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Recent Developments, Challenges, and Environmental Benefits of Using Hermetia illucens for Bioenergy Production Within a Circular Economy Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Luana Bataglia

    (Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy)

  • Antonio Conversano

    (Department of Energy, Politecnico di Milano, Via Lambruschini 4, 20156 Milan, Italy)

  • Daniele Di Bona

    (LEAP s.c. a r.l., Via Nino Bixio 27c, 29121 Piacenza, Italy)

  • Davide Sogni

    (LEAP s.c. a r.l., Via Nino Bixio 27c, 29121 Piacenza, Italy)

  • Diego Voccia

    (Department of Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy)

  • Emanuele Mazzoni

    (Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
    Centro di Ricerca BioDNA Biodiversità e DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy)

  • Lucrezia Lamastra

    (Department of Sustainable Food Process, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
    Centro di Ricerca BioDNA Biodiversità e DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via Emilia Parmense 84, 29122 Piacenza, Italy)

Abstract

This study proposes a novel integrated biorefinery approach that combines Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) larvae treatment, anaerobic digestion (AD), and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to enhance the valorisation of fat-rich food residues. The process was designed to improve biogas yields while mitigating the inhibitory effects of lipid accumulation in AD systems. Results from larval bioconversion showed effective fat removal and a promising potential for protein and biomass valorisation. Downstream integration with AD and HTC enabled thermal self-sufficiency, enhanced energy recovery, and improved digestate dewaterability. Additionally, HTC process water recirculation to the AD unit was evaluated, considering its acidic nature and impact on biomethane production. A thermally integrated process flow was proposed, enabling efficient heat exchange and reduced external energy input. The overall system allows for multi-product recovery—including biogas, hydrochar, and larval biomass—offering a sustainable pathway for circular bioeconomy applications. This study illustrates the feasibility of a synergetic process chain that maximises energy recovery and resource efficiency from food industry waste streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Luana Bataglia & Antonio Conversano & Daniele Di Bona & Davide Sogni & Diego Voccia & Emanuele Mazzoni & Lucrezia Lamastra, 2025. "Recent Developments, Challenges, and Environmental Benefits of Using Hermetia illucens for Bioenergy Production Within a Circular Economy Approach," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-24, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2826-:d:1667137
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    References listed on IDEAS

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