CS-2 Pilot Plant Update
CS-2 Pilot Plant Update Progress toward commissioning a biomethane pilot plant A Quick recap In this blog page, we provide a concise overview of the progress made toward the commissioning of CS2, one of the three European Biomethane Innovation Ecosystems (EBIEs) developed within the SEMPRE-BIO consortium. At our partner TerraWatt’s site in Marmagne (France), we aim to valorize green waste and agroforestry residues by developing an innovative process that combines pyrolysis and biomethanation. The first step of the process is biomass pyrolysis, a thermochemical conversion that produces two valuable outputs: Biochar, a stable carbon-rich material that acts as a long-term carbon sink, and Syngas, a gaseous mixture composed of several compounds. In the second step, this syngas undergoes biomethanation. In this biological process, specialized microbial communities convert the raw (“dirty”) syngas into biogas, mainly composed of biomethane and CO₂. Key milestones Achieved Several important milestones have now been reached: Equipment installation: The pyrolysis unit has been installed, and the biomethanation unit has been constructed in line with the project design. A dedicated pipeline connecting the two units is now in place, enabling the transfer of syngas to the biomethanation reactors. All auxiliary systems, such as heating and cooling circuits, compressed air, and utilities, have also been installed. Equipment integration: Software installation, input/output checks, and leak tests have been successfully completed. These steps confirmed that all sensors, control systems, and equipment are properly connected and fully operational. Safety assessment: A comprehensive safety study has been conducted to ensure that all necessary preventive and protective measures are implemented. Pyrolysis commissioning: The pyrolysis unit has been tested using several types of biomass. Initial start-up challenges were identified and resolved, allowing the unit to operate reliably. Next steps The next major milestone is the commissioning of the fully integrated system, coupling the pyrolysis and biomethanation units. Because biomethanation is a biological process, the reactors must first be inoculated with the appropriate microbial communities. The operating conditions, particularly temperature, will be carefully controlled to allow the bacteria to grow, while syngas is progressively supplied. Once a stable biological activity is established, we will begin testing different operating conditions to identify the parameters that deliver the highest syngas-to-biogas conversion efficiency. Long-term vision TerraWatt’s mission is to support climate change mitigation by producing renewable biomethane and biochar, a durable carbon removal solution. Their ambition is to deploy multiple plants in regions where biomass is locally available and currently underutilized. This integrated approach addresses climate goals through both renewable energy production and long-term carbon storage, creating value from resources that would otherwise go unused and supporting circular, low-carbon business models. For more information, check the Case Study 2 video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bnt0btre54g Author:Paolo de Carli Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: January, 2026 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
SEMPRE-BIO 6th General Assembly in Ghent
SEMPRE-BIO 6th General Assembly in Ghent A site-by-site account of technical progress The SEMPRE-BIO consortium met in Ghent on 13–14 November 2025 for its sixth General Assembly. Hosted by Ghent University, the meeting provided a space to review progress, explore technical issues and outline upcoming steps towards domestic, cost-effective biomethane production. Over two days of presentations, discussions and site visits, partners reiterated their commitment to advancing biomethane, bioproducts and circular bioeconomy pathways. Where each site stands Case Study 1: Biomethanation and Electrolysis (Cetaqua) Case Study 1 reported solid progress despite setbacks related to the commissioning of the PEM electrolyser and biomethanation unit. Repairs following leakages, follow-up from the ATEX assessment and ongoing inoculum adaptation tests presented a realistic assessment of both challenges and promising developments. Key next steps include completing I/O checks, ensuring UPW supply and moving towards final commissioning. Case Study 2: Pyrolysis–Biomethanation Integration (TerraWatt) TerraWatt reported progress on both the pyrolysis and biomethanation systems. Early-stage issues related to cabling, automation logic, kiln performance and the heat exchanger’s integrity were detected and are currently being addressed. The biomethanation unit has already been installed and is now undergoing automation set-up and data-logging configuration. Case Study 3: Anaerobic Digestion and Cryogenic Upgrading (CryoInox & UGent) Case Study 3 reported significant achievements. The anaerobic digestion system at the farm continues stable operation, and