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Project Code [2023JTF165]
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Project title
Demonstrating high-value commercial bio-products at scale utilizing local agri-food waste streams at a circular peatland IMTA site in midlands Just Transition Territory
Primary Funding Agency
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
Lead Organisation
Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
Lead Applicant
Not listed
Project Abstract
CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO is an ambitious commercially-focused interdisciplinary bioeconomy demonstration project that harnesses use of a novel recirculating, peatland-based, integrated-multitrophic aquaculture/aquatech (IMTA) site at Mount Lucas. It will demonstrate value-chain products for new feeds/foods from cultivated-duckweed and macroalgae at scale that use fish-culture waste-streams. CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO focuses on integrated-sustainable economic development by demonstrating production of commercial products (TRL 6+) using a holistic multi-actor approach for the development of the midlands Just Transition territory. This unique midlands-located demonstration project will deploy digital tools for monitoring/managing optimal performance and digital twin/immersive extended-reality(XR) training unlocking new sustainable and climate-resilient pathways for vital economic development.This brings together key stakeholders (industry, primary producers, policymakers, local communities, academia) generating new products and jobs. CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO exploits cascades from fish waste stream as biofertilizers to cultivate macro-algae and duckweed where commercial products will be biorefined/valorized for feeds and foods using this commercial demo-circular-model; thus, enabling piloting, scaling and cooperation that addresses barriers and unlocks opportunities through cooperative activities. CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO is embedded strongly in an educational provision, particularly training of stakeholders onsite/accelerators. CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO will (a) accelerate the innovation process and commercial development of bio-based products that focuses on testing/upscaling novel approaches for converting bio-based duckweed and macroalgae feedstock into technical and economically viable (sustainable) circular solutions; (b) develop appropriate innovation life cycles/plans tapping into extensive networks/clusters to optimize industry and primary-producer engagement to test-tech, produce bio-based products at commercial scale; (c) and monitor environmental and climate performance at this IMTA site for value chains. In situ pilot demonstration for commercial production of high value feed and food products for different animal use including on site hatchery/feed production delivering appropriate implementation, exploitation and communication plan serving needs of stakeholders. Feedstocks for bio-based operations respect local ecological-limits and protects biodiversity/ecosystems-services. CIRCULAR_IMTA_DEMO addresses appropriate cooperation to align natural capital, primary-production and circular-bioeconomy value-chains for optimal-impact.
Grant Approved
�4,908,710.49
Research Hub
Climate Change
Research Theme
3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities
Initial Projected Completion Date
06/09/2031