The Biogas Systems in Industry report by IEA Bioenergy Task 37 describes how biogas can play a role in making industrial chains more sustainable. The research shows that fermentation of organic waste streams not only provides a renewable energy source, but also reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Sectors with a lot of organic waste, such as the food industry, appear to be particularly suitable. Companies can generate their own energy and at the same time significantly reduce their CO₂ emissions. This is in line with European goals such as the Green Deal and the Renewable Energy Directive.
The report is based on case studies from ten countries: Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands. These examples illustrate how different approaches are in each country and what factors determine success. For example, Denmark excels in injecting biomethane into the gas grid, allowing industries to implement biogas systems using existing infrastructure and guarantees of origin. Sweden, on the other hand, has a limited gas grid and focuses mainly on biogas use in transport. However, industrial use is growing strongly, particularly in sectors such as food, beverages and tobacco, and paper and pulp. These sectors can use their own by-products for biogas production.
Comparisons between the countries analysed show that Austria, Denmark and Ireland have a high industrial share of biogas consumption, mainly for heat production. Sweden, France and the Netherlands also have strong growth in sectors such as food, beverages and tobacco. Biogas is often used in sectors with biodegradable by-products, but its use in sectors without such residual flows, such as the chemical and petrochemical industries, may indicate an increasing dependence on externally produced biogas. how different the approaches are in each country and which factors determine success.
Flexible applications
Biogas can be used in various ways. Some companies choose to build a digester on their own premises. Others work together with digesters, for example by discharging their residual flows to a nearby installation. There are also companies that have the biogas produced purified into biomethane and then feed it into the gas network. This variation makes it possible to realise both small-scale and large-scale applications, depending on the situation and the business model.
Logistical conditions
An important point of attention is the availability of infrastructure. In areas without a connection to the gas network, injecting biomethane is not possible. In such cases, road transport is an alternative, with trucks taking the gas to a central processing location. This offers flexibility, but also requires good planning and coordination.
Technological developments
The technology surrounding biogas continues to develop. Installations are becoming more flexible and can adjust their production to the availability of electricity on the grid. There are also innovations that increase efficiency. One example is Power-to-Gas, where hydrogen and CO₂ are combined to produce extra methane. This can increase output by tens of percent. Such technologies make it possible to use biogas more efficiently and sustainably.
Barriers to growth
Despite the advantages, there are also bottlenecks. A stable supply of organic material is necessary for reliable production. In addition, investments in installations are often still dependent on subsidies or other forms of government support. Without a sufficiently high CO₂ price, it is difficult to be competitive with fossil gas. Permitting procedures and logistical processes must also run more smoothly to enable economies of scale.
The Dutch situation
The Netherlands is also discussed in the report. The researchers see a strong potential for industrial use of biogas here, especially in sectors such as food processing and dairy. The Netherlands has a good infrastructure, but still encounters bottlenecks. The regulations regarding manure processing are complex, and that sometimes hinders the use of digestate as fertilizer. Furthermore, the connection to the gas network requires customization, especially for smaller installations. There are positive developments: in some regions, companies are working together with water boards and farmers to jointly ferment residual flows. These initiatives show that there is support, but that the policy needs to be simpler and more consistent in order to really scale up.
Practical examples
The report discusses examples from ten countries, each time clearly showing that access to infrastructure and regulatory frameworks are key to the success of biogas projects. In the food industry in particular, steps have already been taken towards large-scale application, often supported by a clear strategy and collaboration within industrial clusters.
Biogas offers a promising route to sustainable energy within the industry. The technology is mature and applicable in various business models. However, success depends on clear policy choices, reliable logistics and further technological improvement. If these conditions are in order, biogas can play a full role in the energy transition of the industry.
Download the full report: Biogas Systems in Industry – an analysis of sectoral usage, sustainability, logistics and technology development
