Time to Act – Biogas Production Must Quintuple by 2030
In order to swiftly transition to a more sustainable future, Sweden needs to significantly scale up its production of biogas. Several industry representatives emphasize the urgency of implementing large-scale biogas production, requiring revisions to existing production methods and policies, along with the introduction of innovative political proposals.
Growing Demand for Biogas in Industry
As Swedish industries increasingly require biogas as both a raw material and input in manufacturing processes, there is a pressing need to enhance production. The shift towards fossil-free practices necessitates a substantial increase in biogas availability.
Industry’s Future Biogas Requirements
By 2030, the combined industrial demand for biogas is projected to reach 10 TWh, a stark contrast to the current modest Swedish production of just over 2 TWh. The conclusion is clear – immediate actions are imperative to rapidly boost national biogas production while ensuring the security of biogas imports.
Addressing Geopolitical and Environmental Concerns
Against the backdrop of geopolitical changes and the exposed risks associated with dependence on fossil fuels from Russia, biogas produced in Sweden through methods such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, or pyrolysis plays a crucial role in securing our energy resilience. The existing gas infrastructure can facilitate the connection of large-scale production to serve various industries.
Aligning with EU’s Repowering Goals
In line with the EU’s RepowerEU plan, which aims for independence from Russian fossil fuels before 2030, Sweden must set similarly ambitious goals for national biogas production. The potential for transitioning to sustainable practices is significant, offering environmental benefits across various industries.
Biogas as a Key Fossil-Free Resource
As a crucial fossil-free resource, biogas is vital for Swedish industries striving for sustainability. The ongoing transition is not only essential for achieving climate goals but also for ensuring supply security. The broader societal benefits of replacing fossil raw materials with sustainable alternatives resonate across the manufacturing chain.
Quantifying Environmental Impact
A shift to using 10 TWh of biogas instead of natural gas could reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 million tons of CO2 equivalents – roughly equivalent to the entire aviation sector’s emissions in Sweden. The consensus is strong that Sweden should maintain its leadership role in the global industrial shift, and while progress has been made in fossil-free electricity production, equal attention must be given to the rising demand for biogas.
Launching the Industry Biogas Commission
Recognizing the urgency of the matter, several major industrial players are joining forces to launch the Industry Biogas Commission. This collaborative effort aims to work closely with policymakers to formulate analyses and concrete political proposals, ensuring the conditions for increased biogas usage in industries. The commission believes that both the government and the opposition must act promptly to capitalize on the unique opportunity presented by biogas for Sweden’s sustainable future.
