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Biogas Upgrading: A Review of National Biomethane Strategies and Support Policies in Selected Countries

Author

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  • Christopher Schmid

    (DBFZ—Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Thomas Horschig

    (DBFZ—Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Alexandra Pfeiffer

    (DBFZ—Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Nora Szarka

    (DBFZ—Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Daniela Thrän

    (DBFZ—Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gGmbH, Torgauer Straße 116, 04347 Leipzig, Germany
    Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
    University of Leipzig, Chair of Bioenergysystems, Grimmaische Straße 12, 04109 Leipzig, Germany)

Abstract

Bioenergy contributes significantly towards the share of renewable energies, in Europe and worldwide. Besides solid and liquid biofuels, gaseous biofuels, such as biogas or upgraded biogas (biomethane), are an established renewable fuel in Europe. Although many studies consider biomethane technologies, feedstock potentials, or sustainability issues, the literature on the required legislative framework for market introduction is limited. Therefore, this research aims at identifying the market and legislative framework conditions in the three leading biomethane markets in Europe and compare them to the framework conditions of the top six non-European biomethane markets. This study shows the global status and national differences in promoting this renewable energy carrier. For the cross-country comparison, a systematic and iterative literature review is conducted. The results show the top three European biomethane markets (Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden) and the six non-European biomethane markets (Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States of America), pursuing different promotion approaches and framework conditions. Noteworthy cross-national findings are the role of state-level incentives, the tendency to utilise biomethane as vehicular fuel and the focus on residues and waste as feedstock for biomethane production. Presenting a cross-country comparison, this study supports cross-country learning for the promotion of renewable energies like biomethane and gives a pertinent overview of the work.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Schmid & Thomas Horschig & Alexandra Pfeiffer & Nora Szarka & Daniela Thrän, 2019. "Biogas Upgrading: A Review of National Biomethane Strategies and Support Policies in Selected Countries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:19:p:3803-:d:274333
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Roberto Murano & Natascia Maisano & Roberta Selvaggi & Gioacchino Pappalardo & Biagio Pecorino, 2021. "Critical Issues and Opportunities for Producing Biomethane in Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-14, April.
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    6. Sören Mohrmann & Verena Otter, 2022. "Categorisation of Biogas Plant Operators in Germany with Regards to Their Intention to Use Straw Pellets as Innovative and Sustainable Substrate Alternative," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-26, December.
    7. Valerii Havrysh & Antonina Kalinichenko & Grzegorz Mentel & Tadeusz Olejarz, 2020. "Commercial Biogas Plants: Lessons for Ukraine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-24, May.
    8. Jensen, M.B. & Ottosen, L.D.M. & Kofoed, M.V.W., 2021. "H2 gas-liquid mass transfer: A key element in biological Power-to-Gas methanation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    9. Atreyi Pramanik & Anis Ahmad Chaudhary & Aashna Sinha & Kundan Kumar Chaubey & Mohammad Saquib Ashraf & Nosiba Suliman Basher & Hassan Ahmad Rudayni & Deen Dayal & Sanjay Kumar, 2023. "Nanocatalyst-Based Biofuel Generation: An Update, Challenges and Future Possibilities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, April.
    10. Spyridon Achinas & Demi Martherus & Janneke Krooneman & Gerrit Jan Willem Euverink, 2019. "Preliminary Assessment of a Biogas-Based Power Plant from Organic Waste in the North Netherlands," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-15, October.
    11. Stephanie Taboada & Lori Clark & Jake Lindberg & David J. Tonjes & Devinder Mahajan, 2021. "Quantifying the Potential of Renewable Natural Gas to Support a Reformed Energy Landscape: Estimates for New York State," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-17, June.
    12. Guerin, Turlough F., 2022. "Business model scaling can be used to activate and grow the biogas-to-grid market in Australia to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries: An application of entrepreneurial management," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    13. Qiang Wang & Thomas Dogot & Guosheng Wu & Xianlei Huang & Changbin Yin, 2019. "Residents’ Willingness for Centralized Biogas Production in Hebei and Shandong Provinces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-16, December.
    14. Alberto Benato & Chiara D’Alpaos & Alarico Macor, 2022. "Possible Ways of Extending the Biogas Plants Lifespan after the Feed-In Tariff Expiration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-23, October.
    15. Chipo Shonhiwa & Yolanda Mapantsela & Golden Makaka & Patrick Mukumba & Ngwarai Shambira, 2023. "Biogas Valorisation to Biomethane for Commercialisation in South Africa: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-20, July.

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