Fit4Micro aims to develop a hybrid microCHP unit running on sustainable liquid biofuels. Application is foreseen at multi-family houses, and more specifically at remote and/or off-grid locations. The innovative system is based on a double shaft micro gas turbine (mGT) combined with a novel humidification unit. This unique combination leads to very high electrical efficiencies (>40%) as well as a very flexible heat:power ratio. Low emissions are achieved by the application of flameless combustion, and a high GHG emission reduction is obtained by using truly advanced, RED2 compliant biofuel. Use of a mGT as core-unit in Fit4Micro is ideal for domestic usage, as the system has very low noise output and is vibration free. Furthermore, rapid response times and fuel-flexible operation make this the ideal base for a highly efficient hybrid CHP system, resilient to changes in (local) fuel and power markets, empowering the consumers through digital solutions. Furthermore, the Fit4Micro unit will be integrated with a compression heat pump, an innovative adsorption and a solar PV system through the DC power system avoiding transmission losses. A smart control system will be developed to enable optimal performance at all times. Efficient fuel distribution and off-grid operation of Fit4Micro is enabled by using sustainable liquid biofuels. These fuels will be produced from biomass residues and organic waste streams, through fast pyrolysis followed by mild hydro-processing yielding a hydrotreated pyrolysis oil (HPO). In Fit4Micro the objective is to widen the feedstock basis and lower the fuel costs by i) using residues as the primary feedstock, and ii) by limiting hydrogen consumption by application of mild processing conditions. Besides technological development work, the Fit4Micro project includes specific activities on socio-economic and environmental sustainability, public perception, gender dimensions, market aspects, the regulatory framework & policies.

In order to defossilise the agricultural sector in line with the EU Green Deal, the local incorporation of renewable energy technologies matching local farmers’ needs in terms of electricity, heat, mobility, waste and land management is key. In this context, the VALUE4FARM project will gather 14 partners (including 7 research-oriented partners, 3 SMEs and 3 associations) in a 42-month project to demonstrate at TRL6-7 the effectiveness, sustainability and replicability of three renewable-based local value chains based on biogas, and coupling sustainable food and renewable-energy production. In Denmark, add-ons to the traditional biomethane pathway will be brought for answering the local specificities of large-scale farms. In Belgium, a pathway towards better use of already-existing residual streams will be demonstrated for efficient production of electricity/heat and fuel, thus answering mobility needs for small-scale farms. In Italy, hybridisation compatibilities will be investigated towards the creation of an efficient off-grid biomethane plant. Sustainable agricultural crop protocols will be developed, based on at least 200 farmers’ specifications, meeting the challenges of the agricultural sector, while matching renewable energy production. All value chains will promote circularity through nutrient recovery. The uptake of the demonstrated value chains will be facilitated by a strong involvement of farmers from the very beginning of the project. Three replication sites in Iceland, Italy and Poland have already been selected in the project. The assessment of the economic, environmental and social benefits of the VALUE4FARM value chains will be widely shared and disseminated to relevant stakeholders. In particular, to encourage the wider farming community across Europe to benefit from producing both food and energy from their land and showcasing the lessons learnt in the demonstration sites, an online decision support tool will be made available in open-access.