“It is encouraging to see such a wide range of participants from different fields, activities and organisations coming together to discuss biogas,” says Mats Eklund, Professor at Linköping University and Director of the Biogas Solutions Research Center.
Much of the discussion focused on how biogas can be efficiently produced, how it can be distributed, and how the high demand for biogas from various sectors can be met. Several research results were presented. The conference programme included a scientific poster exhibition as well as a large number of seminars offering different perspectives on biogas related issues.
Needs within basic industry
Adam Kanne, Chair of the Industrial Biogas Commission, which was launched in February 2024, described the commission’s line of thinking. He also spoke about the significant need for green, renewable energy within basic industry, meaning industries that produce materials which are later refined into products for customers. Examples include the chemical and steel industries.
“We face a major challenge. Most things are made from fossil based materials, through oil or natural gas. We need to transition to other sources. We need to recycle more and make greater use of biogas. As much as 80 per cent of all materials we use are organic. Industry needs carbon, quite simply. That is why biogas is important. It is a way to phase out fossil natural gas,” says Adam Kanne.
Report in progress
Within a year, the commission plans to have a report ready. The ambition is to produce a document with clear recommendations. One objective is to gain a solid understanding of the need for biogas. Another concerns how policy measures and regulations should be designed to increase biogas production and enable its use as a raw material in industry.
“This is not widely understood, whether among the general public, authorities or industry. There are currently no initiatives that steer biogas towards the industrial sector. The aim is to create awareness of the need for biogas as a raw material for the steel and chemical industries. We hope to see higher ambition levels and decisions from government and public authorities to direct biogas towards industry,” says Adam Kanne.
A natural part of the transition in transport
Catharina Qvist, Sustainability Director at Scania Sweden, was one of the speakers at the conference. The transport sector is one of the areas where a transition to biogas can be made relatively quickly and where this shift can have a clear impact.
“It is a cost effective way of reducing carbon emissions. There is a remarkable circularity when a municipality operates lorries on biogas, and the waste collected by refuse trucks is converted into fuel that ends up in the tank,” says Catharina Qvist.
At the same time, Scania has set a target to electrify up to 50 per cent of its truck fleet by 2030.
From road transport to industry
“The goal is 50 per cent electric vehicles by 2030, but we hope for a smooth transition. That target also means that 50 per cent will run on other fuels,” says Catharina Qvist.
She also noted that supplying biogas to the transport market can provide important commercial support for producers looking to invest in increased production.
“When demand for biogas in heavy road transport reaches its peak, volumes can be shifted to industry and maritime transport.”
Focus on what can be done today
Mats Eklund concluded the conference by taking a forward looking perspective.
“I believe we need to be more humble about the fact that we do not know exactly what the future will look like. Anyone who claims to know what the situation will be in 2050 does not interest me. What matters to me is what we do today. We need to create conditions for systems that are sustainable and environmentally sound, and then see how they develop. We cannot predict precisely how different technologies will contribute."
Bold decisions
He also emphasised the importance of decision making and communication, particularly in highlighting what biogas can contribute to a region.
“The Kalmar region is a good example. In 2008, they made some bold decisions regarding their then limited biogas infrastructure. They stated clearly that biogas was in line with their strategic goals. This attracted attention and led to investments from different parts of the business sector. The region itself did not need to invest. They were clear about their direction and committed to the system.”
