured. This project therefore becomes an
opportunity to enhance the local organic waste handling and provides chances of collective
management (usually more convenient). Higher waste collection needs will make necessary to create
an appropriate fleet of trucks responsible for the transportation of materials according to an
appropriate price. Biomethane would be an ideal fuel for these vehicles (allowing reductions in GHG
emissions with respect to conventional transportation based on the use of non-renewable fuels).
4. Further processing of the digestate: Post-treatment of the digestate in order to separate water from
the bulk material (e.g., using membranes) would help in handling higher ammount of digestate. In this
regard, farther distances would be affortable for transporting the dried material (reusable as fertilizer).
Depending on the moisture content, it would be feasible to pack and sell this organic substrate for uses
such as gardening, horticulture, and the production of high added-value crops.
5. Harvesting of macrophytes from the river: This action could be considered in a larger extend in the
Ebro River in order to fight against the proliferation of macrophytes / reed. It will also help in providing
a higher amount of material to a larger biogas plant. Furthermore, the overall experience may be
replicated in other locations or even in other water basins (e.g., Guadiana River).
6. Organic farming: In order to take advantage of the organic certification achieved and the marketing
plan developed, it would be interesting to increase the agricultural surface dedicated to produce
organic crops. Owing to the increase on the cultivated area, watering needs will increase, benefiting
the Irrigation Users Community.The development of an own branding reinforcing particularities of the
production system would help in developing the comercialization. Furthermore, the creation of a Social
Orchard (by extending the area of cultivation) where to cultivate organic crops would make it possible
the integration into the laboral market of long-term unemployed people, as well as people with risk of
social exclusion. Finally, it could be started post-harvesting activities such as drying fruits (apricot,
cherry, or peach) using solar and/or biomethane dryers. Dehydrated fruits would be sold as dried nuts.
This model could be expanded to nearby towns in the region of the lower Ebro.
Which actions will have to be carried out or continued after the end of the project?
How will this be achieved, what resources will be necessary to carry out these actions?
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1. Extended biogas plant: The enlargement of the facility to 4.5 MW will require an additional
investment of 5 M. This will require the involvement of an investor partner. In this regard, it will be
very important to demonstrate throughout the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project the economical viability of
such investment.
2. Starting a new business based on the distribution of biomethane: Distribution of the biomethane
should meet the requirements laid down in the Spanish Royal Decree 1434/2002, 27 of December,
which regulates activities concerning transport, distribution, marketing, supply, and natural gas
facilities authorization procedures. According to this regulation, agents targeting gas marketing will
have to accreditate technical capacity. The estimated cost for the creation of the company concerning
biomethane distribution is of 2 M, and it is considered the involvement of a private investor.
3. Creating a network for the collection of organic waste and transportation of digestate: The legal
capacity of managing organic waste by the company in charge of this activity during the lifetime of the
project will have to be updated. A fleet of trucks running on biomethane could be acquired accounting
for partial funding coming from the public administration. A fee per ton / cubic meter of waste collected
and digestate distributed will be established. Final investment depends on the number of trucks, and
the amount of public subsidy, but here it is estimated as 0.5 M.
4. Further processing of the digestate: The use of the biogas as electric energy carrier in order to
separate the water from the bulk digestate will allow implementing post-treatment estrategies for
further processing of the digestate; i.e.: reverse osmosis / drying. The estimated investment is of about
1 M.
5. Harvesting of macrophytes from the river: Public bodies like IDECE and CHEBRO are the main
interested agents in keeping the Ebro River free of macrophytes. In order to serve to a larger river
extension new harvesting equipment will have to be acquired. The estimated investment is of about 1
M.
6. Organic farming: The creation of a Social Orchard involving the establishment of a social responsible
corporation and / or non-governmental organization could imply the extension of the organic crops. It
can be calculated a cost of 0.5 M and a surface of 35 Ha. On the other hand, post-harvesting activities
like fruit drying would require of the construction of solar / gas-powered dryers. The cost for those
facilities is estimated be of about 0.5 M.
To what extent will the results and lessons of the project be actively disseminated after the end of the project to
those persons and/or organisations that could best make use of them (please identify these
persons/organisations)?
1. Ebro riverbank municipalities: These municipalities can see this experience as a lab test, and thus,
they could apply similar measures in the future (particularly if they are demonstrated to be successful).
Hence, it is very important to maintain the first-hand information flow concerning activities linked to
the project after its end. The corresponding representatives could also provide some feed-back on the
social impact of the project results after the end of the project. Furthermore, some synergies favouring
local development could be identified.
2. Other nuclear municipalities in the EU: In this regard, the Group of European Municipalities with
Nuclear Facilities (GMF) is an interesting targeted audience. Representatives of the municipal council of
Asc could take part in discussion forums organized by the GMF and continue disseminating results of
the project after its end. Similarly, in the case of Asociacin de Municipios en Areas de Centrales
Nucleares (AMAC).
3. Ebro riverside energy industries: Actions planned during the project could have positive impacts in
the energy industries settled near the river (Flix & Asc energy plants). Thus, results of this project
could be inspirative for actions to be adopted in the future by these industries in order to enhance the
productivity. The beneficiary associates of the project will contribute to advise these industries
concerning best alternatives to be taken.
4. Associations of agricultural producers: The implementation of organic crops could represent a
significant change in the agricultural production model of the geographic area. The Agricultural
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Cooperative of Asc (or other associations of the municipality) will organize technical seminars
addressed to farmers interested in organic farming.
5. Other river basins authorities (apart from the Ebro): The overall experience of the project may be
replicated in other water basins (e.g., Guadiana River). Corresponding representatives of the project
will attend to events organized in other locations (under invitation), disseminating the main results
obtained in Asc in the framework of the LIFE+ project.
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Truck running on biomethane Name of the picture:
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Part C detailed technical description of the
proposed actions
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C0
LIST OF ALL PROPOSED ACTIONS
A.
Preparatory actions (if needed)
A1 Preparatory activities
B.
Implementation actions
B1 Anaerobic digestion with biogas upgrading
B2 Collection of organic waste
B3 Harvesting of macrophytes in the Ebro River
B4 Production of energy crops
B5 Production of organic crops
C.
Monitoring of the impact of the project actions (obligatory)
C1 Monitoring of the project impact on the main target audiences and on the environmental problem /
issue targeted
D.
Communication and dissemination actions (obligatory)
D1 Communication and dissemination of the project and its results
E.
Project management and monitoring of the project progress (obligatory)
E1 Project management and monitoring of project progress
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1a
DETAILS OF PROPOSED ACTIONS
A. Preparatory actions
ACTION A.1: Preparatory activities
Description and methods employed (what, how, where and when):
Description:
The preparatory activities are those necessary activities within the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE context which will
allow to star up demonstrative activities included in the project.
