The biogas sector is growing

New biogas plants in Germany and Spain show the enormous potential for decarbonisation in the use of biomass. The latest “Biogas Report” from EBA and Bioenergy Europe also show how rapidly the sector has grown across Europe. In Switzerland – a pioneer in feeding biogas into the grid – it is important not to miss the boat.

The versatile uses of biogas in the heat, electricity or mobility sector – as in the example of the Seat with CNG drive from the Spanish energy supplier Naturgy – make it particularly attractive as a renewable energy source. Source: Naturgy

Bioenergy Europe, in cooperation with the European Biogas Association (EBA), has published the latest “Biogas Report”, which highlights the latest trends and figures regarding the consumption and production of biogas in Europe. It also includes the most important legislative recommendations to promote the biogas sector as a key player in the EU energy transition.

This is because not only the versatile use of biogas in the mobility, heat or electricity sector itself, but also anaerobic digestion offers exciting solutions for waste management and reduces methane emissions from slurry, landfills and in wastewater disposal. The use of digestate even reduces dependence on synthetic fertilisers and improves soil quality. The more consistent use of organic waste streams promotes the circular economy, which is again reflected in the growth of the European biogas sector, especially since the early 2010s.

Can Mata, 40 kilometres from Barcelona, is one of the largest landfills in Spain and home to one of the newest biogas plants in Europe, built by Waga Energy, PreZero and Nedgia. Source: PreZero/Naturgy

In 2006, the gross inland consumption of biogas was about 3000 kilotonnes of oil equivalent, or about 35 TWh, while in 2021 this figure had already reached 15’075 kilotonnes of oil equivalent, or about 175 TWh, a five-fold increase. On the other hand, according to Eurostat data, natural gas consumption has decreased from 359’123 to 340’160 kilotonnes of oil equivalent during the same period, illustrating the ongoing efforts to phase out fossil fuels within the EU.

In the middle of Germany, in Burghaun near Fulda, the second largest liquefaction plant for bio and synthetic fuels in the world is being built. Click on the plan/picture to access the interactive graphic with information on further details. Source: Reefuelery GmbH

This impressive growth in biogas consumption over the past decades has been accelerated by favourable policy measures that have promoted its use in the EU energy mix. These measures include the “REPowerEU” action plan, which also increased the willingness to invest in the sector, further driving biogas production. “It is important to highlight the role of all biomass technologies in achieving a low-carbon economy,” explains Jean-Marc Jossart, Secretary General of Bioenergy Europe. “To this end, EU policy makers need to put in place the appropriate framework and, above all, avoid closing off opportunities for decarbonisation.”

Currently, almost two-thirds of biogas across Europe is still used for electricity and heat generation, while only one per cent of biogas is used for mobility in Europe. Giulia Laura Cancian, Secretary General of the European Biogas Association, stresses: “In order to strengthen the EU’s energy security and achieve climate protection targets, policy makers should more than ever set out a clear path for the diffusion of biogas.” Because no matter in which sector the biogas is ultimately used, the aim is to replace as many fossil energy sources as possible with renewable ones and thus come closer to the ambitious goal of net zero by 2050, together and with an open approach to technology.

Nordfuel project engineer Niklas Hense (right) explains details of the new plant, for whose construction up to 100 specialists were on site at peak times. Source: Nordfuel

Two current examples show what concrete implementation for better and more efficient biogas production can look like: In the so-called “c-Port” on the coastal canal in northern Germany, one of the largest and most modern biogas plants with an annual capacity of around 7400 Nm³/h of biogas will be built by autumn. “After about six months we will reach this target capacity in 2024,” says Jan-Hendrik Friedrichs, managing director of Nordfuel GmbH, which will operate the plant. “The entire technical architecture of the plant relies on highly efficient processes. For example, a fully automated ‘feeding’ of the plant with farm manure is used via two cranes working in parallel, and the fermenters are built according to our concept to achieve optimal results with reduced energy input,” adds Simon Detscher, managing director at Revis Bioenergy GmbH. In the final stage of expansion, the biogas plant is expected to feed about 690 GWh of biogas into the grid and supply biogas, but also LBG/Bio-LNG for heavy-duty transport.

The biogas plant in Parc de l’Alba in Cerdanyola del Valles near Barcelona next to the Elena landfill. Source: PeZero/Naturgy

And in Spain, a new biogas plant was commissioned last month at a landfill site near Barcelona operated by PreZero, a leading provider of waste treatment and environmental services. The biogas produced is fed directly into the gas network of Nedgia, the gas supply company of the Naturgy Group, via a six-kilometre pipeline. The plant installed by Waga Energy will produce renewable gas for 70 GWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of 14’000 households or 200 buses, and avoid the emission of 17’000 tonnes of CO₂ per year. Gonzalo Cañete, CEO of PreZero in Spain and Portugal, was pleased at the opening: “This project, which converts landfill gas into grid-compliant renewable gas to supply homes, businesses and vehicles, is a pioneering project in Spain and will become an international reference for the circular economy.”

Francisco Reynés Massanet has been chairman and CEO of the energy provider Naturgy since February 2018 and is driving biogas production on the Iberian Peninsula. Source: Naturgy

These current examples from Europe impressively demonstrate the enormous potential that lies in the consistent use of biomass and biogas. In Switzerland – once a pioneer in feeding biogas into the grid – it is important not to miss the boat here and to promote and advance domestic biogas production. (pd/jas, 11 July 2023)