Green energy for industry is a direction in which Ima Polska S.A. has been investing consistently for years. Respect for the natural environment is one of our fundamental values, which is why we are developing technologies based on renewable energy sources (RES). Every year we increase the share of „green” energy in the energy balance of the plant, realistically reducing the carbon footprint of production and strengthening energy security.

Biogas and biomethane - green energy for industry in practice

We generate our energy in our own organic waste methanation plants. It is a solution that combines industrial efficiency with a responsible approach to the environment: we process post-production streams, extract energy, recover heat and process water, while reducing emissions and the amount of waste requiring management.

Biogas plants Ima Polska S.A. - energy from nature

We started the biogas plant development project with the construction of two plants:

• „Stork” - power 0.48 MW,
• „Heron” - power 1.44 MW.

Both installations are the result of research and development work carried out by Ima Polska S.A. as part of the project: „Research and development work on the management of waste from the agri-food industry”.”, co-financed by National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR).

W 2022 we have started the construction of another biogas plant - „Crane” - of 3.00 MW, equipped with three bioreactors and two cogeneration units. The expansion of the generation potential allows the share of renewable energy in the plant's operations to be increased and stabilises operation in the long term.

Ecological methanation process - safe for the environment and the surroundings

For biogas production we use distillers' decoction of maize, which is a by-product of our core business. The methanation process takes place in hermetic tanks made of acid-resistant steel, which reduces the impact on the surroundings and eliminates the emission of nuisance odours. As a result, the technology is not only climate-friendly, but also friendly to the local environment.

Water recovery and cogeneration - making maximum use of resources

Through the use of innovative technological solutions:

• we recover a significant amount of process water, which is returned for re-use in the distillery,
• biogas burned in cogeneration engines enables electricity and heat to be generated simultaneously,
• we increase energy efficiency through better balancing of energy consumption and production on site.

This approach supports the circular economy model (GOZ): we reduce waste, recover resources and reduce the need for fossil fuel energy.

Biomethane - the next step in RES development

Biogas is a valuable energy carrier and its further development could be biomethane - fuel with similar characteristics to natural gas (after appropriate purification). For industry, this means potentially even wider opportunities for the use of renewable energy: from process power to transport or gas grid applications (depending on the model and infrastructure). In the context of the RES strategy, biomethane is an important element for building energy stability and reducing emissions in sectors that are more difficult to electrify.

Why are biogas and biomethane important for industry?

• Reducing the carbon footprint - A higher share of RES in the energy mix reduces production-related emissions.
• Improved utilisation of by-products - methanation supports the management of post-production streams.
• Stability and predictability - own energy improves resilience to energy price fluctuations.
• Environmental and local benefits - encapsulation of the process reduces nuisance to the environment.
• GOZ in practice - Water and heat recovery close the resource cycle in the plant.

We aim for full energy independence

Our aim is to energy independence in 2035, based on a closed-loop economy (GOZ) and the efficient use of post-production resources. The increasing share of renewable energy allows us to operate in a more responsible, environmentally friendly and modern way - while maintaining the high quality and continuity of industrial processes.

FAQ: Biogas and biomethane - green energy for industry

What is the difference between biogas and biomethane?
Biogas is a mixture of gases produced by methanisation. Biomethane is biogas that has been purified to a quality close to natural gas (depending on technology and standards).

Why is the process safe for the environment?
Methanation takes place in airtight tanks, reducing odour emissions and environmental impact around the plant.

What does cogeneration offer?
It allows electricity and heat to be generated simultaneously, increasing the efficiency of biogas use.

Frequently asked questions