The VerdeR project is a strategic investment by IGEAN Milieu en Veiligheid aimed at renewing and expanding the existing DRANCO anaerobic digestion facility at Site Noord. The objective is to optimise the transformation of GFT, verge grass, and cellulose into renewable energy and high-quality recycled materials, while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Project description

VerdeR focuses on processing 61,500 tonnes of GFT, 1,000 tonnes of verge grass, and 1,500 tonnes of cellulose annually. The project involves the construction of a third DRANCO fermenter, conversion of an existing fermenter into a post-digester, and installation of a wet treatment system (SORDISEP) for digestate. This process produces clean compost and separates valuable fractions such as plastics, stones, and metals.

Additional works include covered tunnel composting with advanced odour control, automation of intake and pre-treatment, replacement of biogas storage and engines for combined heat and power generation, and modernisation of the water treatment plant with membrane technology to optimise discharge and enable water reuse.

The €85 million project is supported by €3 million in Flemish and EU recovery funding (RRF). It aims to reduce water consumption by 80%, exceed compost quality standards, and maximise circular recovery of organic waste. By integrating low-impact technologies and meeting all permit requirements, VerdeR serves as a benchmark for sustainable waste management and renewable energy production in Flanders.

Project management excellence

As Project Manager, I oversee planning, financing, technical integration, and stakeholder engagement. The work requires managing permitting and environmental compliance, addressing cost inflation, and ensuring quality while keeping the facility operational during upgrades.

Innovations include wet washing of digestate via SORDISEP to produce high-grade compost and inert fractions, optional NIR separation of plastics from residual fractions, and closed tunnel composting with advanced odour control. A buffer and mixing unit decouples digestion processes, ensuring continuity despite process variations.

Stakeholder management involves maintaining strong relationships with regulators, financiers, and local communities, while coordinating with suppliers and contractors to ensure technical integration without disrupting ongoing operations.

Project outcomes and impact

VerdeR processes organic waste from 1.1 million inhabitants, producing annually:

• 49,000 tonnes of clean compost
• 6,500 tonnes of plastics
• 1,000 tonnes of stones
• 50 tonnes of metals

Upgraded biogas engines generate approximately 13 GWh of electricity and 6 GWh of heat per year, avoiding an estimated 3,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The membrane water treatment system reduces water use by 80% (from 20,000 m³ to 3,500 m³), saving around €250,000 per year.

The project is also exploring integration of battery storage and smart grid technologies to optimise use of locally generated energy. Managing VerdeR has deepened my expertise in large-scale circular economy projects, complex technical upgrades, and sustainable infrastructure delivery.