IEA Bioenergy Task 37: Energy from Biogas (Working Period 2022 - 2024)

The main objective of the Task 37 work programme is to address the challenges related to the economic and environmental sustainability of biogas production and utilisation. While the development of the biogas sector in many OECD countries has been characterised by many new installations, in other countries the lack of support of the sector has the consequence of very limited construction activities.

The perception of perspectives and future of biogas has changed within the last years. Whereas biogas was seen as source of electricity and heat in past, the current discussion emphasizes the provision of renewable gas.

The work in the Task aims at the provision of scientific data for the debate around benefits and externalities of biogas technology. The overarching concept is to qualitatively and quantitatively describe relevant co-benefits or externalities (positive and negative) of the anaerobic digestion process and system. Furthermore, the aim is to quantify the monetary benefits of these, if this can be plausibly presented.

In addition, a specific analysis of strategies to optimise manure utilization will be made. Manure is a crucial substrate for AD applications for several reasons and the increase of its utilization should be pursued. Biomethane production is already an established technology for the transition of the gas sector toward carbon neutrality. The options of specific industries to apply AD processes for emission reduction are evaluated. Particular obstacles for implementation will be addressed. The future technologies of biomethane applications in combination with power-to-X technologies are discussed.

Furthermore, a test system for process evaluation is looked at. Task members can contribute specific national procedures and methods, compare and put them into context for a broader understanding of the tests system for industry. Concepts for methane emission reduction are being followed up. Technologies shall be described, which can reduce methane in off-gases which are characterised by low concentrations. In particular, with increasing focus on reduction of process-related greenhouse gas emission, these technologies gain importance.

The overall activities are accompanied by the presentation of a country report and publication of case stories to illustrate the state of the art in the member countries and highlight relevant technical developments.

Australia, Austria, Brasil, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany (operating agent), India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Department of Agrobiotechnology, IFA-Tulln
Institute of Environmental Biotechnology
DI Dr. Bernhard Drosg
Konrad Lorenz Strasse 20
A-3430 Tulln
Tel.: +43 (1) 47654-97462
E-mail: bernhard.drosg@boku.ac.at