Main objectives:
- Decide about the optimal location for the construction of the biogas plant (1)
- Start the procedures required within the legal framework to proceed with the construction of the biogas
plant (2)
- Define the business plan to ensure the economic viability of the economic alternative proposed for the
municipality of Asc (3)
- Obtain the organic crop certification by the EU and the CCPAE (Consell Catal de la Producci Agrria
Ecolgica) (4)
- Creation of a land bank where to apply the digestate (5)
- Identify the distributor agents for biomethane and carbon dioxide (6)
Methods:
The biogas plant will be constructed in an industrial area, with good access connections, within the
municipality of Asc. The transportation of feedstock and digestate by road using trucks and/or tractors is an
important issue to take into account when planning biogas plant operation. Hence, it is mandatory a good
road access to the facility. Also, appropriate distribution of the produced gases, i.e.: biomethane and carbon
dioxide, under safety conditions must be feasible. Emission of bad odours (if occasionally exists) should not
affect to the civil population. Building site will be owned by the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF ASC (AJUNTASC)
and assigned to the project without a cost (1).
Legal procedures such as permits, environmental licenses, public procurement, etc., must be processed in
order to proceed with the construction of the biogas plant. Such procedures must be approved by local,
Catalan, and/or Spanish authorities (2).
The business plan must consider the following elements (3):
- Analysis of the market, competitors and current positioning in the sector.
- Development of the strategic activity plan.
- Definition of products / services to be offered.
- Development of the strategic marketing plan to address new products / services.
- Development of general trends of the resources plan.
- Development of the financial structure needed to deal with the strategy.
- Plan of benefits and expenditures at short- and midterm.
This business plan will allow forecasting at which point of the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE lifetime there will be a
return on the investment made during the launching phase. Furthermore, this plan is especially relevant to
show how the actions developed during the project will be continued after it ends.
The investment agreed by AJUNTASC is compatible with the search for complementary funds coming from
private investors.
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1a
Request for organic crop certification by the EU and the CCPAE will be submitted according to the standard
procedures (4)
Digestate will be applied as organic fertilized in the framework of a land bank including agricultural fields
located in Asc and also surrounding municipalities (5)
Distributor agents for biomethane and carbon dioxide will be looked for considering companies currently
involved in energy / industrial gases distribution (6)
Constraints and assumptions:
Constrains
(C1) The availability of an appropriate building site owned by AJUNTASC
(C2) Delays in obtaining the permits needed
Beneficiary responsible for implementation:
AJUNTASC
Expected results (quantitative information when possible):
- Determination of the location where to build the biogas plant
- Obtaining legal licenses and permits
- Decision made with respect to the constructor
- Decision made with respect to the gases distributors
- Business plan (deliverable)
- Obtaining organic crop certification by EU & CCPAE
- Creation of a land bank
Indicators of progress:
- Decission made about the plant location
- Validation of authorizations by AJUNTASC
- Availability of the business plan
- Achievement of the certifications by EU & CCPAE
- Availability of the land bank
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1b
B. Implementation actions
ACTION B.1: Anaerobic digestion with biogas upgrading
Description:
This action focuses on the implementation of an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant (biogas power: 750 kW) for
the revalorization of organic waste, river macrophytes, and energy crops, targeting biogas upgrading to
biomethane (CH4). Such biomethane will be then distributed within the natural gas market. The separated
carbon dioxide (CO2) will be trapped and also distributed. Finally, the digestate will be distributed as organic
fertilizer. This action is the core of the project because it is indispensable to ensure its success (see attached
figure).
The treatment capacity of the plant to be built is 15,000 t/yr; this is equivalent to 12,000 t/yr of organic waste
(80% pig manure), 1,500 t/yr of energy crops, and 1,500 t/yr of river macrophytes. Yearly biogas production is
expected to be 1,000,000 Nm3. According to typical compositional ratio CH4/CO2 (v/v) equal to 60/40, it
yields to 600,000 Nm3 CH4 and 400,000 Nm3 CO2. Assuming a 10% mass-flow reduction between inlet and
outlet liquid material due to organic conversion to biogas, it is considered a digestate production equivalent to
13.500 t/yr.
Main objectives:
- Construction of the anaerobic digestion facility including biogas upgrading (1)
- Anaerobic digestion bioprocess start-up and operation (2)
- Biogas upgrading testing (3)
- Planning of operations for the routinary functioning of the biogas plant (4)
- Distribution of biomethane (5)
- Distribution of CO2 (6)
- Distribution of digestate (7)
Methods:
The construction of the biogas plant will be tendered by AJUNTASC through public procurement in
accordance with whatever technical specifications previously established. No beneficiary of the POST-
NUCLEAR LIFE project will take part in this procurement (1).
The biogas plant will be operated by specialized staff contracted by AJUNTASC. ADVERIO will provide
training to this staff. It will also provide technical assessment during the bioprocess start-up and regular
monitoring in order to achieve successful performance. Routinary analysis (total solids, chemical oxygen
demand, nitrogen, biogas composition, etc.) will be subcontracted to a local laboratory specialized in chemical
analysis. Otherwise, more specific analyses such as the methane production potential (MPP) by a given
feedstock, etc., will be carried out in its headquarters (2). UNI EMPRESARIAL D'ASC (UNIMASC) will be in
charge of transportation issues concerning organic waste, energy crops, river macrophytes, and digestate.
One of the new approaches of the project is in relation to how to valorize the biogas. In this regard, it is
planned the biogas upgrading to biomethane, which will be thereafter distributed through an energy supplier
agent (see Action A1: Preparatory actions) (5). The separated carbon dioxide by-product will be also
recovered and distributed (6). This approach discards the conventional scheme of using biogas for
cogeneration (heat and electric power) linked to a subsidy policy.
Biogas upgrading requires of:
- clean up of trace gases such as hydrogen sulphide or water vapour
- initial pressurization
- biogas separation by means of membranes in two streams: biomethane and CO2
- compression and polishing of the biomethane according to distributor standards
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- compression, liquation, and polishing of the CO2
- gases storage before distribution
Testing and start-up of the biogas upgrading module coupled to the AD plant will be subcontracted to the
supplier of the technology, who will also provide training to the staff operating the plant (3).
It will be designed a plan of operations for the routinary functioning of the biogas plant taking into account
inflows and outflows. In the case of inputs, their availability may be restricted by temporality in the production
of raw materials. Thus, it is needed a good programme including provision, transportation, and storage of
feedstock. In the case of outputs, storage must be guaranteed before distribution. Interest on implenting
further processing of the digestate (e.g., solid-liquid separation) in order to enhance digestate management
and land application according to local restrictions will be evaluated. Planning regarding the distribution of the
digestate to available fields by means of road transportation must be established (4).
It will be established a land bank nearby the plant were to apply the digestate (see Action A1: Preparatory
actions). In such bank they will be included those fields assigned to the production of energy crops and
organic crops. According to a maximum of 170 kg N/ha/yr, they may be required about 300 ha of arable land.
However, probably such amount of land will vary when accounting for the specific crop requirements (7).
