Steverding Maximizing Biogas Yield, Minimizing Energy Use

Steverding Mixing Technology, a subsidiary of Steverding Rührwerkstechnik GmbH, is a German specialist in agitator technology with over two decades of proven expertise in designing and manufacturing advanced mixing solutions for biogas and biomass plants. Backed by a team of about 50 professionals, the company delivers end-to-end services, ranging from system analysis and development to certification, conceptual design, optimisation, research and innovation, production, installation, maintenance, repair, and repowering. Through close collaboration with leading biomass plant manufacturers across Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and beyond, Steverding Mixing Technology consistently provides high-performance components engineered for maximum efficiency and reliability.

At the Renewable Energy India Expo 2025, The Interview World engaged in an exclusive discussion with Thomas Oldridge-Steverding, COO of Steverding Mixing Technology. In this conversation, he elaborates on the core principles of agitator technology, shares insights into the company’s flagship projects and their operational capacities, and outlines Steverding’s strategic engagement within the Indian market. He also identifies the key challenges confronting India’s biogas sector, envisions the trajectory of its future growth, and explains how advanced agitator systems can accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible energy ecosystem.

Here are the key takeaways from this compelling exchange.

Q: Could you explain the working principle behind agitator technology?

A: Our technology is driven by precisely engineered paddle geometry designed to maximise mixing efficiency. By optimising how the paddles move and interact with the material, we ensure the process delivers the highest gas yield from the tanks while consuming the least possible energy.

Q: What kinds of major projects does Steverding Mixing Technology undertake, and what are the typical capacities of the equipment deployed?

A: Our mixers cover a broad range, extending from 5 to 17 meters horizontally, while their vertical reach can be adapted to various heights. Currently, the largest tank we operate with measures approximately 50 meters in diameter and 8 meters in height. This versatility enables us to work across diverse plant configurations and operational environments. A key advantage of our mixing systems lies in their adaptability. We can customise every element of a mixer to perfectly match the specifications and requirements of any individual tank.

Q: How does Steverding Mixing Technology operate within the Indian market?

A: In the Indian market, we operate through trusted local partners who actively deploy our horizontal and vertical mixers across the country. Our presence at this expo underscores our commitment to engaging directly with industry stakeholders, listening to their challenges, identifying where solutions are needed, and exploring how we can collaborate to address them effectively. Through these dialogues, we aim not only to deliver tailored technologies but also to strengthen our growth and integration within India’s evolving renewable energy landscape.

Q: Could you elaborate on the major problem statements or challenges India is encountering in this domain?

A: In my view, one of the key challenges India faces is the lack of technical knowledge in biogas operations—particularly regarding the materials used in tanks and the appropriate mixing technologies required for optimal performance. In Europe, we have spent more than 30 years refining these processes and building a deep understanding of how to achieve maximum efficiency. This expertise, however, has yet to be fully established in India. What’s needed now is greater education and knowledge transfer. Companies like ours can play a crucial role by sharing proven practices, demonstrating how to enhance system performance, and equipping Indian operators with the technical know-how to achieve the best results from their tanks.

Q: How is the Indian biogas industry expected to improve in the coming years?

A: I’m confident the situation will improve significantly. The discussions we’ve had today have been exceptionally encouraging. While the current level of technical knowledge is still developing, the openness we’ve seen, people eager to learn, adapt, and explore better ways of doing things, is truly promising. This willingness to engage, exchange ideas, and embrace change is vital for any emerging industry. It lays the foundation for meaningful collaboration and lasting progress.

Q: Once Indian companies adopt your technology, how do you foresee the industry evolving?

A: I believe the industry will thrive once operators experience the full potential of our equipment. They will realize that it not only offers an effective solution for processing thousands of tonnes of biomass but also enables them to convert this material into real environmental and economic value. By reintegrating resources into the green ecosystem, they can both contribute to sustainability and generate profitable returns, making the entire system work efficiently and responsibly.

Q: Do you see this technology playing a role in promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment?

A: Yes, absolutely. This technology will play a catalytic role in advancing sustainability. Much of India’s agricultural waste remains untapped, yet it holds immense potential. By harnessing this biomass, we can not only generate biogas for energy but also produce heat for additional applications. Moreover, the byproducts from the digestion process can be returned to the fields as nutrient-rich fertilizer, promoting new crop growth. These crops, in turn, can re-enter the system, creating a self-sustaining cycle of life that supports both productivity and environmental balance.