A study published by the European Commission's DG Energy on Wednesday 19 April highlights that the use of biogas (gas produced from organic waste) as a flexible and sustainable energy source in Europe, which can contribute to the attainment of the EU's climate and energy targets for 2020 and 2030, has not yet reached its full potential. The study thus makes recommendations for maximising biogas potential.
The study recommends implementing a long-term strategic framework for development of the biogas sector, covering related areas such as agriculture and waste management. As well as the creation of a stable investment framework, the study calls for several regulatory and technical barriers to be lifted, including those hampering cross-border energy trade. The study also strongly recommends greater use of residual heat from biogas installations, and informing citizens about local biogas projects, their benefits, and safety guidelines.
In 2014, 14.9 mtoe (million tonnes of oil equivalent) of biogas was produced in the EU – in other words, about 7.6% of all primary renewable energy production in the EU28. This was mainly used for renewable electricity production, followed by heat production and use as a transport fuel.
The study examines the potential role, costs and benefits of biogas, and the role that it could play in helping the EU meet its targets of increased use of renewable energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 2030. It sets out four scenarios covering possible developments in the use of biogas in the EU by 2030. These show the different possible options for the use of biogas in cogeneration units or for its upgrade to biomethane to be fed into the gas grid or to be used as a transport fuel.
In addition, the study examines the barriers preventing the development of biogas markets. At the moment, just three countries (Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom) are responsible for more than 77% of the EU’s biogas production. The absence of a stable and reliable investment framework and the lack of effective support are identified as key obstacles to the rise of biogas. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)