the cryogenic upgrading demo plant has produced its first industrial-grade CO2 batch, marking a key step towards validating cryoseparation technology. Optimisation remains central, with continuous operation targeted for early 2026. Parallel research on biogas desulfurisation using sulfide-oxidising bacteria also showed encouraging progress. CO2 valorisation UVic presented progress on succinic acid, PHA and microbial biomass production. Pressurised fermentation conditions are improving succinic acid yields, while microalgae and purple phototrophic bacteria grown on digestate-based media are delivering protein-rich outputs. These advances move the project closer to integrated bioproduct valorisation strategies. Work with biogenic CO2 will continue refining these processes. The sustainability and modelling teams from DBFZ and SINTEF shared updates on techno-economic, environmental and social assessments. Their findings confirmed that biomethane can be cost-covering at relatively low electricity prices, and environmental modelling revealed impressive mitigation potentials across the three case studies—particularly in systems benefiting from manure management efficiencies and biochar carbon sequestration. Dissemination, communication and exploitation activities were also reviewed. The project continues to reach broad audiences with strong engagement metrics. With Phase I of the tech-to-market plan nearing completion, work will soon shift towards more advanced exploitation actions and preparation of the project’s business plan. The management session confirmed that financial and administrative work is progressing as planned and partners also discussed the schedule for upcoming assemblies: an online meeting followed by the final event and General Assembly in the next year. Field Visit The second day was dedicated to site visits. Partners visited the dairy farm De Zwanebloem with integrated anaerobic digestion, the cryogenic upgrading demo plant from Case Study 3 and the Innolab facilities with a photobioreactor for microalgae cultivation. These visits allowed partners to observe operational systems first-hand and appreciate the technical complexity behind biomethane production, CO2 valorisation and microbial bioprocessing. What’s next This Ghent assembly highlighted the substantial progress achieved and the increasing interconnection between work packages and case studies. As the project enters its next phase, priorities include finalising commissioning, addressing remaining technical issues, deepening environmental and economic modelling, and strengthening communication and exploitation activities to ensure lasting impact beyond the research community. Author: Oria Pardo Editor: Laia Mencia & Lucía Salinas Date: November, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
CS-1 Pilot Plant Update
CS-1 Pilot Plant Update Moving from design to reality Quick recap This blog focuses on Case Study 1 and the progress made so far. Case Study 1 started in 2023 and has evolved greatly since then. It is one of our three EBIEs (European Biomethane Innovation Ecosystems), which are experimental sites where we develop and test new technologies. Here, partners CETAQUA, DTU, SINTEF, BIOTHANE and PROPULS are producing biomethane using wastewater at El Baix Llobregat WWTP. The aim is to use this green fuel to power two TMB buses in Barcelona’s public transport network. If you want to understand it from scratch, this is where to look. For those interested in where we stand three years in, this blog outlines the progress in bringing our CS-1 pilot plant to life. What started as detailed engineering drawings has now become a fully constructed facility ready for operation. Key milestones Here are the key achievements we’ve reached: Site Preparation & Infrastructure: We adapted a section of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), including soil studies and concrete slab installation, to safely house our containerized PEM electrolyzer (used to split water into hydrogen and oxygen). Equipment Installation: The PEMEL was delivered in February 2025. The biogas purification skid, used to remove impurities from the biogas, followed in March, and the biomethanation reactor in May. All major equipment is now in place and connected. Utilities Integration: We completed all tie-ins for water, electricity and future biogas supply, coordinating carefully with WWTP operations to minimize disruption. Commissioning Phase: Software installation, I/O checks, and leak testing have been completed, confirming all sensors and equipment are properly connected and functional. Next steps After completing construction, installation and initial commissioning, we’re now ready to begin plant operation. This starts with inoculation, which is the introduction of the microorganisms that will drive the biomethanation process into the reactor. The following stage involves low-flow experiments, where feedstock is added slowly to allow the process to stabilize. Flows will be gradually increased until we reach design productivity for biomethane