Louis Dreyfus Company launches world’s largest biogas plant for citrus effluents
The facility in São Paulo will transform citrus waste into renewable energy, cutting carbon emissions and improving sustainability.
BRAZIL – Agricultural commodities trader Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) has begun construction on the world’s largest biogas plant dedicated to processing citrus effluents.
The facility, located in Bebedouro, São Paulo, will help reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability in citrus processing.
The plant will convert citrus effluents into biogas using a specialized biotechnology developed by LDC. This process involves an inoculum that breaks down organic material in the waste, producing biogas as an alternative to fossil fuels.
According to the company, this innovation will cut CO2 emissions at its Bebedouro industrial plant by more than 20%.
Paulo Hladchuk, Global Head of LDC’s Juice Platform, emphasized the company’s environmental responsibility. “This project contributes to LDC’s global commitment to reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by decarbonizing the chain, in addition to reinforcing our long-term commitment to the country’s citrus sector and the regions where the company operates, such as Bebedouro, where we have been operating for over 30 years. Every aspect of the new plant was designed to maximize positive environmental impact, increasing the efficiency of using natural resources.”
The facility, covering approximately 195,000 square meters, is expected to process around 400 cubic meters of citrus effluent per hour.
It will generate over 50,000 cubic meters of biogas daily, significantly reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources.
Scientific approach and testing
To develop the biogas plant, LDC collaborated with top experts in Latin America and conducted extensive trials. Juliana Pires, Global Head of Industry and Quality for LDC’s Juice Platform, explained, “We tested different inoculants and studied their behavior, observing the amount of biogas generated. When designing the plant, we adopted the reduction of the organic load of the effluent according to the standard market percentage as a feasibility criterion. Our tests exceeded the target set by the project by up to 15%.”
The construction is scheduled for completion by mid-2026. Once operational, the plant will produce biogas and recycle all treated water back into local water resources, reducing waste and environmental impact.
LDC is a major player in the citrus industry, ranking among the top three companies in citrus juice processing and marketing worldwide.
The company is also the leading exporter of Tahiti and Sicilian lemon juices from Brazil. Its operations include vast citrus groves, multiple juice factories, and advanced distribution hubs in key locations such as the Port of Santos and Ghent, Belgium.
Beyond juice production, LDC’s citrus division offers a variety of products, including essential oils, essences, and citrus pulp pellets for animal feed.
By investing in biogas technology, LDC aims to improve resource efficiency and enhance its sustainability practices in citrus farming and processing.
Citrus processing generates large amounts of waste, including peels, seeds, and wastewater, which can pose environmental challenges if not managed properly.
If left untreated, these effluents can cause water pollution due to their high acidity and organic content. Many industries are now exploring ways to repurpose citrus waste into biofuels, essential oils, and organic fertilizers.
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