At TEAPOTS, we aim to revolutionize
how the agri-food players meet its
local and seasonal energy needs

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Our project offers an innovative, integrated, modular, and flexible solution that transforms lignocellulosic and hard-to-treat agricultural waste into renewable energy, while also producing valuable biochar. 

By valorizing agricultural residues and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, TEAPOTS contributes to lower emissions, enhanced energy efficiency, and more sustainable farming practices—helping to build a greener, more resilient agri-food industry. 

Challenges Driving Our Mission

The TEAPOTS project addresses challenges in agricultural sector

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    Economic Challenge

    Rising fossil fuel prices and the current geopolitical crises, create major economic challenges for farmers and the agri-food sector across the EU.

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    Social Challenge

    There is a need for inclusive collaboration among key players in the agricultural value chain and for increasing social awareness to improve the societal impact of sustainable practices.

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    Environmental Challenge

    Agricultural waste is often burned in fields, and forest fires further worsen the situation—together increasing the environmental footprint.

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    Energetic Challenge

    Supplying renewable energy across critical energy-consuming sectors is key to accelerating the achievement of the European Green Deal targets for 2030 and reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

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    Technological Challenge

    Developing, scaling, and integrating innovative technologies in the agricultural and industrial sectors is complex and faces challenges due to limited willingness to build the symbiotic collaborations necessary for achieving shared goals. 

Key Innovations

The TEAPOTS project integrates innovative technology and digital tools to transform agricultural waste into renewable energy while supporting sustainable farming practices. The concept rests on two main clusters:

TEAPOTS Integrated Solution (TIS)

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TIS is a renewable energy system that converts agricultural waste into heat, electricity, and cooling.

Designed for local use, it supports carbon-neutral energy production while creating biochar and compost to boost soil health.

By promoting circular biomass valorisation, TIS helps farmers manage waste efficiently, generate renewable energy, and enhance farm productivity. 

Pyrolysis Unit (PU) -
Converts biomass into biochar and gas, producing energy while creating a valuable soil enhancer.
Compost Heat Recovery System (CHRS) +
Captures heat during composting for energy use.
Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) +
Converts waste heat from pyrolysis into renewable electricity using an efficient, low-temperature process.
Dry Cooler & Oil-free Air-Water Cooling System
(DC & AWC) +
Provides efficient cooling with minimal environmental impact.

TEAPOTS Digital Platform (TDP) 

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TDP is platform designed to manage agricultural waste logistics, support local collaboration, and optimize eco-friendly waste management for cost-efficient operations.

It enables farmers to forecast biomass availability and transition into renewable energy producers (prosumers).

Additionally, TDP supports regional development by providing tailored recommendations for smarter, more sustainable farming practices.

Integrated Database -
Combines data from satellite imagery, field sensors, and TIS systems.
Prediction System +
Models biomass yields, future availability, and logistics.
Decision Support System +
Offers insights to farmers for efficient waste and energy management.

Integrated Waste-to-Energy Process

Objectives

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  • TEAPOTS will use pyrolysis and thermo-composting to treat challenging agricultural waste, including animal, pruning, and lignocellulosic residues. A digital platform will integrate data from fields, satellites, and machinery to predict waste generation and provide tailored guidelines for converting biomass into energy. 

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  • The TEAPOTS Integrated Solution (TIS) turns agricultural waste into valuable biochar and compost, helping to capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process also limits nutrient runoff into waterbodies by making use of waste that is often poorly managed, such as poultry manure and lignocellulosic materials. The Digital Platform (TDP) will improve local waste logistics, making it easier to convert this waste into renewable energy. 

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  • Biochar and compost will enhance soil health by improving biodiversity, retaining nutrients, and acting as long-term carbon sinks. The pilot sites in the TEAPOTS project will demonstrate their positive impact, along with the benefits of coordinated biomass supply among producers. TEAPOTS will also showcase the economic value of sustainable agricultural practices—such as integrating trees outside forests and diversifying crops—increasing ecosystem services like pollination and water quality. 

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  • The TEAPOTS Digital Platform (TDP) will support farmers by predicting crop yields and biomass availability, helping them choose the best way to turn agricultural waste into renewable energy and high-value products. 

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  • TEAPOTS will carry out surveys at the beginning and mid-point of the project to better understand the needs of farmers and food producers, using a network of local organizations. This input will guide the development of technologies that meet real end-user demands and support the transition from energy consumers to energy producers (prosumers).  

    A social Life Cycle Assessment (sLCA) will also be conducted to measure the societal impact of the TEAPOTS Integrated Solution (TIS) on end-users and the local communities.