Constrains (C) and assumptions (A)
(C1) Potential delays in the construction of the biogas plant due to the permits, or inherent to the type of
infrastructure
(A1) Availability of feedstock including organic waste, macrophytes and energy crops
(A2) Feasibility in distributing biomethane
(A3) Feasibility in distributing carbon dioxide
(A4) Existence of market for the digestate
AJUNTASC
- Construction of a biogas plant including its upgrading (750 kW as biogas)
- Organic waste processing (12,000 t/yr)
- Macrophytes processing (1,500 t/yr)
- Energy crops processing (1,500 t/yr)
- Distribution of biomethane (600,000 Nm3 CH4/yr)
- Distribution of carbon dioxide (400,000 Nm3 CO2/yr)
- Production of a digestate recyclable as fertilizer (13,500 t/yr)
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- Accomplishment of the scheduled planning
- Availability of partial reports prepared during the biogas plant construction (every 3 months)
- Availability of a final report at the end of the biogas plant construction
- Availability of the plan of operations for the routinary functioning of the biogas plant
- Availability of partial reports once started biogas plant operation (every 6 months)
- Availability of a final report regarding the overall biogas plant operation
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Main project layout Name of the picture:
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ACTION B.2: Collection of organic waste
Description:
Feasibility of an anaerobic digestion plant largely depends on the organic materials being processed together
(co-digestion). The mixture of different materials allows taking advantage of their complementarities,
resulting in an appropriate influent to achieve high biogas yield, appropriate water content inside the reactor,
and the non-existence of inhibitory phenomena regarding the microorganisms responsible for the process. In
the framework of the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project, organic wastes (pig and poultry manure, olive mill
wastewaters, waste materials from wineries, etc.) produced in agro-industrial activities near Asc will be
collected and mixed with other feedstock such as energy crops and river macrophytes. Total treatment
capacity of the biogas plant is 15,000 t/yr; this is estimated to be equivalent to 12,000 t/yr of organic waste
(80% pig manure; with approximately 95% water content, pig manure will help in diluting driest feedstock).
The use of literature data regarding statistics in the province of Tarragona, and particularly within the regions
of Priorat, Ribera d'Ebre, and Terra Alta, allows conducting a first assessment on the availability of organic
waste that could be collected, and subsequently processed in the biogas plant. Owing to it is planned the
recycling of the digestate as fertilizer, the biogas plant will only process good quality materials, with low
heavy metal content. This consideration implies the exclusion of certain potentially available wastes such as
sewage sludge and organic fraction of municipal waste. The table below summarizes statistical data regarding
availability of organic waste in the area of Asc, as well as the range for their methane production potential
(MPP). According to the available data, provision of organic waste to the plant (12,000 t/yr; 80% pig manure)
seems to be feasible.
Main objectives:
- Conducting a field inventory concerning availability of organic waste in the area of Asc
- Signature of contracts for the provision and collection of organic waste
Methods:
It is planned to perform a field inventory to check real availability of organic waste. Local sources will be
interviewed, and the production quantified by type, seasonality, cost, transportation distance to the plant, etc.
This inventory will be drived by AJUNTASC. Rejected fruits and vegetables available from organic production
will be supplied also to the biogas plant. The required supplies will be assured through contractual
agreements. UNIMASC will be in charge of transportation issues concerning organic waste.
Assumptions
(A1) The organic waste provision needed to feed the biogas plant will be contractually assured
AJUNTASC
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- Database concerning inventory of available organic wastes in the area of Asc
- Agreements assuring organic waste supply
- Availability of the database concerning waste inventory
- Number of agreements signed concerning organic waste supply
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(Potential) availability of organic waste according to literature Name of the picture:
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ACTION B.3: Harvesting of macrophytes in the Ebro River
Description:
The municipality of Asc is located in the right side of the Ebro River (see picture). Particularly, this is in the
low sector of the river, near a meander within the SEBES NATURE RESERVE. Because of the upstream flow
regulation applied in a nearby dam, most of the year the meander has little water depth and little flow. The
sharp contrast in landscape between the river bank and bordering areas with respect to that typical of
environments with low rainfall, results in very characteristic vegetation and wildlife elements of both
ecosystems in a narrow space, as opposed to abundance or lack of water. These features, together with the
existence of agricultural activity in the last hundred years, make the SEBES NATURE RESERVE an important
wetland area which is currently protected.
In the recent years, macrophytes (aquatic weeds) have proliferated fast in the low areas of the Ebro River. In
this regard, species such as Potamogeton pectinatus, Myriophyllum spicatum and Ceratophyllum demersum
currently grow in vast areas of the river (see picture). A similar case is reed (see picture). This increase in the
macrophytes growth is highly correlated with nutrient inputs coming from industrial activity, urban
wastewaters, and agriculture. Removal of macrophytes from the river will result in:
1. Enhancement of the hydraulic behaviour in given stretches
2. Prevention from anoxic conditions owing to the accumulation of organic matter in decomposition
3. Avoidance of stagnant waters with unpleasant smells
4. Prevention from constraints concerning navigability and development of river tourism activities
5. Reduction of the surroundings where some insects with negative affectation on people lay eggs
6. Prevention from restrictions in drinking water intakes, use as irrigation water, or use in industries, including
the hydroelectric plant in Flix and the nuclear plant in Asc, owing to sudden biomass drags, or massive
mortality
The uncontrolled growth of macrophytes has stimulated the increase in population of the black fly Simulium
erythrocephalum. This is because the larvae of the fly grow within the macrophytes mass. According to the
small size of this insect (between 3 and 6 mm), almost goes unnoticed, but its bite causes significant
inflammation and irritation, making necessary, in some cases, medical attention (see picture).
The collected biomass will be mixed with other organic materials in order to prepare the menu for the
anaerobic digester. This is an innovative component of the project. Currently, the growth of macrophytes in
the river is a problem with difficult solution, and under this approach it is feasible its energetic valorization.
For guidance, the potential for methane production using macrophytes / reed can range from 100 to 200 Nm3
CH4 per ton of dry matter.
Main objectives:
- Extraction of macrophytes / reed from the Ebro River
- Use of the removed biomass as feedstock in the biogas plant
- Evaluation of the effects of removing macrophytes / reed from the river on the fluvial ecosystem including
S. erythrocephalum
Methods:
UNIMASC will be in charge of developing a harvester to extract macrophytes / reed from the river. Such
machine must be able to work in little water depth, which usually corresponds to areas most densely
colonized with macrophytes / reed. INSTITUT PER AL DESENVOLUPAMENT DE LES COMARQUES DE L'EBRE
(IDECE) will provide human resources for the supervision of the macrophytes / reed harvesting. Removed
biomass will be subsequently transported by road (UNIMASC) and used as feedstock in the biogas plant.
Particular characterization of the composition and MPP will be conducted in specialized laboratories according
to the action B1: anaerobic digestion with biogas upgrading. Permissions for harvesting, and supervision
concerning the areas where to extract the biomass, will be provided by the CONFEDERACIN HIDROGRFICA
DEL EBRO (CHEBRO). AJUNTASC will coordinate the overall action.
Furthermore, an expert team of biologists in riparian vegetation and fluvial ecosystems will be subcontracted
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in order to assess the effect of the macrophytes / reed removal on the ecosystem, and particularly on the
population of S. erythrocephalum. Planned work is as follows:
Macrophytes:
- Description and location of areas with densities of macrophytes from Flix (water reservoir) to Garcia:
mapping by LIDAR flight, field sampling, and determination of potential extraction sites.
- Initial characterization of the selected sites: macrophytes species and densities, associated fauna -fish &
macroinvertebrates-, water quality, and sediment.
- Monitoring of the harvesting process: macrophyte species and their densities, associated fauna -fish &
macroinvertebrates-, water quality, and sediment.
- Monitoring fortnightly (March to October) of the evolution of the number of Simuliidae (S. erythrocephalum)
larvae collected in harvested areas / comparison with nearby areas without harvesting.
