Biogas solutions can contribute to a more sustainable societal development by improving many different sectors. The Nordic model for biogas relies on waste treatment of various types of organic, often wet, waste that is digested into biogas, which is then upgraded to biomethane, and a digestate that is typically used as biogas digestate. Therefore, biogas solutions are an indispensable part of the development of sustainable cities and regions as well as a sustainable bioeconomy. If biogas solutions are implemented correctly, there are no serious conflicts of interest for the environment and sustainability. However, the broad positive sustainability effects of biogas solutions also have a downside. They imply that they are complex to implement as several actors and sectors need to be involved. Similarly, they are particularly sensitive to policy changes.
Biomethane as a fuel is a very good alternative from a climate perspective. The average climate emissions for biomethane as a fuel in Sweden in 2022 were zero, making it the best climate alternative. Therefore, biogas solutions contribute to a more sustainable transportation sector. Agriculture
Biogas solutions also lead to a more sustainable agricultural sector by creating more value based on the fact that biogas digestate in many places replaces mineral fertilizers at a lower cost. In addition to nutrient supply, soil carbon stocks are also built up, which helps agriculture better cope with varying climate and weather phenomena. Moreover, more value can be created from agricultural by-products such as manure, straw, and crop residues if these are digested into biogas.
In the broader transition towards renewable energy being implemented in society, the industry and its value chains play a significant role. Gases of fossil origin are still used in many places, which is why it is essential for the production of biogas to grow so that the industry can be supplied with renewable and more sustainable gas.
The challenge of supplying society with more sustainable energy generated in flexible and robust systems is facilitated by a large supply of renewable biogas. This requires not only more and larger production facilities but also investments in infrastructure for distribution.
Overall, biogas solutions are a powerful tool for reducing climate impact. Fossil energy and nutrients can be replaced, which is valuable for the climate. Through the possibility of preventing methane emissions from organic waste and manure, biogas solutions can even lead to "negative emissions" over their lifecycle.
Implementing biogas solutions in a city or region can realize a wide range of values important for sustainability. Strengthened regional economy and green jobs, enhanced energy and food security, improved sanitation, local and regional environment are some important examples. Biogas solutions constitute a central part of an integrated solution that includes wastewater treatment, waste management, transportation, and nutrient cycling, which can be applied globally.
Biomass must be used efficiently and be able to be recycled in several stages from high-value to low-value products. At the end of such a process, typically a biogas solution is found that extracts remaining energy and ensures that nutrients are returned to the primary production. Biogas solutions improve resource efficiency throughout the bioeconomy – agriculture, forestry, and aquaculture.
More information about biogas can be found on many good websites. Links to our partners' and members' websites can be found here. Below are a few more that we can recommend.
