Services we can provide in the field of cactus plantations

  • Cactus projects for human food
  • Cactus projects for animal feed/fodder
  • Cactus projects for soil regeneration and desertification combat
  • Cactus projects for production of biomass for biofuels (biogas or bioethanol)
  • Cactus projects for electricity production
  • Cactus projects for firebreaks and natural hedges / fences
  • Cactus projects for carbon credits

 

  1. Support in defining the scope of the project
  2. Preliminary project feasibility study
  3. Preliminary design and feasibility study of the project (technical, economic, social and environmental)
  4. Detailed design and definition of the project and its implementation
  5. Monitoring project implementation
  6. Technical support and training
  7. Support in the carbon credits certification process

 

With projects based on cactus biomass, it is possible to achieve results in the order of 800 to 1000 tons of biomass per hectare per year after the first year, and sometimes, under more favorable conditions, it may be possible to carry out the first biomass cuttings/harvest 6 months after planting.
When used to produce electricity through cactus bioenergy, it is also possible to achieve very low operating costs, ranging from 20€ to 25€/MWh, and in some cases even lower.
Depending on several variables, the return on investment (ROI) may be possible within 2 to 3 years after entering into production.

These cacti are extremely efficient in their use of water and have the characteristic and capacity to require 4 times less water to produce 1 kg of dry matter (DM) compared to, for example, corn. Unlike corn and other similar crops, cacti are planted only once, so they don't require the recurring costs of land preparation, fuel, labor and seeds. They also have the ability to capture the water they need to survive, for example through nocturnal humidity, even in areas with very little or almost no rainfall.

The biomass harvesting/cutting process, performed in the grow levels above the “mother” cladode, at certain intervals (e.g. 6 or 12 months) will stimulate the development of more biomass.

An important aspect is that this type of projects can be developed in land areas where it is no longer possible to use it for other crops, thus not competing with areas that could still be used for food production.

Cacti thus have the ability to regenerate barren and infertile land, to promote the creation of life-supporting ecosystems and to increase biodiversity, transforming arid or semi-arid areas into green and highly productive areas in just a few months, while at the same time contributing to the creation of new jobs and new economic activities.

In terms of animal feed, in minimally favorable conditions and using high planting densities, the biomass produced in just 1 hectare can easily feed and hydrate around 40 cows all year round. It's important to note that when animals are fed with cactus, due to their high water content, the animals are also properly hydrated, thus eliminating the need for them to spend energy traveling to any water sources.

It's also important to note that the biogas obtained from the cactus, after undergoing the purification phase, achieves purity values of around 95% to 97% methane (CH4), allowing it to be used very efficiently and safely as fuel for vehicles, engines and turbines, as well as allowing it to be transported and distributed, through pipelines, ships, tanks, and thus use the same infrastructures that are currently used for renewable natural gas or sustainable natural gas (biomethane, RNG or SNG), offering security, stability and promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. It is also fully compatible with natural gas and other less sustainable alternatives.

Unlike fossil fuels, which release toxic gases that were stored underground and have thus contributed to the increase in the greenhouse effect, biofuels and electricity obtained from cactus make it possible to use a clean, renewable energy source and in the process guarantee the capture of large quantities of carbon found in the atmosphere, namely through CO2.

The byproducts of the biodigestion process (liquids, solids or gases) that takes place inside the biodigesters can be returned to nature, namely as solid and liquid fertilizers, in the plantation in question, thus reducing fertilizer costs, or alternatively, they can be used in other industries.

In addition to producing electricity when used in generators, biogas can also be safely used in cars, and can also be transported and used in other locations.

In any of the various types of projects, it is possible to profit from the sale of carbon credits. The greater the volume of biomass produced by the project, the better the results in terms of carbon capture and therefore carbon credits will be. This can be a considerable factor in helping to reduce the return on investment, which is already very short compared to other similar projects.

Once carbon credits have been duly certified by an exempt and independent entity accredited for this purpose, carbon credits can be used on the carbon markets (voluntary and/or regulated). The certified carbon calculation (balance between carbon captured and carbon expended) is normally carried out once a year.