Reed:
- Description and location of the areas (water channels) clogged by the vegetation inside the SEBES NATURE
RESERVE: cartographic location, area determination / characterization, and determination of potential
extraction sites.
- Initial characterization of the selected sites: fauna characterization -fish, birds & macroinvertebrates-,
seasonal surveys and sampling, water quality, sediment.
- Monitoring of the harvesting process: fauna characterization -fish, birds & macroinvertebrates-, seasonal
surveys and sampling, water quality, sediment.
Assumptions (A)
(A1) The production of harvestable macrophytes / reed in the fluvial area of Asc is higher than the estimated
inflow requirements for the biogas plant (1,500 t/yr).
(A2) The extraction of macrophytes from the Ebro River will encompass the full year.
(A3) Local actions regarding macrophytes removal will result in notable affectations on the local population of
S. erythrocephalum.
UNIMASC
- Development of a macrophyte / reed harvester according to the local specifications of the Ebro River
- Extraction of macrophytes / reed from the Ebro River near Asc (1,500 t/yr)
- Report summarizing effects of river macrophytes / reed removal on the fluvial ecosystem including S.
erythrocephalum
- Availability of the purchasing invoice for the macrophyte harvester
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- Testing of river macrophytes / reed harvester successfully passed
- Macrophytes / reed supply to the biogas plant as feedstock
- Availability of experimental data concerning biodiversity assessment
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01 Ebro River (meander) Name of the picture:
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02 Ebro River (macrophytes) Name of the picture:
Page 54 of 87
03 Sebes Nature Reserve (reed) Name of the picture:
Page 55 of 87
04 Black fly (Simuliidae) Name of the picture:
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05 Black fly bites Name of the picture:
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ACTION B.4: Production of energy crops
Description:
An innovative and sustainable solution will be applied for integrating biomass supply for the biogas plant.
Energy crops to be really sustainable must meet several conditions, such as high productivity per hectare,
poli-annual crop, multiple annual harvest seasons, low energy, water and fertilizers inputs, capacity of growth
in marginal and low-productive agricultural land. Arundo Donax L., also known as Giant Cane, meets all these
requirements and it is one of the most promising solutions for low-cost and low-input biogas production from
dedicated biomass. Being a poli-annual, low-input, low-cost and no-food crop, it is one of the most productive
plants: they can be harvested up to 150 tons of biomass per hectare per year, with relatively high biogas
production.
In this action, a pilot experience of A. Donax cultivation for biogas production will be carried out. A cultivation
of around 20 ha should ensure about 800-1,000 tons of dry matter per year (in full production), equivalent to
about 2,000-2,500 tons of raw crop per year, and targeting a total methane production potential of around
270,000 Nm3/year. This means that about 300-375 kW of the biogas power will be ensured by biomass supply
from A. Donax crop, i.e. 40-50% of the electrical power of the biogas plant. All agronomical inputs, growth
rates, biomass yield per hectare and chemical composition of the obtained biomass material will be measured
and monitored over a 3-years observation of the cultivation. The potential biogas production of the biomass
will be monitored by laboratory tests along the harvest seasons. Silage and conservation processes will be
considered and tested for seasonal-gap material supply to the biogas unit.
Main objectives:
- Production of A. donax as energy crop in Asc (20 ha)
Methods:
The expertise of UNIVERSITA' DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO (UNIMI) about A. Donax as energy crop for biogas
production will be applied to the field. Both indigenous (at least 2 clones from Ebro Valley) and exogenous (4
clones selected by the UNIMI database) plant rhizomes will be used to prepare about 20 hectares of A. Donax
cultivation. The fields cropping will be clearly delimited, in an agricultural area, far from the riverbank, in
order to avoid uncontrolled expansion of the plants. AJUNTASC will drive the crop operations through specific
contracts with local agricultural operators. The COMUNITAT DE REGANTS D'ASC (CRRASC) will provide
water for irrigating energy crops. UNIMASC will be in charge of feedstock transportation issues.
All initial (first year) agronomic inputs will be registered, such as fertilizer units, energy utilized for soil
preparation, plant material transportation, rhizomes implantation and irrigation. These data, registered for the
first year, are very important to calculate the overall energy production costs on a-long term (10-15 years)
duration of the crop.
The growth rate and the biomass production will be monitored during the first year to ensure the optimal crop
start-up phase. Plant material will be sampled to measure chemical composition and biodegradability of the
ligno-cellulose complex. In the second year the 4 clones selected will be grown with the aim to confirm the
agronomic performance measured on the first year and to produce the biomass to go on with the project. We
will consider 2 ways for biomass production: two harvests on the same season (first harvest on June/July and
second harvest on September/October) or only one harvest (green harvest) at the end of the vegetative
season (September/October).
At the end of every year, biomass will be harvested and ensiled through silo-bag technique. All harvest/silage
operational costs will be monitored and registered, to be counted in the calculation of the electric energy
production costs.
Data about the quality of the ensiled material will be recovered after a 30 days, 60 days and 90 days.
Samples of both fresh plant material and ensiled biomass (withdrawn from silo-bags) will be sent to UNIMI
laboratories to be analysed for what concerns chemical composition, structural analysis and biodegradability.
The methane production potential of the obtained silage will be measured by lab-scale tests at UNIMI
laboratories.
Alternatively, it is planned to conduct feasibility tests and economic assessment concerning the harvesting of
Page 58 of 87
wild A. donax, which currently grows as invasive plant in the SEBES NATURE RESERVE, as feedstock for the
biogas plant.
- (A1) Weather events such as frost, wind, or hail, will not affect agricultural production
AJUNTASC
- Production of A. donax as energy crop (20 ha)
- Report summarizing results concerning cultivation and handling of A. donax as energy crop in Asc
- Availability of contract agreements ensuring the accessibility to farmland in order to cultivate A. donax
- Availability of experimental data concerning the cultivation / silage of A. donax
- Supply of A. donax as feedstock to the biogas plant
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Arundo donax experimental field in Italy Name of the picture:
Page 60 of 87
R. Pilu (UNIMI) & D. Ribes (UNIMASC) during a technical visit Name of the picture:
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ACTION B.5: Production of organic crops
Description:
Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies
on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with
adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit environment and
promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved. In this regard, the market for organic
products has grown fast in the last two decades.
Organic farming practices include:
- Crop rotation as prerequisite for the efficient use of resources locally, ensuring soil sustainability and
appropriate fight against plagues and diseases
- Prohibition in the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, livestock antibiotics, food additives and other
man-made inputs
- Prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms
- Local use of resources; i.e., use of manure for fertilizing, animal feeding production in the farm, etc.
- Selection of plant and animal resistant to diseases, and adapted to local conditions
- Livestock breeding in outdoor areas and open spaces using organic feeding
There is a strong local tradition in Asc and surrounding municipalities in relation to self-provisioning
agriculture and the production of high quality products. However, currently it does not exist any official
recognition, which would help in the marketing of those products.
Asc is located in an early fruit production area. Therefore, we propose the implementation of woody fruit
crops of early collection within the framework of this project. Furthermore, it is considered the
implementation of horticultural crops. Such kind of crops yield higher added value products, providing in turn
a higher employment ratio.
The proposal for the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project is the implementation of 30 ha of organic crops, which will
be managed under a non-profit regime; i.e. profits will be invested in improving facilities of the Agricultural
Cooperative, the Irrigators Community, and others municipal entities which are organized by residents of
Asc.
