SEaB Energy

The world is ushering in a circular economic model where waste is no longer an endpoint but a valuable resource in a self-sustaining loop of renewal and growth. From incisive R&D to progressive policymaking, everyone is invested in converting waste to wealth.

Amid this sustainability wave, SEaB Energy’s contributions stand out with a groundbreaking technology that recycles food waste into a resource, right where it’s created.

The platform looks at waste management in a whole new light. Imagine leftover food scraps could power your home or help gardens bloom. That’s what SEaB Energy is doing, but on an industrial scale—transforming food companies’ waste into power, clean water, and top-notch fertilizer.

How do clients benefit from this?

Newer executive roles like the Director of Food Applications and Head of Food Sustainability have emerged today with the sole mission of accelerating operations toward greener horizons. SEaB Energy’s multifaceted platform lets them achieve this sustainability goal while remaining profitable.

A single platform serves a threefold purpose. It’s designed to recycle water, generate renewable energy, and produce a new class of high-grade organic fertilizer that benefits the community at large.

“What’s more special is that our organics-to-energy process can operate in a fully enclosed container and eliminates methane emissions from waste. This means no odors, no insects, and no pests. It’s designed to align with European Commission standards and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for the U.S. market,” says Sean Brophy, VP of corporate business development.

The core of SEaB Energy’s breakthrough is the clever miniaturization of the traditional large-scale digestion process prevalent in Europe. Its compact systems are housed within shipping containers and use advanced process optimization technology to achieve impressive waste conversion rates in minimal spaces.

FLEXIBUSTER and MUCKBUSTER are two versions of its container systems that come in various sizes. Their modular nature not only facilitates 98 percent factory testing before deployment but enhances cost-efficiency, accelerates delivery and implementation processes, and simplifies ongoing maintenance.

The company delves deep into client site specifics, identifying problem areas and customizing the configuration of all its modules to fit their needs.

Once up and running, the team conducts another site assessment to ensure perfect integration and functionality of all utility connections, automation, and cloud connectivity. The system’s automation and capacity for remote management streamline operations.

One of the biggest advantages is in the waste loading process—mechanized with lifting or conveyance equipment to reduce the need for human intervention. Sophisticated dashboard analytics play an equally crucial role in optimizing the anaerobic digestion pocess. Leveraging AI, it also fine-tunes the operations by anticipating weather patterns, enhancing the platform’s control and efficiency.

Another interesting facet is the integration of combined heat and power (CHP) systems—cogeneration. This integration isn’t just added to a digester; it encompasses the complete chain of energy production, including the metering of electricity off-take and conversion of biogas into electricity. Clients can avoid the complexities of integrating different standalone technologies such as digesters, composting systems, or pyrolysis systems. SEaB Energy provides a streamlined, end-to-end solution that fits neatly into the site’s existing value chain and ensures each component works together.

These innovative approaches are a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy.

Bianca Sassow, marketing and communications manager, highlights this, stating, “We’ve recently finalized a substantial investment in our research and development to boost the energy efficiency of our systems for circular communities.”

The technology’s cost-effectiveness is further enhanced by various government programs, including the Inflation Reduction Act and sustainability bonds totaling $1 trillion linked to corporate assets, which can be directed toward investments in the platform.

At the same time, she sheds light on the urgency of adopting these innovative methods. The advancements underscore the vital importance and appeal of SEaB Energy’s forward-thinking solutions.

A key point is the environmental cost of conventional waste transportation. Trucks that carry waste to offsite composting locations are fuel-intensive, averaging three miles per gallon, leading to significant fuel consumption over the distances involved. If organic waste ends up in a landfill without proper gas capture infrastructure, it can produce substantial methane emissions.

SEaB Energy’s on-site solution is the perfect response to these issues, and its impact is evident in its numerous installations across the food supply chain. Its typical installations process one ton to three tons daily, with the FLEXIBUSTER handling 500 kilos to five tons daily.

One notable project was at a supermarket in Portugal. They generated about 2,000 pounds of waste types daily. This site presented an opportunity to fine-tune the handling of diverse feedstocks—from crates of cabbages to large cuts of meat—with distinct physical characteristics requiring customized management within its system.

SEaB Energy’s proprietary solution used the waste for biogas production. It was pivotal as the electricity generated powered lighting, and the hot water was used at the fish counter. They also packaged the fertilizer produced for sale.

These success stories aren’t limited to supermarkets. They extend to bakeries, breweries and diary farming, showcasing the system’s capability to handle a spectrum of organic waste within the food industry.

The company is also pioneering virtual reality to craft a digital twin of its platform, providing an immersive training environment for operators. This innovative step is more than a technological leap; it’s about empowering employees with a deep understanding of the system, ensuring they are adept at confidently navigating and managing it.

Such a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and practical training makes SEaB Energy a leader in circular economy solutions, turning everyday waste into a source of power and prosperity for communities and businesses alike.