The first organic biogas on its way to the natural gas grid in Denmark

The first organic biogas plant in Denmark is being constructed at Axel Månsson’s market garden. Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate Lars Christian Lilleholt visited the plant on Monday to commission the production of organic biogas for the natural gas grid:

“This is a historic day. For the first time ever, there will be organic biogas in the Danish gas grid. Our ambition is to significantly reduce carbon emissions, and by 2030, at least half of Denmark’s energy consumption will be based on renewable energy. The biogas plant contributes to bringing this about as biogas starts to take the place of natural gas,” Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate Lars Christian Lilleholt says.

Once the plant is running at full capacity, it will produce enough organic biogas for up to 4,000 homes. At the same time, the plant produces nutrient-rich, bioavailable fertiliser for the market garden, suitable for organically cultivated fields.

“I’ve always dreamt of using waste products from our vegetable and egg production to generate renewable energy. An organic biogas plant is the most obvious solution. Biogas can be readily distributed to natural gas customers via the natural gas grid, and the residual product is valuable organic fertiliser for our fields,” Director Axel Månsson explains.

Green transition of the gas grid

As construction of the biogas plant nears completion, it will gradually produce more and more organic natural gas. The plant is part of the green transition of the natural gas grid, which has really taken off in recent years:

“Over the past three years, production of green natural gas has increased by as much as it did in the previous 30 years. As a result, almost 10% of the gas in the natural gas grid is already biogas, and once the Brande plant reaches full production capacity, we will be taking another important step in the greening of the natural gas grid,” according to Ole Hvelplund, CEO of Nature Energy.

Completion of the biogas plant in Brande, Denmark, is scheduled for early 2018.

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