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Slower growth rate for European biogas 2015

European Biogas Association (EBA) has released the 6th edition of its annual Statistical Report, outlining the state of biogas and biomethane in Europe. Although the rate of growth slowed 2015, the report shows that the number of biogas plants has practically tripled over the past six years.

The number of new biogas plants in Europe late 2015 increased 3 percent compared to 2014 (illustration courtesy EBA).
The number of new biogas plants in Europe late 2015 increased 3 percent compared to 2014 (illustration courtesy EBA). The number of new biogas plants in Europe late 2015 increased 3 percent compared to 2014 (illustration courtesy EBA).

The European Biogas Association (EBA) has released the 6th edition of its annual Statistical Report, outlining the state of biogas and biomethane in Europe. The report reflects the steady growth in the biogas sector, with the number of biogas plants practically tripling over the past six years.

– There were 17 376 biogas plants and 459 biomethane plants in operation in Europe in late 2015. Despite the headwind our industry faces, this again represents growth, illustrating the simple fact that the biogas industry is an indispensable part of European development, said Dr Jan Stambasky, President EBA in a statement.

The number of biogas plants in Europe increased by 542 installations, from 16 834 to 17 376 in 2015, a 3 percent increase. Although this is a significant drop in the rate of growth compared to 2014 when 2 173 new installations were recorded, the sector proves to remain in good shape.

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According to the report a number of countries achieved significant increase such as the UK (77 additional plants, 17 percent growth), Belgium (20 additional plants, 11 percent growth) and the Netherlands (16 additional plants, 6 percent growth).

In terms of biogas production, national associations and third-party observers quantify the total amount of electricity produced from biogas at 60.6 TWh, a number that corresponds to the annual consumption of 13.9 million European households.

A steady increase can be appreciated in the biomethane sector, with 92 new biogas upgrading units commissioned. Germany reaffirms itself as the leading country, with a total of 185 biomethane plants. A few countries followed, such as the UK (43 new plants), France (12 new plants), Switzerland (11 new plants), Germany (7 new plants) and Denmark (6 new plants).

92 new biogas upgrading units were commissioned in Europe 2015, continuing the steady growth of the biomethane sector (illustration courtesy EBA).
92 new biogas upgrading units were commissioned in Europe 2015, continuing the steady growth of the biomethane sector (illustration courtesy EBA). 92 new biogas upgrading units were commissioned in Europe 2015, continuing the steady growth of the biomethane sector (illustration courtesy EBA).

The Statistical Report of the European Biogas Association includes in-depth chapters concerning the biogas and biomethane markets, European support schemes in force, the jobs and turnover in Europe, and a European policy outlook. Analyses include a European overview and the situation country by country.

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