production. Long-term vision Our ultimate goal is to produce locally generated green biomethane that will power TMB buses, creating a sustainable circular economy solution that transforms wastewater treatment byproducts into clean transportation fuel. CS-1 is also an important step in validating how biomethane can be produced and integrated within existing public infrastructure. The experience gained here could guide future projects, helping establish reliable models for the broader deployment of green biomethane in Europe. For more information, check the Case Study 1 video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntWCdUZoPaA Author: David Checa Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: October, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
Life cycle assessment
Life cycle assessment LCA methodology and comparison with fossil fuels Introduction The importance of sustainability and environmental impact is currently increasing, and methods to identify and classify these characteristics are becoming more prevalent as a result. One such method is Life-Cycle Assessment. What is an LCA? Life-Cycle Assessment, or LCA, is a powerful method of examining a product’s entire environmental impact, from the extraction of raw materials to its disposal or recycling. Often referred to as a ‘cradle-to-grave’ analysis, LCA enables us to see how our products affect the planet throughout their entire lifespan. Whether you are looking at a physical product or the service it provides, LCA breaks things down into three essential steps: Measuring what goes in and comes out: This includes tracking energy use, raw material consumption, emissions and waste. Evaluating the impact: What kind of environmental footprint do those inputs and outputs leave behind? Exploring better alternatives: How can we reduce harm and make smarter, more sustainable choices? LCAs help businesses and individuals to boost resource efficiency, cut environmental liabilities and move closer to truly sustainable design and decision-making. [1] How is it done? LCA is defined by ISO 14040. To execute an LCA tools such as the ILCD Handbook and the Environmental Footprint methods have been developed to support its practical application, especially in the EU. The LCA process is divided into four main phases. The first phase involves defining the goal and scope. This phase establishes the purpose, audience, functional unit and system boundaries. Next is the Life Cycle Inventory phase, which involves collecting data on energy, materials, emissions and waste inputs and outputs throughout the product system. Once the inventory is complete, the Life Cycle Impact Assessment begins, linking the data collected in the inventory to environmental impact categories using standardised models. This phase includes four sub-steps: Classification: inventory inputs and outputs are assigned to relevant impact categories. Characterisation: their contribution to each category is quantified using substance-specific factors. Normalisation: the results are scaled relative to a reference unit to show the significance of impacts. Weighting: impact categories are ranked by importance and an overall environmental score is generated. While normalisation and weighting are optional under ISO 14040, they are mandatory in the EU’s Environmental Footprint methods. Finally, the interpretation analyses the results for consistency and reliability, aligning them with the original study objectives. [2] Comparison between a fossil fuel and SEMPRE BIO’s LCA Using the LCA methodology to compare gasoline and SEMPRE-BIO’s biomethane reveals significant differences in environmental performance across key impact categories. The life cycle of gasoline is characterised by a high global warming potential (GWP), primarily due to direct CO₂ emissions during combustion and the extraction and refining of fossil fuels. Its environmental profile also includes elevated impacts related to fossil resource depletion and human toxicity, and there are no mechanisms in place to offset emissions. In contrast, the LCA of SEMPRE-BIO’s biomethane, which is produced from waste biomass and upgraded using renewable hydrogen, demonstrates markedly lower lifecycle emissions. With over 80% CO₂ conversion efficiency, SEMPRE-BIO minimises GWP and actively reduces net emissions through CO₂ valorisation. This process converts captured carbon into valuable products such as biopolymers and proteins, which improves its environmental footprint further. Compared with other biofuels such as bioethanol, which despite having a lower GWP can contribute to acidification and eutrophication due to fertiliser-intensive feedstocks, the use of waste streams and closed nutrient loops in SEMPRE-BIO‘s production process is advantageous. By mitigating these environmental trade-offs and aligning with the EU’s Environmental Footprint methodology, where normalisation and weighting enhance comparability, SEMPRE-BIO offers a comprehensive and robust sustainability profile. Ultimately, by integrating circular economy principles and aligning with EU climate and energy objectives, SEMPRE-BIO is positioned as a forward-looking model for decarbonised transport solutions. [3] Fonts: [1] https://www.eea.europa.eu/help/glossary/eea-glossary/life-cycle-assessment [2] https://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/lifecycleassessment.html [3] https://re.public.polimi.it/retrieve/e0c31c12-6bf8-4599-e0531705fe0aef77/ Nobili_2020_Comparative LCA.pdf Author: Sofiia Savchenko Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: July, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
