The World Bioenergy Association (WBA) is pleased to announce the publication of its latest factsheet: Biogas as an important renewable energy source. The factsheet is a result of close collaboration between WBA and Fachverband Biogas (lead author) and provides an overview of the state of the art in biogas technologies, applications, and their current contribution to climate mitigation and energy security.
The factsheet is intended to inform the public about current uses and applications of biogas, existing support policies, and updates on market developments. It also highlights the significant global potential of biogas, which current estimations reach 1 trillion m3, meeting approximately one quarter of the global natural gas demand. Yet only around 5% of the estimated potential is currently being used. Most importantly, 80% of the current global estimated potential lies in emerging and developing economies, with major opportunities in countries such as Brazil, China, and India.
“Biogas is a critical part of global energy transformation towards a fossil-free society. It has significant untapped potential globally, and promoting investments into biogas pathways supports clean energy production along with environmental protection and various social benefits. We are pleased to launch the factsheet and express our thanks to our key member, Fachverband Biogas, for their support during the process,” says Bharadwaj Kummamuru, Executive Director, World Bioenergy Association.
A central message of the publication is the system value of biogas. The impact of biogas extends beyond the production of renewable energy, as it also helps reduce methane emissions from waste and manure, provides storable and flexible energy that can support power grid stability, and produces digestate that can be used as an organic fertilizer. These benefits are closely linked to socioeconomic impacts, including job creation, improved waste management, and increased access to modern energy.
"Biogas is fascinating because it is so versatile. It provides renewable energy, produces fertilizer, and treats waste. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can be used to obtain fiber and biogenic CO₂. There are many additional positive effects, too," says Frank Hofmann from FachverbandBiogas, and the lead author of the factsheet.
We express our sincere gratitude to Frank Hofmann, Consultant International Affairs, and his team at Fachverband Biogas for drafting the factsheet.
To read the full factsheet, click here.