Main objectives:
- Implementation of organic crops (30 ha)
- Development of a marketing plan for the organic products
Methods:
It will be cultivated 20 ha of woody crops (5 Ha olive, 5 Ha apricot, 2 Ha cherry, 2 Ha almond, 3 Ha peach and
3 Ha nectarines) and 10 ha of horticultural crops. AJUNTASC will drive the crop operations through specific
contracts with local agricultural operators. The occupation ratio is expected to be of 1 person per 4 ha for
woody crops (full production) and of 1 person per 2 ha for horticultural crops. Thus, the total amount of
contracted people will be about 10 persons. CRRASC will be in charge of the supervision of the works to
prepare the infrastructures to irrigate organic crops.
Concerning horticultural crops, it is planned to establish crop rotation in order to reduce risk of plagues and
diseases as well as depletion of soil resources. Some considerations that will be taken into account are:
succession of plants with different root systems, succession of plants producing different edible parts (leaves,
fruits, roots, seeds, stems, inflorescences), toggle crops demanding in fertilization with other less demanding,
avoidance of the succession of crops from the same family, inclusion of legumes. According to this point,
rotation will include crops such as lettuce, carrot, tomato, bean and cauliflower.
All agronomic inputs will be registered, such as fertilizer units, soil preparation, water supply, etc. Once
available, digestate will be used as organic fertilizer. Manure will be used instead before it become available.
Outputs resulting from organic production will be also monitored.
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Marketing of the produced fruits and vegetables will be developed under the certification of EU and CCPAE
(see action A1: Preparatory activities). It is also targeted guaranteeing the compliance of the fair trade rules.
- (A1) Weather events such as frost, wind, or hail, will not affect agricultural production
AJUNTASC
- Production of organic woody crops (20 ha)
- Production of organic horticultural crops (10 ha)
- Report summarizing main field results concerning organic production in Asc
- Marketing plan for the fruits and vegetables produced
- Availability of contract agreements ensuring the accessibility to farmland in order to produce organic crops
- Availability of field data concerning cultivation of organic crops
- Incomes resulting from agricultural products commercialization
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1c
C. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions
ACTION C.1:
Monitoring of the project impact on the main target audiences and on the
environmental problem / issue targeted
The POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project is, basically, a demonstrative project. Target audiences other than the project
partners concerning the environmental problems / issues posed are:
- Ebro riverside energy industries: Particularly, it is referred to hydroelectric plants (e.g., Flix) and the nuclear
plant in Asc (and by extension, the Asociacin Nuclear Asc-Vandells II, A.I.E.). These power plants are
currently reporting serious problems due to the presence of macrophytes in the water intakes. Control of the
macrophytes growth will result in an enhancement of the industrial activity.
- Ebro riverbank (local population / tourists): Water intakes by Irrigation Communities and Municipalities can
be enhanced because of the lack of sudden macrophytes drags or mass mortality. Touristic activities will not
be constrained by the presence of macrophytes in the water body. Hence, use of the river concerning
recreational or sporting issues will be better exploited. The river will improve its hydraulic behavior. This will
allow reducing standing water areas where usually proliferate exotic / invasive species that can damage the
river ecosystem. The withdrawal of the river macrophytes may act in favor of controlling proliferation of
Simuliidae.
- Ebro Sebes Nature Reserve: Harvesting of macrophytes / reed in the reserve in order to clean existing
channels currently clogged by these aquatic weeds will help in preventing breeding of exotic fish and enhance
the habitat for the local fauna.
- Local (livestock) farmers and agro-industries: This project becomes an opportunity to enhance the local
handling of the organic waste generated in this geographic area and provides chances of collective
management.
- Nearby municipalities to the biogas plant: Local distribution of biomethane as vehicle fuel, or through its
injection into in the natural gas grid promoting its domestic use for heating and cooking, will reduce the costs
of transportation of other energetic carriers and become a good example of sustainability.
- Biogas plant constructors & operators / gas distributors: The use of unusual co-substrates (i.e., macrophytes,
non-food energy crops), and subsequent biogas upgrading, can be considered as an interesting case study
making the project (and the knowledge derived) attractive for other constructors, operators and distributors.
- Producer Associations of Asc and surrounding areas will receive direct benefits of the implementation of the
biogas plant and organic farming. The digestate can be distributed to the villages around Asc as organic
fertilizer and can also facilitate the implementation of organic crops. The project will provide experience in
organic agriculture in this area and, thus, it will help in the future scaling-up of this activity. Furthermore,
knowledge gained with the production of energy crops may favour this activity. Agricultural Cooperative of
Asc is included in this point.
- Local, autonomic and central governmental institutions, particularly those concerning energy, environment
and rural development.
- Other river basins with similar problems concerning growth of macrophytes and derived conjucture.
- Other nuclear locations with a similar conjuncture to that of Asc, and that would like to move its productive
model towards a more sustainable option. In this regard, the Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear
Facilities (GMF) and the Asociacin de Municipios en Areas de Centrales Nucleares (AMAC) are interesting
targeted audiences.
AJUNTASC will coordinate this action. This action is somehow transversal with Action D1: Communication
and dissemination of the project and its results. Monitoring concerning impact of the actions planned in this
project include:
- Ebro riverside energy industries: Activities concerning the harvesting of macrophytes are planted nearby the
energy industries of Flix & Asc. Hence, these plants will be periodically contacted in order to identify the
number of events concerning macrophytes drags negatively affecting water intakes and energy production,
and mass of macrophytes dragged and removed on-site. Corresponding representatives will be invited to
participate in the project meetings.
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- Ebro riverbank (local population / tourists): Local actions concerning macrophytes / reed harvesting are not
expected to have a significant impact at regional level owing to the demonstrative scale of the project.
However, impact may arise under intensification of the planned activities. Hence, nearby (riverbank)
municipalities are identified as target audiences of the project. Corresponding Councils will be requested of
identifying recreational and sporting activities organized by the municipality, tourist activity, as well as river
navigability. Alternative measures adopted against the proliferation of macrophytes / black fly will be also
monitored. Council representatives will be invited to attend the meetings organized in the framework of the
project. Also, the respective primary care health centers will be contacted periodically to keep statistics on
patient care due to the bite of black flyes.
- Ebro Sebes Nature Reserve: According to Action B.3: Harvesting of macrophytes in the Ebro River, effect of
harvesting macrophytes / reed on the ecosystem will be evaluated within the SEBES NATURE RESERVE.
Monitoring will include issues concerning macrophytes / reed such as growth sites, species, density,
associated fauna, water quality, sediment, and the proliferation of the black fly (through larvae counting).
Main observations and findings achieved by the reserve will be summarized in 6-month reports.
- Local (livestock) farmers and agro-industries: Corresponding representatives, both individuals and
associative organizations, will be invited to participate in the project meetings. Potential suppliers of organic
waste (those who express interest) others than those initially assured by contract agreement will be
registered in view of a potential increase on the capacity of the biogas plant. Similarly, crop farmers
interested in the use of the digestate as organic fertilizer will be registered in a database.
- Nearby municipalities to the biogas plant: Municipal Council representatives will be invited to participate in
the project meetings.