European Cities Leading the Biomethane Public Transport
European Cities Leading the Biomethane Public Transport From Pamplona to Tallinn, how are municipalities decarbonizing public transport? Introduction Municipalities are actively seeking cleaner alternatives to decarbonize the way we move around. In this context, biomethane has emerged as one of the most promising solutions, as it causes fewer CO₂ emissions than petrol. Moreover, since biomethane is a purified version of biogas, its higher calorific value translates into greater efficiency when powering engines. That’s why, in this blog, we want to highlight successful case studies across Europe—soon to be joined by two new biomethane-powered buses that will circulate through the streets of Barcelona, thanks to SEMPRE-BIO and its Case Study 1. Paris, France The public transport company RATP has committed to converting part of its diesel fleet to BIOGNV (renewable natural gas for vehicles). So far, it has adapted 13 of its bus depots to operate with biomethane, and by 2025, it plans for 25% of its buses to run on biomethane—significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and local pollution. Moreover, part of the biomethane used is sourced from organic waste collected in the Île-de-France region, effectively closing the loop locally. Nottingham, United Kingdom Nottingham City Transport operates the world’s largest fleet of double-decker buses powered by biomethane. By 2022, the fleet had grown to 143 Enviro400 CBG vehicles, acquired in several phases since 2017. Sweden Linköping This Swedish city began transitioning its fleet in the 1990s and is now one of the first in the world to operate a bus network entirely powered by biogas. Today, all urban buses in Linköping run on biomethane produced from agricultural waste and sewage sludge. The success of this model has also led to its adoption in taxis, trucks, and municipal vehicles. Malmö Malmö uses biomethane produced from urban organic waste, including leftovers from supermarkets and households. Its biomethane-powered bus fleet has significantly reduced emissions from the transport sector. Additionally, the digestate from the process is returned to the fields as fertilizer, promoting a circular agri-food model. Stockholm Stockholm has been a pioneer in adopting biomethane-powered buses as part of the Baltic Biogas Bus project. This initiative, led by Stockholm’s public transport authority, aims to increase the use of biogas in urban transport across the Baltic region. Pamplona, Spain In 2022, Pamplona became the first city in Spain to operate a 100% renewable gas-powered urban fleet. The biomethane used is produced from sewage sludge and organic waste, and it powers more than 140 buses. This results in a 90% reduction in emissions compared to diesel. Bologna, Italy In Bologna, four urban buses and twenty taxis run on locally produced biomethane derived from organic and pruning waste. The project involves the public transport company TPER and the taxi operator CO.TA.BO. Tallinn, Estonia Tallinn has introduced new buses powered by biomethane and plans to continue using this fuel beyond 2030, even as other EU countries shift toward electric buses. It is worth highlighting the case of Sweden, where since 2008 the Public Transport Agreement Committee has been working toward a shared vision of sustainable mobility. Today, the country’s public coach fleet is almost entirely fossil fuel-free. Anna Grönlund, Deputy Director of the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation, attributes this success to the ability to align public procurement requirements with their own standards and recommendations for the tendering process. At SEMPRE-BIO, we believe that examples like Sweden’s can help pave the way and contribute their successes to a more sustainable global mobility future. Fonts: Biomethane in the Paris region to power RATP buses | natrangroupe.com Nottingham City Transport – Wikipedia Biogas – the natural choice for city buses Green project in Bologna: 4 city buses – Sustainable Bus Estonia wants to continue using biomethane in buses after 2030 | News | ERR Biokaasu & GoO ET:n kaasumarkkinatoimikunnan tapaaminen 2.12.2019 Susanna Pflüger Sweden’s buses are now nearly 100% fossil-free | IRU | World Road Transport Organisation Moventis TCC Pamplona adquiere 13 buses Scania propulsados por biometano | Scania España Author: Oria Pardo Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: June, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
