Optimized Energetic Usage of Brewers′ Spent Grains

Brewers' spent grains (BSG) are a by-product of beer production which are traditionally used as animal feed. Since this option is declining, the energetic usage becomes an interesting alternative. Although a lot of research projects have been carried out during the last 30 years there is still no mature strategy available. One possibility could be the mechanical pretreatment of BSG to reach an optimized energetic usage. Due to the transfer of digestible components into the press water, the press cake largely consists of combustible components. The press water can be digested to biogas, the press cake can be co-incinerated with wood chips. Although BSG cannot cover the complete energy supply of breweries, it can be an incentive to realize 100% renewable energy concepts at breweries.