Table 2 Opportunities and constraints of biogas between policy domains
Topic | Discussion point |
|---|---|
Resources | Change of perspective: from using the best feedstock for energy production to using all biomass resources optimally |
Better use of residual biomass: combining efficient processing of organic waste streams with creating added value through extraction of valuable components and production of renewable energy | |
Starting today: using all available biomass for currently feasible processes, thereby mobilizing biomass and creating stepping stones towards a more integrated use of biomass resources | |
Products | Context: adapting choice between biogas and green gas to the local and regional landscape |
Function in energy system: from inflexible renewable energy source to system service provider, using biogas where it offers advantages over other renewables, e.g. profiting from flexibility and application for difficult energy carriers | |
Multiple products: no longer just energy but multiple products, integrating in bio-economy concepts like bio-refinery | |
Technology | Shifting focus: away from only increasing biogas yields towards tweaking the front and rear of the production chain |
More diversity: more products and more diverse business cases. Fermentation as processing step, creating enabling technologies for a bio-economy | |
Unclear logistics: appropriate scales, logistics and integration in landscapes require more attention | |
Financing and regulations | Financing related to subsidies: aiming at specific technologies or products leaves little room for experimentation and innovation |
Level playing field: subsidies favour energy production over new or additional products and inflexible financing possibilities hamper innovative business cases | |
Complications: bureaucratic obstacles and international differences counteract expansion and innovation |