SEMPRE-BIO’s 5th General Assembly
SEMPRE-BIO’s 5th General Assembly An up-to-date overview from Spring 2025 The SEMPRE-BIO consortium met online for our 5th General Assembly on Thursday, May 22. This online meeting sought to check our progress and better coordinate the future of our work on turning residue into biomethane. Since our last meeting in Denmark back November 2024, quite a bit has happened. So where are we on moving from building to producing? The simple answer is we’re almost there but still need a few steps. We’ve worked through some problems with permit delays, equipment supply issues and construction hiccups. But what matters is we’ve worked through these matters and every pilot plant will be operational by July. Keep reading to understand what’s going on in each front. Where each site stands CS1 is still in build mode. They’ve redesigned the plant for better performance and started construction, but they’re waiting for final components to arrive. CS2 has made strong progress. After redesigning their reactors to improve flow and simplify the process, they’ve installed the pyrolysis equipment and plan to start operations in June. Now, they’re moving on to commissioning the biomethanation component and a few final installations to bring everything together by July. CS3 is the furthest along. Their plant is fully built and they’ve already completed their first tests using pure methane. They’re now transitioning to actual biomethane production. Next steps include verifying all production stages, calibrating the system, checking the quality of both the biomethane and captured CO2, and wrapping up with team training once testing is complete. Beyond plants While the pilot plants grab most attention, our CO2 valorisation work is quietly making progress: Biobased materials from CO2: The team has scaled up fermentation systems that convert CO2 and hydrogen into useful biochemicals and biopolymers. Early tests led to a lab-scale System that now produces PHA – a biodegradable plastic – from the bacteria Cupriavidus necator. CO2 to protein: We’re exploring how photosynthetic organisms can turn captured CO2 into alternative proteins. Outdoor trials with Parachlorella kessleri, a green microalga, have shown strong results, particularly in essential amino acid content. Early lab tests are also underway with purple bacteria, adding another potential pathway for turning captured CO2 into valuable biomass. What’s next Our eyes are set on July. That’s when construction ends and production begins across all sites. After months of planning and building, we’ll finally see residue becoming clean biomethane through our pilot operations, and captured CO2 used to produce bioplastics and proteins. Author: Lucía Salinas Date: May, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
Advancing Biomethane: Current State and Future Prospects in Europe
Advancing Biomethane: Current State and Future Prospects in Europe A Comprehensive Analysis of Biomethane Regulation, Production, and Technological Innovations Introduction The previous blog Breaking Barriers for the Future of Biomethane was about the annual analysis of the legal framework for biomethane in Europe. This latest joint report State of play of biogas & biomethane in Europe, led by HYFUELUP in collaboration with BIOMETHAVERSE, METHAREN and SEMPRE-BIO’s team, addresses the topics detailed below. This report updates biomethane regulation and sustainability data, starting with its role as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy transition. Updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) from EU Member States project biogas and biomethane production reaching 30-32 billion cubic meters (bcm) by 2030. Yet, this falls short of the 35 bcm REPowerEU target. A critical hurdle is the lack of regulatory harmonization across countries. By analyzing the 12 EU nations with specific biomethane targets in their NECPs, this report seeks to align policies, drive investment and dismantle sector barriers. Latest measures to promote biomethane production in the EU In 2023, only four countries submitted their national energy planning updates on time. This highlights the lack of priority given by various national governments, despite the European Commission’s push for Member States to ramp up efforts to meet climate goals. This report scrutinizes new national biomethane targets against the ones identified in prior studies, spotlighting gaps between ambitions and achievable outputs and underscoring the urgency for stronger policies to scale production. Regulatory and Market Gaps with Country-Specific Recommendations Each EU country faces distinct regulatory and market challenges. This report provides individual analyses for Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, detailing their strategies, policy gaps and recommendations. For instance, Denmark has made significant progress in injecting biomethane into the grid, while other countries lag due to legal obstacles. In Spain, regional strategies are being developed to promote biomethane