Regional Biogas Development Strategy and Action Plan - Tartu

More documents

Recommendations

Info

7. Summary Development of the biogas sector depends on the behaviour of all the associated actors. The biogas network (Figure 5) demonstrates the role of each individual actor. All measures, training courses, subsidies and disseminations of information should involve all of the respective participants. Figure 5. Different actors of biogas value chain concerning producing biomethane as motor fuel (Jonas Erikson, presentation at Methane Fuel in Transport seminar 48 of SPIN and GasHighWay projects in Tallinn in 6. 12.2011). The development of the biogas sector in Estonia is still at its infancy with regard to relevant know-how, implementation of workable solutions as well as political support. Based on data from 2007, Estonia’s annual production of biogas derived from waste, waste water sludge and slurry amounts to around 11 000 000 Nm 3 and 13 million on 2010. However, taking into account the resources suitable for biogas production, the total energy output derived from biogas cold reach as much as 10% of Estonia’s total final primary energy consumption. By way of comparison, in 2007 the energy produced from biogas amounted to no more than 0.16% of Estonia’s total consumed heat energy and 0.14% of electrical energy. The greatest barrier to making use of this untapped energy source lies in the fact that in Estonia’s present market situation the economic profitability of utilizing biogas for combined heat and power production is low. Although the production of biogas is just like any other entrepreneurial activity on energy production, it creates numerous socioeconomic public benefits above 48 http://www.lote.ut.ee/874010 40
enewable energy production, namely regional development, rural employment, small entrepreneurs and start-ups, environmental protection and waste management - all of which are issues that are more or less dependant on outside structural support. Purifying biogas to produce biomethane is a promising perspective as it allows the use of biomethane in all applications, which currently utilize natural gas. Estonia’s biogas sector is in need of a comprehensive political strategy together with an executive action-plan for guiding the development path in a manner so as to lessen the insecurity of perspective actors. The present strategy aims to serve as an input in helping to guide the setting of such national goals. The technological and business solutions implemented by other Baltic Sea countries can serve as a useful blueprint for Estonia to follow. In terms of technology, the greatest requirements stem from a need to enhance the reliability and output of extant biogas plants via transfer of default solutions and concomitant know-how. Based on prior research and Estonia’s own biogas experience it must be kept in mind however, that mere copying of Central-European innovation and default solutions, is a matter that should be approached with some caution as well as a mindset that is open to experimentation in a way that takes into account Estonia’s unique set of conditions. The experience of foreign nations may also prove useful with regard to garnering political support. This includes lessons such as implementing zero excise duties for renewable fuels (and holding this status for an extended period of time), setting up investment support in conjunction with national procurement priorities, including converting public transport fleets to use renewable fuels, encouraging the use of biomethane, etc. As to what are the optimal mechanisms for fostering the production, transfer, use and utilization of renewable fuels (inc. biogas) with respect to source, location and size of each project – this matter still needs further clarification taking into account the impact such measures will have from the economic, social, regional and environmental points of view (i.e. localized solutions). The Estonian Government intends to reduce to price premium to renewable electricity in February 2012 and this is not very encouraging to invest to biogas production. The biogas sector needs to be leaded by a credible and professional agency – an umbrella organization of common interests that would speak on its behalf in media and by participating in drafting process of biogas-related legislation, as well as in informing the broader public about the importance of the topic. Concrete steps that can be taken to that end could include solidifying the position of the non-profit organization “MTÜ Estonian Biogas Association”. The success of the biogas sector should be ensured by the long-term commitment of both the National and local governments to the biogas development as well publicising the fact of its commitment towards biogas sector development to the general public. In the early stages of development, it is crucial for a country such as Estonia to set well defined and achievable objectives – something, which have been formulated under the present strategy. The current strategy for the development of the biogas industry can serve as an input to processes where relevant stakeholders make decisions outlining a comprehensive vision for biogas development. Based on assumptions that are entirely realistic, the output of renewable nominal electricity production capacity based on biogas could reach a level as high as 110MW. This makes up around half of theoretical biogas potential, taking into account the following conditionalities: 20% of all hay mown for the purposes of nature conservation; 20% of all ensilage derived from unused farmland; 2 mowings (yielding 7.3 tonnes per hectare); 5% of all energy cultures derived from arable land (830 000 hectares), several mowings yielding 20 tonnes 41
Page 1 and 2: Regional Biogas Development Strateg
Page 3 and 4: Definitions and Abbreviations Bioen
Page 5 and 6: It is important for each state's en
Page 7 and 8: 1.2 The biogas sector in relation t
Page 9 and 10: Figure 1. Technologial scheme of bi
Page 11 and 12: V. Marketing and sales - Economical
Page 13 and 14: finances from other side creates a
Page 15 and 16: In 2011, thus consumption of petrol
Page 17 and 18: maximum use of the European Union
Page 19 and 20: The Bases of the Security Policy of
Page 21 and 22: Environment and the Ministry of Agr
Page 23 and 24: 2) social issues, and 3) waste mana
Page 25 and 26: 4.2.3. Impact on the air environmen
Page 27 and 28: 4.2.5. Impact on the visual environ
Page 29 and 30: I.8 To use 80% of landfill gas for
Page 31 and 32: V.6 To introduce the obligation to
Page 33 and 34: 6. Implementation of biogas product
Page 35 and 36: VI fertilizer. It must cover the wh
Page 37 and 38: I II III IV V VI VII VIII natural g
Page 39: II III IV V biomethane. To collect
Page 43 and 44: transported to a central location w

Regional Biogas Development Strategy and Action Plan - Tartu

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?