5) Mr. Nadav Halali

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is emerging as the livestock insect of the future thanks to its efficiency in decomposing a wide range of organic wastes. Compared to other animal feed production systems, we have identified that BSF farming facilities generally rely heavily on electricity consumption. Accordingly, studies indicate that the main contributor to negative environmental impacts in this process is the high energy demand of industrial BSF facilities. To address this energy challenge, the use of biomass-derived energy at various stages of the BSF rearing process should be considered. In our research, we examine different methods of producing energy from biomass as an environmentally friendly means to optimize energy use in BSF farming. In the presentation, we will share preliminary results from using larvae by-products (frass) as an energy source through integration of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) to produce hydrochar—a carbon-rich material that can reduce dependence on electricity-based heating. We will also present additional approaches for combining technologies that can support each other and enhance the process. The experimental data will be serve in a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of renewable energy integration as a complementary technology for BSF farming. The LCA approach will identify technological “hot spots” for improvement toward scaling up. In the longer term, we expect that LCA insights will support decision-makers regarding the implementation of such technologies within BSF production systems.