Biogas at the Heart of Europe’s Energy Transition :BiogasWorld

By Marjolaine | 2017-08-08

With 19 operational injection sites in 2016 in France – an increase in injection of 162% compared to 2015 – and 300 more that could be connected in the coming years, the prospects offered today by biogas are very promising. Secure, sustainable, low-emitting. Biogas is an ally in the decarbonization of the European economy and for the European energy transition, as demonstrated by countries such as Italy and Germany.

LONDON, June 29, 2017, /PRNewswire/ — The fight against climate change has become an integral part of the international political agenda following the enforcement of the Paris Agreement which aims to increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C. Consequently, it is now at the center of an international political debate. In order to achieve the goals under the agreement, it will be necessary to further reduce emissions in the energy, transportation and construction sectors, as well as throughout the industrial sector. Generating energy from renewable sources and achieving energy efficiency appears to be the way forward.

France’s Energy Transition for Green Growth Act

Since August 2015, the development of renewable energies in France occurs under the Energy Transition for Green Growth Act (LTECV). This energy policy aims to consolidate France’s energy independence and economic competitiveness, protect human health and the environment and tackle climate change. By 2030, this 100% renewable gas will represent 10% of the national gas consumption.

Main objectives of the law on energy transition

Over 300 technically feasible injection projects have been reported to natural gas system operators. In March 2016, 19 sites were injecting biomethane into the grids.

Jean-Louis Bal, the Union of Renewable Energies President, notes “very ambitious environmental ambitions. Biogas is a solution at the heart of energy transition, responding to an optimization challenge in waste management, encouraging the return of organic matter to the soil and providing additional income for farmers. ”

Biogas, an ally in the energy transition and the decarbonization of transportation

According to a joint study presented by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), energy-related CO₂emissions could be reduced by as much as 70% by 2050, by focusing strongly on decarbonizing the energy economy. According to the report, USD 29 trillion investment will be needed from now until 2050.

Such investments will have a positive impact:

Boosting global GDP by around 0.8% by 2050
Generating new jobs in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors (over 200 000 jobs for 2030)

The latest Top Stories article on CNHIndustrial “The Role of Biogas in the European Energy Transition“, authored by the Environmental journalist Rudi Bressa, examines how biogas will play a decisive role in decarbonizing the energy economy.

In Europe, there are currently three major sectors linked to biomethane production: anaerobic digestion, biomass gasification with syngas conversion into biomethane, and power-to-gas technology, which was devised for hydrogen production and energy storage. “The first is the classic process, the one that is best known and most widespread,” explains Andrea Gerini, Secretary General of the NGVA (European Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association). According to the latest data provided by EBA (the European Biogas Association),“there are currently 17,376 biogas and 459 biomethane plants operating in Europe4. They generate a total amount of 60.6 TWh of electricity, corresponding to the annual consumption of 13.9 million households. Germany remains the leading country, with 185 biomethane plants. However, the number of plants is also increasing in the UK (43 new installations), France (12), Switzerland (11) and Denmark (6).“

Bressa’s piece breaks down the significance and uses of Biogas, examines case studies in Italy and Germany and features insightful interviews.

Launch of the French Climate Plan in order to accelerate the energy transition of the industry

Launched on July 6, 2017, by the French Minister of Ecological and Inclusive Transition, Nicolas Hulot, the Climate Plan contains important measures, which prioritize the carbon neutrality by 2050. Among the proposals: stopping the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2040, switching to renewable energies, ending use of fossil fuels, reducing reliance on nuclear energy and fighting climate change

Through the Climate Plan, France is speeding up the operational implementation of the Paris Agreement and will exceed its initial targets through six areas of action:

Making implementation of the Paris Agreement irreversible;
Improving the daily lives of all French people;
Doing away with fossil fuels and committing to carbon neutrality;
Making France number one in the green economy;
Bringing out the potential of ecosystems and agriculture;
Stepping up international mobilization on climate diplomacy.

These main axes will be clarified in the year 2018 with the publication of different strategies. In September 2017, a bill will be introduced to prohibit hydrocarbon exploration projects.

“Climate challenges are the cornerstone of global solidarity. We’re duty-bound to exceed our targets and go further, faster. I’d like the ecological and inclusive transition – this tremendous opportunity which is not only economic and environmental but also societal – to improve the daily lives of all French people. And we must share this solidarity at international level,” said Nicolas Hulot.

Biogas and biomethane in France: what does the future hold?

Feedstocks, feed-in tariffs, drivers and barriers to biogas development: we discuss all this with Bruno Deremince of the EBA. Overall, investments by companies and a commitment to research paint a rosy future for the industry.

In short, all expert scenarios consider that gas will play a significant role in this transition period. In the longer term, biogas will occupy a dominant position by becoming a totally renewable energy, with no impact on the environment, in the form of biomethane, bio-NGV and synthesis gas.

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