Lawmakers advocating for decreasing obstacles in the growth of biogas industry
In the realm of renewable energy, biogas is gaining traction as a promising solution, and France is leading the charge. According to Raimund Haser, a member of the CDU, the use of biogas reduces CO2 emissions equivalent to eight million passenger cars.
France's biogas industry has been bolstered by two main subsidy programs. The feed-in tariff, or obligation d'achat scheme, guarantees a fixed buy-back price for biomethane producers, ensuring a steady income. This policy, in place since 2011, has been instrumental in driving early biogas development.
More recently, the introduction of the biogas production certificates (CPB) system has added a market incentive. Producers can earn revenue not only from biomethane sales but also from selling these certificates to gas suppliers, who face regulatory obligations to acquire them.
The CPB scheme sets ambitious production targets for the coming years. By 2026, France aims to inject 0.8 TWh of biomethane into the gas grid, rising to 6.5 TWh in 2028. These targets are designed to secure a stable biomethane demand and foster industry growth. France surpassed an earlier 6 TWh target in 2023, reaching 9.1 TWh of biomethane production, making it Europe’s leading biomethane producer.
France's 2023–2030 energy strategy, the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE), sets a goal of 44 TWh biomethane injection by 2030, highlighting the sector’s key role in the country’s energy transition and fossil fuel reduction plans. However, high production costs, particularly for industrial plants, underscore the importance of sustained subsidies for economic viability.
Elsewhere, the biogas sector is experiencing a boom. Denmark currently gets 25% of its gas consumption from biogas, with a goal of 100% in the future. Worldwide, construction and research in biogas are thriving, according to Haser.
In Germany, biogas plants primarily operate with slurry, residues, and green waste, as proposed by Hans-Peter Behrens. Less bureaucracy and more flexibility in the construction and operation of biogas plants, as well as the use of agricultural waste and residues, are key recommendations.
In Baden-Württemberg, biogas plants currently contribute 13% to renewable electricity generation and 5.7% to the total electricity supply in the state. Gabi Rolland, from the SPD, hopes for the possibility of green waste from orchards being given to biogas plants for free.
However, not all agree on the expansion of biogas plants. Dennis Klecker (AfD) wants to maintain existing plants and remove obstacles for them, but not build any new ones. Georg Heitlinger (FDP), a farmer, considers the state program for converting biogas plants to future-proof operation after EEG subsidies end as insufficiently funded.
The state parliament of Baden-Württemberg is the location where these discussions about the future of biogas take place. Stuttgart, within Baden-Württemberg, is a location where biogas plants are found. China is also increasing its biogas share, joining the global push towards renewable energy.
In conclusion, subsidies and regulatory frameworks have significantly stimulated investment and expansion in France’s biogas industry, supporting energy security and green gas competitiveness in line with national and EU climate objectives. The potential for biogas to contribute to renewable energy targets and reduce CO2 emissions is considerable, making it a key area of focus for the future.
- The use of biogas as a renewable energy source is not limited to France; Denmark, for instance, aims to obtain 100% of its gas consumption from biogas in the future.
- The French financial sector plays a crucial role in the biogas industry, as producers can earn revenue not only from biomethane sales but also from selling biogas production certificates (CPB) to gas suppliers.
- In line with its energy transition and fossil fuel reduction plans, France aims to inject 44 TWh of biomethane into the gas grid by 2030, according to the Multiannual Energy Programme (PPE).
- The biogas industry, a sector of both science and the environment, is experiencing growth worldwide due to its potential to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to renewable energy targets.