- Biogas plant constructors & operators / gas distributors: Corresponding representatives of companies and
institutions dealing with biogas plants construction / operation, as well as gas distribution, will be invited to
participate in the project meetings. Similarly, they will be invited to an inauguration event (together with
other stakeholders) which will be hold once ended the construction of the biogas plant. It is also expected
welcoming (and registering) of technical visits of different agents interested on the technolgical solution
implemented here concerning the production of renewable energy.
- Producer Associations of Asc: Corresponding representatives will be invited to participate in the project
meetings. Profits of the organic production will be managed under a non-profit regime; i.e. profits will be
invested in improving facilities of the Agricultural Cooperative of Asc, and other municipal entities which are
organized by residents of Asc.
- Local, autonomic and central governmental institutions: Corresponding representatives will be invited to
participate in the project meetings.
- Other river basins: Corresponding representatives will be invited to participate in the project meetings.
- Other nuclear locations: Representatives from European cities with a similar conjuncture to that of Asc /
associations (GMF, AMAC) will be invited to participate actively in the project meetings providing their own
contributions for future local development (alternatively to the nuclear framework), and promoting
constructive discussion on this topic.
- Interest on collaboration / participation by the targeted audiences on the monitoring of the project impact.
AJUNTASC
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- Reports concerning monitoring of the impact of the project actions (every 6 months)
- Availability of the partial reports concerning monitoring of the impact of the project actions (every 6 months)
- Availability of the final report concerning monitoring of the impact of the project actions
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1d
D. Communication and dissemination actions
ACTION D.1: Communication and dissemination of the project and its results
The coordinator will draw up a communication plan which main objective will be to obtain a picture on how we
will plan to disseminating and communicating on the POST-NUCLEAR LIFE project during its lifetime. The plan
will be formulated and agreed between and followed by the partners.
The target audiences of the communication strategy should be at least, cities with nuclear facilities,
enterprises related with energy, local farmers, supermarkets and general public interested in organic food,
etc.
The plan will be elaborated in different steps:
1. Identification of the main communication channels of stakeholders and target audience (website, social
networks, local media,).
2. Identification of main public targets.
3. Decision on the appropriate type and purpose of communication actions of the project and the indicators of
progress. The most appropriate actions would include, in particular, the following ones:
a. Communication website (web-blog) used to promote the project progress and its results to target
audience.
b. Public anaerobic digestion facility inauguration and guided tours to explain the plant.
c. Reinforce the commercialization and local promotion of organic crops at local markets.
d. Articles and press release to specific mass media in order to increase the awareness of the project and
its products.
4. Evaluation of the actions between the partners and reformulate the plan.
5. Presentation of the project by the coordinator and partners during conferences, meetings or any events at
international, national, regional or local level.
6. Maintaining the link with stakeholders. They will be invited to one physical meeting every year in order to
show the project progress and be informed of the project results.
7. Laymans report (5 -10 pages) presenting the project results produced in paper and electronic format and
disseminated to the general public and different target groups in Catalan and English.
- Consensus on the strategy of communication of the parts involved in the project and its impact on the
communication plan.
- Participation of high level representatives of the institutions and stakeholders of the project in the
communication actions.
- Due to budgetary limits, the number of languages has to be restricted to 2 (Catalan and English).
- Promotion of the use of the communication website (web-blog) by the target audience.
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1d
AJUNTASC
- 80 participants at communication events (inauguration, guide tours,...)
- 100 participants at local markets
- Communication plan
- Communication website (web-blog)
- 500 Laymans report presenting the results in Catalan and English language
- Number of participants at the inauguration of the anaerobic digestion facility
- Number of participants at local markets
- Documents published and available on the project's website
- Number of unique website visitors (source: web server statistics)
- Number of news and press citations on the mass media (including on-line media)
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1e
E. Project management and monitoring of the project progress
ACTION E.1: Project management and monitoring of project progress
Project management means the operational management of the project and implies to define the roles,
relations and obligations of each partner and to ensure the reporting of the progress of the project to the
European Commission -EC- (Grant Agreement, LIFE+ Regulation, and Common Provisions).
Project management and monitoring by AJUNTASC:
The coordinator will be the sole contact person for the EC. He will be responsible for the presentation of all the
technical and administrative documents to the Commission. The relation between the different partners will
be defined through a partnership agreement.
Two persons half-time from AJUNTASC will be in charge to work on project management and another person
will work half-time on monitoring administrative and financial issues.
Their tasks will cover financial, administrative, legal quality activities, in particular:
- Supporting and advising the associated beneficiaries in their respective tasks and to assure the overall
coordination.
- Being responsible of verification, compilation and provision of all mandatory documentation including
financial documentation for activity reports.
- Appointing an external auditor, to assist the auditor during his work and to follow up of the auditor's work.
- Organising 1 kick-off meeting in 2013 in Asc, and two each following year, with a total of 6 coordination
meetings. If more meetings are needed, they will be phone meetings. These coordination meetings will gather
all the partners and stakeholders. In order to reduce travelling (and CO2 emissions), these coordination
meetings will be organised in the frame of actions B1 and B4.
- Being the contact point with stakeholders involved in order to disseminate the project results.
- Elaborating a monitoring control specifying indicators of the progress, deadlines, means of verification for
each action of the project, and enforcing it during the actions implementation and monitored during calls-
conference and physical meetings.
- Contracting and following up the project with an on-line management software for reporting and control, to
allow the evaluation, tracking of the project, exchange information and access to deliverables between the
partners.
Project management by associated beneficiaries:
Project management will involve in particular monitoring of tasks, budget and financial issues (timesheets and
documentary evidences of expenditures); in giving expertise and support the coordination of this action when
will be required; in participating in phone and physical meetings and in monitoring and disseminating the
actions and results of the project at its regional or local level.
