Did you know Finland and The Netherlands are actively exploring the expansion of the biogas business towards a greener future? The Netherlands focuses on using biogas for homes, industries, heavy-duty vehicles and inland shipping, while Finland hopes to use it for fuel as well as more income in the agriculture sector.
Both countries recognize the urgent need to transition towards more sustainable energy systems to meet EU climate targets and enhance energy security. For the Netherlands, the motivation is also strongly linked to phasing out natural gas due to safety concerns in gas-producing regions. While overall biogas production in Finland is currently smaller compared to the Netherlands, it sees biogas as a strategic tool to strengthen its agricultural sector by integrating energy production with traditional food production.
Experts in both countries agree that the benefits of biogas extend beyond just renewable energy. This includes improved manure management, nutrient recycling, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from both agriculture and transportation. The future success of biogas in both the Netherlands and Finland will, however, depend on consistent and supportive policy frameworks that can incentivize investment and innovation in this promising sector.
For more information, read the following scientific article:
Winquist, E., Van Galen, M., Zielonka, S., Rikkonen, P., Oudendag, D., Zhou, L., & Greijdanus, A. (2021). Expert Views on the Future Development of Biogas Business Branch in Germany, The Netherlands, and Finland until 2030. Sustainability, 13(3), 1148. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031148