Agricultural biogas production: A regional comparison of technical parameters

Since the 2000s, renewable energy production has been increased throughout Europe. Biogas plants should also contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions. However, developments in numbers of biogas plants and management varied in individual countries and regions. In order to illustrate these different developments, the legal framework conditions for three countries (Switzerland, Germany and Austria) are discussed and linked to the findings gathered by biogas working groups active in the regions. The working groups collected data in order to create benchmarks for the biogas plant operators. Based on these, plant operators can obtain important information for the further development of their business. Comparison of the selected regions shows that the legal framework conditions influenced the structure of the biogas sector as well as the plants' technical performance indicators. At the same time, the biogas plants' operation mode also reflects regional structures and historical developments. Further evolvement of the biogas sector does not only concern operators. If further development is stalled due to the legal framework conditions in place, green power production from biogas plants is expected to decline in the mid-term. Subsequently, this means a decreasing share of renewable energy sources, which in turn counteracts climate protection targets. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Renewable energy production has increased in Europe since the 2000s, with biogas plants playing a role in reducing CO2 emissions. However, differences in the numbers and management of biogas plants exist among countries and regions, influenced by legal framework conditions. These conditions impact the structure and technical performance of the biogas sector, as well as the regional and historical influences on plant operation modes. Failure to evolve due to legal constraints may lead to a decline in green power production from biogas plants, affecting renewable energy sources and climate protection targets.