- Delays in the preparation of activity reports
- Delays or lack of information in monitoring forms and documents
- Termination of the associated beneficiaries
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - C1e
- Associated beneficiaries take their involvement and direct participation in this activity, which should
provide information in a timely manner, and under the procedure set by the coordinator of this action
- Coordination of the project will monitor particularly the provision of updated information on the status and
at the timing of the project
- If difficulty occurs, the coordinator will inform by written report the partner and design a measure plan
AJUNTASC
- On-line documents, from the project management software, for reporting and management
- Good technical and financial follow-up in accordance to LIFE+ rule (3 reports: inception, mid-term and final)
- 1 kick-off meeting (in Asc during 07/2013) and 5 other physical meetings in Asc (two every year)
- Phone/internet meeting regularity, with participation of the associated beneficiaries
- Monitoring protocol under a check-list form
- Audit report
- Number of physical and phone meetings
- Number of participants at meetings
- Elaboration in time 3 activity reports
- Monitoring protocol fill up and reports to the EC
- Auditor nominated
- Audit report annexed to the final report
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DELIVERABLE PRODUCTS OF THE PROJECT
Name of the Deliverable
Number of the
associated action
Deadline
Partners Agreement Documents E 1 24/07/2013
Minutes of the Kick-off meeting E 1 15/08/2013
Monitoring Process Document E 1 15/08/2013
Communication Strategy Plan Document D 1 31/10/2013
Project website D 1 30/11/2013
Partial reports concerning monitoring of the
impact of the project (every 6 months)
C 1 31/01/2014
Business plan A 1 30/06/2014
Database concerning inventory of available
organic wastes in the area of Asc
B 2 30/06/2014
Organic crops marketing plan B 5 30/06/2014
Minutes of the meeting E 1 10/10/2014
Partial reports prepared during the construction
of the biogas plant (every 3 months)
B 1 31/12/2014
Plan of operations for the routinary functioning
of the biogas plant
B 1 31/12/2014
Final report at the end of the biogas plant
construction
B 1 31/01/2015
Minutes of the meeting E 1 10/02/2016
Press Release and Mass Media Report D 1 15/06/2016
Report summarizing effects of macrophytes /
reed removal on the fluvial ecosystem including
S. erythrocephalum
B 3 30/06/2016
Report summarizing field results concerning
production of organic crops in Asc
B 5 30/06/2016
Report summarizing potential for the cultivation
of A. donax as feedstock for AD in Asc
B 4 30/06/2016
Partial reports once started the biogas plant
operation (every 6 months)
B 1 01/07/2016
Laymans Report Document D 1 15/07/2016
Final report concerning monitoring of the impact
of the project
C 1 31/07/2016
Final report regarding the overall operation of
the biogas plant
B 1 31/07/2016
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MILESTONES OF THE PROJECT
Deadline Name of the Milestone
Number of the
associated action
Kick off meeting E 1 31/07/2013
Kick-off of the Project management software E 1 30/09/2013
Kick-off of the communication software platform D 1 31/10/2013
Kick-off public presentation of the beginning of
the civil works of the plant
D 1 10/12/2013
Agreement for the building site assignment A 1 31/12/2013
Delivery of the first report concerning monitoring
of the impact of the project
C 1 31/01/2014
Coordination meeting B 4 28/02/2014
Rhizomes implantation B 4 31/03/2014
Start of horticultural cultivation B 5 31/03/2014
Woody trees plantation B 5 31/03/2014
Business plan finished A 1 30/06/2014
Certification as organic crops producer by CCPAE A 1 30/06/2014
Certification as organic crops producer by EU A 1 30/06/2014
Creation of a land bank where to apply digestate A 1 30/06/2014
Decission made about constructor A 1 30/06/2014
Decission made about gases distributors A 1 30/06/2014
Delivery of the marketing plan for the organic
crops
B 5 30/06/2014
Ending of the inventory concerning available
organic wastes
B 2 30/06/2014
Permissions needed for constructing obtained A 1 30/06/2014
Signature of contractual agreements assuring
waste supply
B 2 30/06/2014
Coordination meeting E 1 30/09/2014
Ending of the construction of the biogas plant B 1 31/12/2014
Planning for the biogas plant operation finished B 1 31/12/2014
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Reception of the macrophyte / reed harvester
adapted to local specifications in Asc
B 3 31/12/2014
Coordination meeting B 1 28/02/2015
Start of supplying macrophytes / reed to the
biogas plant
B 3 28/02/2015
Start of the biogas distribution B 1 31/03/2015
Start of the carbon dioxide distribution B 1 31/03/2015
Start of the digestate distribution to the bank
land
B 1 31/03/2015
Start of supplying A. donax to the biogas plant B 4 31/07/2015
Coordination meeting E 1 31/01/2016
Inauguration ceremony of the plant D 1 02/06/2016
Coordination and final meeting B 1 30/06/2016
Delivery of the final report concerning
production of organic crops
B 5 30/06/2016
Delivery of the report concerning effects of
macrophytes / reed removal on the fluvial
ecosystem including S. erythrocephalum
B 3 30/06/2016
Delivery of the report concerning potential for
the cultivation of A. donax as feedstock for AD
B 4 30/06/2016
Delivery of the final report concerning
monitoring of the impact of the project
C 1 31/07/2016
ACTIVITY REPORTS FORESEEN
Inception Report (to be delivered within 9 months after the project start);
Progress Reports n1, n2 etc. (if any; to ensure that the delay between consecutive reports does not
exceed 18 months);
Mid-term Report with payment request (only for project longer than 24 months)
Final Report with payment request (to be delivered within 3 months after the end of the
project)
Please indicate the deadlines for the following reports:
Type of report Deadline
Inception report 31/03/2014
Midterm report 31/05/2015
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Final report 29/07/2016
Page 74 of 87
TIMETABLE
Action
Action
numbe
Name of the action
2013
I II III IV
2014
I II III IV
2015
I II III IV
2016
I II III IV
2017
I II III IV
2018
I II III IV
A. Preparatory actions:
A.1 Preparatory activities
B. Implementation actions:
B.1 Anaerobic digestion with biogas upgrading
B.2 Collection of organic waste
B.3 Harvesting of macrophytes in the Ebro River
B.4 Production of energy crops
B.5 Production of organic crops
C. Monitoring of the impact of the project actions:
C.1
Monitoring of the project impact on the main target audiences and on the
environmental problem / issue targeted
D. Communication and dissemination actions:
D.1 Communication and dissemination of the project and its results
E. Project management and monitoring of the project progress:
E.1 Project management and monitoring of project progress
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FINANCIAL APPLICATION FORMS
Part F financial information
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 R1 - Budget
Total cost in % of total eligible
costs
Eligible Cost in
1. Personnel
482,521 17.24 %
12,000
2. Travel and subsistence
0.43 %
318,170
3. External assistance
11.37 %
4. Durable goods
0.00 % 0
4.a Infrastructure
0
0 0.00 % 0
4.b Equipment
Co-financiers contribution
In % of total eligible
costs
Contribution breakdown % of TOTAL
50 %
Requested EU contribution
50 % 1,399,441
39 %
Coordinating Beneficiary's contribution
1,086,629
312,812 11 %
Associated Beneficiaries' contribution
0 0 %
2,798,882
TOTAL
100 %
Budget breakdown cost categories
6. Consumables
0.00 %
0
7. Other Costs
0.00 %
181,464
8. Overheads
6.48 %
2,798,882 2,798,882 100 %
TOTAL
0
5. Land purchase / long-term lease /one-off
compensation payments
Not applicable
4.c Prototype
1,804,727 1,804,727 64.48 %
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LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - R2 - Costs per Action
Cost category in Euro
Project action 1. Personnel 2. Travel
3. External
assistance
4.a Infra-
structure
4.b Equipment 7. Other TOTAL 4.c Prototype
6.
