Residues from distillery production as an energy feedstock
Biogas from distillery residues is one of the pillars of IMA Poland's energy strategy. Residues generated in the production process ethyl alcohol do not end up in landfill. Instead, they are a full-fledged energy feedstock that returns to the production system in the form of biogas. This is the operational reality of the production facility, not a theoretical implementation model.
In a video produced by Biomass Magazine IMA Poland presents a behind-the-scenes look at the operation of the biogas plant and the entire process of converting distillery waste into energy. The film shows the plant's infrastructure and documents the various stages of closing the energy cycle.
How the circular economy works in practice
The closed-loop economy (GOZ) at IMA Poland is based on a simple but effective principle. The bioethanol production process generates organic residues, including distillery stock. These residues go to an anaerobic digestion plant, where microorganisms break down the organic matter and produce biogas. The resulting biogas is returned to the plant as a source of heat and electricity, powering subsequent production cycles.
This operating model means that the plant minimises the amount of waste diverted externally. At the same time, it reduces the need for energy from external conventional sources. Every tonne of distillery residue that goes into the biogas plant represents a real reduction in operating costs and a reduced environmental impact.
Benefits of biogas production from distillery waste
Minimising production waste
The closed-loop management of distillery residues eliminates the problem of landfilling organic waste. Distillery residue, which in the traditional model requires costly disposal, becomes a valuable input for biogas production. IMA Poland thus transforms a potential cost into a source of energy revenue.
Greater energy independence for the plant
On-site biogas production increases energy independence IMA Poland. Having its own source of renewable energy makes the company independent of fluctuations in the price of energy carriers on the market. This is particularly important in the context of rising electricity and heat costs in the industrial sector. The plant generates part of the energy required for its technological processes itself.
Reduction of emissions and impact on carbon footprint
Biogas from distillery residues is a renewable energy source that directly affects the plant's CO2 balance. Replacing some fossil fuels with biogas reduces the carbon footprint of bioethanol production. IMA Polska documents these results and includes them in its environmental reporting. A real reduction in emissions is a measurable effect of implementing the GOZ model.
Biogas installation at the IMA Polska plant
The biogas infrastructure at IMA Poland comprises a complete process line. The process starts with the reception tanks for distillery residues. The raw material is then sent to the digesters, where organic matter decomposes under controlled anaerobic conditions. The resulting biogas is purified and directed to cogeneration units or boilers, where it is converted into electricity and heat.
The entire system operates continuously and is integrated into the plant's main production line. By automating the process, it is possible to optimise fermentation efficiency and maximise energy yield. Biomass Magazine's footage documents the various elements of this infrastructure and shows the scale of the operation.
GOZ as standard in the bioethanol industry
The closed-loop economy model implemented at IMA Poland shows the direction of the entire bioethanol industry. Closing material and energy cycles is not only a response to regulatory requirements. Above all, it is a rational business decision that reduces operating costs and increases the competitiveness of the plant.
Production bioethanol combined with energy recovery from distillery residues, creates an integrated system in which raw material losses are minimal. IMA Polska is proving that the distillery industry can operate in a near-zero-waste model, drawing energy from its own by-products.
Check the offer of IMA Polska
IMA Poland combines bioethanol production with advanced closed-loop economy solutions. Check out our full offer products i services companies. If you are interested in cooperation or want to learn more about the technological details of a biogas plant, contact us.