production, such as the Catalan Biogas Strategy 2024-2030, which sets ambitious targets for biogas generation and supports the construction of new plants. Additionally, the report proposes policy recommendations to overcome these barriers, such as setting higher biomethane targets, streamlining administrative procedures or harmonizing rules for Guarantees of Origin (GOs). Regarding this last topic, the report delves into the need for harmonized systems for biomethane certification, including Proof of Sustainability (PoS) and Guarantees of Origin (GOs), which are crucial for ensuring the traceability and marketability of biomethane across Europe. It discusses the challenges in cross-border biomethane trade, such as the lack of harmonization in GO registries and the need for clearer statistics and regulatory stability. Additionally, the report highlights the importance of capturing and utilizing biogenic CO₂ as part of the broader decarbonization strategy. Innovative Biomethane Technologies Finally, the document also examines in detail emerging technologies in biomethane production, including gasification and methanation, and their potential to diversify the sources of production for this key solution to Europe’s energy independence. It suggests that while anaerobic digestion remains the predominant technology in biomethane production, gasification is expected to play a more significant role in the coming decades. According to Matteo Gilardi partner of the project, gasification is projected to account for between 9% and 30% of biomethane production by 2040, indicating a diversification in the technologies used. This shift highlights the growing importance of innovative approaches to enhance Europe’s energy resilience and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To bring it all together The document concludes that biomethane is a key solution for the decarbonization of the EU, but it emphasizes the need for more coherent regulation, stable financial incentives, and cross-border collaboration strategies to meet the EU’s biomethane targets. Additionally, social acceptance and sustainability in the implementation of these technologies are of great importance, which is identified as an interesting area of study for the proper development and implementation of the strategies needed to achieve the set biomethane production goals. If you would like to explore the details of this latest report in greater depth, you can access it directly through this link. Additionally, you have the option to watch the recording of the presentation webinar, which took place on February 26th. Author: Oria Pardo Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: March, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. 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Breaking Barriers for the Future of Biomethane
Breaking Barriers for the Future of Biomethane Legal Insights, Market Trends, and Cutting-Edge Technologies in Biomethane Production Introduction SEMPRE-BIO, along with other Horizon Europe-funded projects focused on biomethane production, is conducting an yearly analysis of the legal framework conditions of biomethane production and its market uptake. This includes guidelines and recommendations for policymakers, an overview of legislation related to biomethane production, its injection into the grid, the production and use of bio-LNG and bio-CO2, and certification requirements. In this blog, you can find the barriers identified by these projects, along with the challenges and perspectives of innovative biomethane technologies within SEMPRE-BIO. Framework Europe has numerous regulations supporting renewable energy. However, the biogas or biomethane sector is heavily influenced by how European legal norms are applied into national legislation. For this reason, this analysis takes a broad approach, considering various national regulations associated with different projects. Key issues identified: Absence of a Clear Legal Framework: Significant instability in project development due to many key aspects not being covered by existing legislation. This lack of clarity means that, at any moment, a project could fall outside the established legal framework. Long Permitting Process: Complicated and slow bureaucratic procedures cause significant delays and increased costs for implementing plants, as projects remain on hold for extended periods. This inefficiency in authorization processes creates uncertainty, which can discourage investors and slow down the transition to more rapid and effective biomethane production. Delivery Times and Bottlenecks: Unpredictable availability of critical materials and equipment leads to delays. Lack of Skilled Workers: Shortage of qualified professionals slows down project development and affects operational efficiency. Inadequate Infrastructure: Gas grids, grid injection capabilities and the number (or lack) of CNG and LNG filling stations cannot meet the growing demand. Limited grid injection points, insufficient filling stations and outdated pipelines pose major challenges