Biogas Congress to Review Huge Untapped Potential

The European biogas sector is growing rapidly as concerns grow about oil and gas prices and climate change. A recent 'Biogas Barometer' report, published by a consortium of renewable energy groups led by France's Observ'ER, cites a 13.6% increase growth in biogas use for primary energy production between 2005 and 2006.

Biogas is composed primarily of methane and CO2, and can be used for heat production and electricity generation. A variety of sources are used to create biogas, including municipal wastes, sewage sludge, manure or biodegradable waste.

The EU's 1997 White Paper on renewables set a target for biogas use at 15 megatons of oil equivalent (Mtoe) by 2010. However, analysts believe this ambitious target is unlikely to be met, forecasting a more likely usage rate of between 5.7 and 8.6 Mtoe of biogas use in the EU by 2010.

Despite this, combined heat and power (CHP) facilities in particular are using an increasing amount of biogas for electricity and heat production, with Germany's CHP sector leading the way.

A new Agra Informa conference, to be held in Brussels in November, will cover all aspects of the burgeoning biogas sector. The Global Biogas Congress will examine prospects for new legislation to increase the adoption of biogas, in the light of the EU targets.

A keynote speaker at the two-day event in Brussels will be Hans van Steen from the European Commission, who will look at government initiatives to increase biogas usage. This will include investment grants, tax measures and subsidies.

Delegates will also hear case studies of waste management companies who are pioneering the capture of landfill gas, as well as the latest developments in biogas for electricity generation and CHP, such as the applications of new technologies.

Expert advice will also be given by leading industry representatives on how to secure finance for biogas projects and capitalise on extra revenue streams created by the Clean Development Mechanism, which applies to developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol to combat climate change.

For further information contact Carol Algar at conferences@agra-net.com or phone +44 (0)20 7017 7496.

www.agra-net.com/biogas

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com