Consumables
A1 Preparatory activities 44,732 0 0 0 0 82,000 0 0 126,732
B1 Anaerobic digestion with biogas
upgrading
38,625 4,000 72,000 0 0 945,500 0 0 1,060,125
B2 Collection of organic waste 12,456 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12,456
B3 Harvesting of macrophytes in the
Ebro River
29,000 0 0 0 0 365,227 0 0 394,227
B4 Production of energy crops 132,321 2,000 0 0 0 62,000 0 0 196,321
B5 Production of organic crops 16,194 0 21,780 0 0 350,000 0 0 387,974
Page 78 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - R2 - Costs per Action
C1 Monitoring of the project impact
on the main target audiences and on
the environmental problem / issue
targeted
27,192 0 99,500 0 0 0 0 0 126,692
D1 Communication and dissemination
of the project and its results
31,373 0 42,890 0 0 0 0 0 74,263
E1 Project management and
monitoring of project progress
150,628 6,000 82,000 0 0 0 0 0 238,628
Overheads
181,464
TOTAL
482,521 12,000 318,170 0 0 1,804,727 0 0 2,798,882
Page 79 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - FC
Coordinating Beneficiary's contribution
Country code Beneficiary short name Total costs of the
actions in
(including
overheads)
Beneficiary's own
contribution in
Amount of EU
contribution
requested in
Associated Beneficiaries' contribution
Country code Beneficiary short name Total costs of the
actions in
(including
overheads)
Associated
beneficiary's own
contribution in
Amount of EU
contribution
requested in
ES IDECE 5,309 5,309 10,618
IT UNIMI 75,000 75,000 150,000
ES CRRASC 4,953 4,953 9,906
NL ADVERIO 22,500 22,500 45,000
ES CHEBRO 5,025 5,025 10,050
ES UNIMASC 200,025 200,025 400,050
TOTAL Associated Beneficiaries
TOTAL All Beneficiaries
Co-financiers contribution
Amount of co-
financing in
Co-financier's name
TOTAL
ES AJUNTASC 1,086,629 1,086,629 2,173,258
0
312,812 312,812
1,399,441 1,399,441 2,798,882
625,624
Page 80 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - F1
Direct Personnel costs
Calculation => A B A x B
Beneficiary
short name
Action
number Type of contract Category/Role in the project
Daily rate
(rounded to
the nearest )
Number of
person-days
Direct personnel
costs ()
AJUNTASC A 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Project assistant 200 45 9,000
AJUNTASC A 1 Temporary staff
specifically hired
for this projectnull
Technician 200 53 10,600
AJUNTASC A 1 Temporary staff
specifically hired
Project Manager 244 103 25,132
AJUNTASC B 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
AJUNTASC C 1 Temporary staff
specifically hired
AJUNTASC C 1 Temporary staff
not specifically
hired for this
projectnull
AJUNTASC C 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Page 81 of 87
Beneficiary
short name
Action
Daily rate
(rounded to
the nearest )
Number of
person-days
Direct personnel
costs ()
AJUNTASC D 1 Temporary staff
not specifically
hired for this
projectnull
AJUNTASC D 1 Temporary staff
not specifically
hired for this
projectnull
AJUNTASC D 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
AJUNTASC E 1 Temporary staff
not specifically
hired for this
projectnull
AJUNTASC E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
AJUNTASC E 1 Temporary staff
not specifically
hired for this
projectnull
UNIMASC B 2 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the project coordination 178 12 2,136
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
civil servantnull
UNIMASC E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Project management 178 6 1,068
ADVERIO B 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Biogas plant legalization and Project Management 255 111 28,305
ADVERIO D 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the promotion and dissemination of project 255 5 1,275
ADVERIO E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Project Management 255 25 6,375
Page 82 of 87
Beneficiary
short name
Action
Daily rate
(rounded to
the nearest )
Number of
person-days
Direct personnel
costs ()
UNIMI B 4 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Energy crops trial - Researcher 227 173 39,271
UNIMI B 4 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Energy crops trial - Associate Professor 255 300 76,500
UNIMI D 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the promotion and dissemination of project 255 10 2,550
UNIMI E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
CRRASC B 4 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the implementation of energy crops 178 21 3,738
CRRASC B 5 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the implementation of organic crops 178 21 3,738
CRRASC D 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on the promotion and dissemination of project 178 2 356
CRRASC E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
CHEBRO B 3 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Monitoring environmental impact of the mocrophytes harvesting 200 40 8,000
CHEBRO E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
IDECE B 3 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
Support on macrophytes harvesting 178 48 8,544
IDECE E 1 Permanent staff or
civil servantnull
TOTAL => 2,117 482,521
Page 83 of 87
Travel and subsistence costs
Calculation => A B A + B
Beneficiary
short name
A
c
t
i
o
n
n
u
m
b
e
r
Destination (From / To)
O
u
t
s
i
d
e

E
U
(
Y
E
S

/

N
O
)
Purpose of travel/number of trips and persons travelling,
duration of trip (in days)
Travel costs
()
Subsistence
costs ()
Total travel and
subsistence
costs ()
ADVERIO B 1 The Netherlands -
Spain
No Transfers and 2 missions/1 person-2 days 1,350 650 2,000
ADVERIO B 4 The Netherlands -
Spain
No Transfer and 1 mission/1 person - 3 days 650 350 1,000
ADVERIO E 1 The Netherlands -
Spain
No Transfer and 3 missions/1 person - 2 days 2,000 1,000 3,000
UNIMI B 1 Italy - Spain No Transfers and 2 missions / 1 person - 2 days 1,350 650 2,000
UNIMI B 4 Italy - Spain No Transfers and 1 mission/1 person-2 days 650 350 1,000
UNIMI E 1 Italy - Spain No Transfer and 3 missions / 1 person - 2 days 2,000 1,000 3,000
TOTAL => 8,000 4,000 12,000
Page 84 of 87
External assistance costs
Beneficiary
short name
Action
number Procedure Description Costs ()
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Construction management of the biogas plant 72,000
AJUNTASC B 5 Direct award Monitoring of organic crops 21,780
AJUNTASC C 1 Open tender Assessment on environmental impact of macrophyte harvesting 72,000
AJUNTASC C 1 Direct award LIDAR data acquisition and interpretation 9,500
AJUNTASC C 1 Direct award Laboratory analysis needed for the monitoring of the project impact 18,000
AJUNTASC D 1 Open tender Communication Software and Plan 30,890
AJUNTASC D 1 Direct award Software for reporting and management 12,000
AJUNTASC E 1 Open tender External assistance to the Project management team 60,000
AJUNTASC E 1 Direct award External audit for the spanish partners 12,000
AJUNTASC E 1 Direct award External audit for Adverio 2,500
AJUNTASC E 1 Direct award Translations of documents for website, layman's report and activity reports 5,000
AJUNTASC E 1 Direct award External audit for UNIMI 2,500
TOTAL => 318,170
Page 85 of 87
LIFE12 ENV/ES/000161 - F4c
Durable goods: Prototype costs
Beneficiary
short name
Action
numbe Procedure Description Costs ()
AJUNTASC A 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - 15 m Liquid CO2 tank with extension hose 60,000
AJUNTASC A 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Implementation costs 22,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas plant - Connection to the grid 44,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Biogas upgrading unit with gas torch 363,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Post-digestor and liquid digestate storage 154,500
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Digestor 18m (diameter) x 6m (height) 130,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Project Manager Technical Support 22,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Instrumentation and control 36,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Incoming Substrate processing equipment 80,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Terrain Preparation 94,000
AJUNTASC B 1 Open tender Biogas Plant - Pipes, cables and excavation works 22,000
AJUNTASC B 4 Open tender Implementation of energy crops 62,000
AJUNTASC B 5 Open tender Implementation of organic crops 350,000
UNIMASC B 3 Open tender Development of ad-hoc aquatic weeds harvesting machine 365,227
TOTAL => 1,804,727
Page 86 of 87
Overheads
Beneficiary short name Total direct costs of the project in Overhead amount ()
650 CHEBRO 9,400
650 IDECE 9,968
650 CRRASC 9,256
3,045 ADVERIO 41,955
24,855 UNIMASC 375,195
9,614 UNIMI 140,386
142,000 AJUNTASC 2,031,258
181,464
2,617,418
Page 87 of 87

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