to the sector’s expansion. Cost Increases: Rising costs across various aspects of biomethane production such as raw materials, labor, and infrastructure development, can significantly affect the financial feasibility of projects. These increases often result from supply chain disruptions, inflation, and the need for advanced technologies to improve efficiency. Higher costs can make it more difficult to secure funding and may reduce the profitability of projects. Feedstock supply Biogas and biomethane can be produced from various organic biomass sources, including agricultural residues, manure, organic waste, sewage sludge, and forest biomass. The focus has shifted away from production based on energy crops, as seen in Germany and Austria, to the use of residual and waste materials, in line with environmental and political objectives. The Climate Action Plan 2050 emphasizes bioenergy production from waste to avoid land-use competition, using agricultural residues like straw and manure to cut emissions, improve resource efficiency, and provide a stable renewable energy source. In line with this shift toward waste-based bioenergy, additional measures can further enhance sustainability. One approach is to allow the use of wild plants from conservation areas for biogas production. Another key strategy is to optimize manure digestion by incorporating complementary crops such as field grass and clover. Cost effectiveness of biomethane production Once comprehensive data has been gathered, the EU biomethane clusters will conduct a detailed analysis of efficiency improvements, emission reductions and cost evaluations of innovative processes compared to conventional biomethane pathways. This information will help identify which business models for biomethane can be developed in the future, considering changing framework conditions, such as increased CO2 utilization through biogas upgrading processes, advanced gasification methods, advanced anaerobic digestion processes, the use of alternative substrates, and challenges related to different types of waste and residues. Cross-border trading in biomethane Although this is the final point we will address, it remains one of the most important. While biogas production has grown at a steady pace in many countries, this has largely been due to national-level developments. A key piece is still missing: an efficient and fully recognized system for cross-border trade. The completed European project REGATRACE has demonstrated that this could lead to a significant additional production and generate greenhouse gas (GHG) savings. The first step for cross-border trading is documentation such as Guarantees of Origin (GoO) or Proof of Sustainability (PoS). These are essential for tracking gases from production to consumption and allow consumers to assign additional value when consuming these renewable energy sources. This value is transferred to the products, increasing the economic viability of producing these fuels. Conclusion Biomethane is a key pillar of Europe’s renewable energy strategy, but its growth is constrained by regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure gaps, and complex certification systems. Overcoming these barriers is key to expanding production and integration into the energy system. The political goal is clear: to double biomethane production by 2030, reaching at least 35 billion cubic metres (bcm) of annual production by that year. To meet this target, it is essential to address the challenges faced by ongoing projects. Effective legislation must be developed in close collaboration with key stakeholders, who, after all, are the ones most familiar with these barriers and the realities of long-term, sustainable implementation. If you want to learn more about the topics covered in this blog, you can access the full deliverable here. Author: Oria Pardo Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia Date: February, 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
SEMPRE-BIO’s 4th General Assembly
SEMPRE-BIO’s 4th General Assembly Two Days of Discussions in Denmark Kongens Lyngby, Denmark, November 21st-22nd, 2024 SEMPRE-BIO is a collaborative project focused on improving biomethane production through innovative approaches and waste utilization. It brings together 16 organizations from six European countries and it aims to develop practical and cost-effective solutions that support the transition to renewable energy. Over the past two years, SEMPRE-BIO has made significant progress in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of biomethane as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. The 4th General Assembly of SEMPRE-BIO took place on November 21 and 22, 2024, at DTU in Kongens Lyngby, Denmark. The event began with a series of case study presentations and discussions, followed by updates on the project’s work packages. Day one concluded with a summary session and a networking dinner. On the second day, participants explored additional work package presentations, finalized conclusions, and visited DTU’s Bio Conversions lab to see new waste-to-bioproduct technologies in action. The assembly provided project partners with a platform to share results, address challenges, and align on the next steps for advancing biomethane production. Author: Lucía Salinas Date: November, 2024 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
