Introduction

The FENIX project held its fifth General Assembly on June 4–5, 2025, in Bologna, Italy. Hosted in person by Eurofins Agroscience Services (EAS), the two-day event brought together project partners to review progress, exchange findings, and align plans for the next six months, in particular to prepare for pilot-scale production. As a reminder, the FENIX project aims to give new life to biogas by-products by converting them into sustainable soil improvers, supporting agriculture across the EU. This meeting focused on technical updates, regulatory considerations, and preparation for pilot-scale production.

Progress update

Since the previous assembly in Thessaloniki, lab-scale testing on biochar-based soil improvers (WP1) has progressed significantly. Field trials indicated that excessive biochar could absorb vital nutrients, thus disrupting the microbial balance in soil, whereas lower concentrations yielded more stable results. Green waste-based biochar consistently appears as a promising source due to its high moisture content during pyrolysis and lower ammonia loss to the atmosphere.

Main discussions

The meeting opened with updates on technical WPs. CIRAD and DTU shared unexpected properties from the four selected biochar samples (WP1). ELGO, INRAE/IT, and DTU evaluated the lab results of the soil improver mixtures on soil properties (WP2). A comprehensive conversation was held about soil and germination tests, ammonia emissions, and optimal application timelines for specific locations at the three field sites. In the evening, the consortium enjoyed a guided walk through Bologna’s historic city center, followed by a traditional dinner to celebrate the end of their first day.

Pilot production, regulatory, and communication aspects dominated the second day. On the latest efforts in producing soil improver mixtures for our field trials in France, Spain, and Greece (WP3), observations with moisture content, mixture transport, and plant operation were outlined. The discussion was crucial for considering and adjusting to region-specific crop needs and soil properties, emphasizing the importance of parameters such as pH (which can be increased by biochar), nutrient uptake, and water-holding capacity.

The TW pilot plant is being calibrated for the production of the from WP2. ELGO will define the final compositions by the end of July, based on soil and crop requirements. Around will be needed per field site, a quantity that TW can easily deliver by the end of September. Furthermore, the use of green waste as biomass, as originally proposed, has proven to yield more exploitable results, and biochar will be characterized to requirements before field application.

Additionally, regulatory experts from EAS spearheaded the regulatory compliance and labeling strategy session (WP5). They clarified the requirements of the EU’s Fertilising Product Regulation, including product classification and potential registration routes Finally, partners maintained their efforts to enhance project visibility and outreach (WP6). The last day of discussion concluded with lunch, marking the end of two productive days of exchange.

Outcomes

The pilot plant site in Marmagne, France, is prepared for treated biochar by the end of August 2025. The final soil improver mixture will be defined by the end of July. The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for July 3, 2025, with the next General Assembly tentatively planned for November in Barcelona, Spain.

Closing

The Bologna meeting offered a valuable opportunity for face-to-face collaboration on both technical and strategic fronts. Despite technical discrepancies and the possibility of unforeseen outcomes, coordination across institutions remains the utmost priority as the project advances toward pilot-scale implementation. The shared commitment continues to drive sustainable innovation in recovering biowaste and improving soil health for more resilient agricultural systems across Europe.

By: E. Truong
Editorial: L. Salinas
June 2025

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