BUFFER+ – Conservation of peatlands as carbon dioxide and water reservoirs

Development and testing of peat substitutes

Wet and intact peatlands are natural CO₂ reservoirs and play an important role as water buffers during periods of excessive rainfall and drought. In many areas of north-west Europe (NWE), large areas of peatland are drained for peat extraction, agriculture or forestry. This turns them into CO₂ sources rather than reservoirs. By restoring the natural buffer properties, the partners in the EU BUFFER+ project are contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation in NWE, while at the same time restoring the biodiversity of peatlands and creating new sources of income.

The project BUFFER+ involves 21 partners and 7 Associated Organisations from North-West Europe (Netherlands, France, Ireland, Belgium and Germany).

Together they are working on the following topics:

1) Sustainable rewetting, restoration and conservation of peatlands and shaping new landscapes to create buffers for carbon dioxide and water and increase biodiversity.

2) Developing new or expanding existing business models for climate protection and adaptation that also promote sustainable local economies.

3) Improving governance in peatland areas by involving representatives from industry, science, authorities and municipalities in decision-making processes and in taking responsibility for the joint development and implementation of new solutions.

In the project of University of Applied Sciences Emden/Leer, the products manufactured by the project partner HTCL GmbH using the HTC process (HTC = hydrothermal carbonization) are analyzed and their suitability as a substitute for peat is investigated. The starting materials used for the production of the peat substitute product (e.g. plant waste, flotsam, etc.) are also analyzed (in particular with regard to possible problematic substances such as heavy metals). In addition, plant experiments are carried out with the products of the HTC process in cooperation with the project partner Ökowerk Emden.

Date:
23.03.2025

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