BIo-Impact Webinar Recap
Webinar Recap: “BIo-Impact, 2 Years of Innovation in Biomethane Production with SEMPRE-BIO” Latest Advances in Biomethane Production On Wednesday, November 6th, SEMPRE-BIO hosted a very interesting webinar titled “BIo-Impact: 2 Years of Innovation in Biomethane Production with SEMPRE-BIO.” This event gathered around 50 participants from various sectors including sustainability, energy, wastewater treatment, chemical industry, biotechnology, and agriculture. Attendees included professors, students, researchers, directors, engineers, project managers, and procurement managers, among others. About SEMPRE-BIO SEMPRE-BIO is dedicated to advancing biomethane production through innovative research and collaboration. Over the past two years, the project has made significant strides in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of biomethane production processes. This webinar is designed to share aimed these advancements with a wider audience, showcasing the collaborative efforts and expertise of the consortium members and the advancement on new biomethane production technologies. Webinar Highlights The webinar featured a series of short presentations, each delivered by a consortium member with expertise in their areas: Project Presentation: Alejandra Córdova, SEMPRE-BIO’s project coordinator, from Cetaqua, opened the webinar with an overview of the project’s goals, achievements, and future directions. She discussed the potential to scale-up biomethane production, and the main feedstocks used in anaerobic digestion and the thermal gasification. With over 50% of the project duration complete, it’s now time to put into practice what has been designed and tested at lab scale. Case Study 1: David Checa from Cetaqua highlighted the importance of the power-to-gas concept and how it applies to this case study. He updated the audience on the progress in designing the technology and the constructing the demo plant. With the detailed engineering of the plant taking place and the PEMEL (electrolyser) construction ongoing, the plant is expected to start operations in February 2025. Case Study 2: David Checa, presenting on behalf of Arthur Lacaine from TerraWatt, detailed advancements in the various biomethanation process and showed a 3D model of the demo plant, which is currently under construction. He talked about the type of feedstock and their requirements (shredded biomass free of rocks and metals) and offered a brief description of the pyrolysis process using a rotatory kiln without air and external heating. He also mentioned TerraWatt’s collaboration with DTU to assess the best configuration of the biological methanation reactor. Case Study 3: Çagri Akyol from Ghent University and Andrea Munaretto discussed the significance of adapting a biogas upgrading solution to produce bio-LNG and liquid CO2 at farm-scale. They talked about feedstock testing, and how it was decided that manure was a better option for biomethane production. For this reason, the demo plant will be installed in a Belgian dairy farm. They also discussed the test bench used to evaluate the cryogenic capture of CO2 in a biomethane stream already running. With the plant design done, their next steps include the installation of equipment and start of the pilot. CO2 Valorisation: Georgina Del Puerto Tañá from BETA-UVIC and Marcella Fernandes de Souza from Ghent University explored the potential of CO2 valorisation to produce biopolymers, biochemicals and microalgae as an alternative protein source. They reported on the results of testing different microbial strains with different substrates (synthetic and digestate from CS3) in different conditions, and how they are now running a pilot with a hybrid fermenter. Similarly, after testing several strains and digestates for microalgae, now two pilot-scale photobioreactor are taking place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JITObuli6bo The session concluded with a discussion on the importance industrial symbiosis to successfully integrate algae in a dairy farm, creating sustainable microalgae plant. The webinar ended with a short Q&A session, where a couple of attendees raised interesting questions. We encourage you to watch this, along with the full presentation, for a more complete understanding. You can access the full recording here and the presentation here. Author: Laia Mencia Date: November, 2024 This project has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON-CL5-2021-D3-03-16 program under grant agreement No 101084297. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Follow us Facebook Twitter Linkedin Contact us info@sempre-bio.com Cookies Policy Privacy policy ©2023 Semprebio | All Rights Reserved | Powered by Scienseed
