Strzelin Biogas Plant – Decarbonizing Sugar Production in Poland
Company: Krieg & Fischer Ingenieure GmbH
Country: Germany
Biogas plant in Strzelin is the latest tailor-made engineering project for the sugar industry by Krieg & Fischer Ingenieure GmbH. With more than 30 years of experience in biogas engineering and 15 years of dedicated expertise in projects for the sugar sector, Krieg & Fischer has redefined how biogas plants for the sugar industry are conceptualised, moving beyond conventional, standardised models. Instead of optimizing solely for constant feed input and stable energy supply, the biogas plant in Strzelin was engineered for flexible seasonal operation aligned with the sugar factory’s production cycles.
The plant processes 300,000 t/year of fresh and ensiled beet pulp, juice and other organic byproducts from sugar industry and introduces a flexible operational concept designed specifically for sugar production. During the campaign, the plant produces more than 8,500 m³/h of biogas. In that period, biogas production is maximized to replace fossil gas in steam generation, while outside the campaign the plant operates at reduced feeding rates (5–10%). Gas utilization strategy balances multiple consumers and output pathways: direct biogas use for steam/hot water generation and lime kiln fuel, CHP units for electricity and heat, and biomethane upgrading. Whenever possible, biogas is supplied directly to the sugar plant’s steam boiler.
The plant commenced operation in March 2025 and it operates at a very high maximum organic loading rate of 8 kg volatile solids/(m³·d)
Overall, the project expands the role of AD from “renewable gas production” to “renewable industrial energy integration,” offering a strong reference case for AD solutions in Europe and internationally. This project is a lighthouse project for sugar and other industries with seasonal or variable energy demand.
