Biogas plants in crisis: operators demand clear political paths

Biogas plants in crisis: operators demand clear political paths

Biogas plant operators are currently facing a critical turning point. At an information event recently held in Rottersdorf by the Biogas Working Group, which was organized by the Bavarian Farmers' Association and the educational organization, numerous operators expressed their concerns about the uncertain future of their plants. According to renewable energy engineer Martin Schifferer from GS Energiekonzepte, many people miss clear guidance regarding profitability, especially due to the lack of political guidelines. The operators are urgently calling for measures at EU level to create the necessary framework conditions. Some operators even fear that their systems could become unprofitable due to changed conditions, reports the PNP.

In February, the new biomass package was passed in the Bundestag, which is seen as a ray of hope for the industry. Although the new regulations are intended to bring about some improvements, final confirmation at EU level is still missing. This uncertainty creates a tense atmosphere: you have to prepare for two different regulatory systems without knowing which conditions will ultimately apply permanently.

The innovations at a glance

One of the biggest changes in the new biomass package is the increase in the tender volumes for biomass, which are to be increased from around 2 gigawatts to around 2.8 gigawatts. Especially for the years 2025 and 2026, it is expected that this could have a positive effect on the operators' planning security. The follow-up funding for existing systems will be extended from ten to twelve years, which should encourage many operators. There is also a flexibility surcharge that will be increased from 65 to 100 euros per kilowatt per year, which could increase the system operators' income.

Although the planned increase in funding for flexibility is seen as a step in the right direction, Schifferer notes that precisely this flexibility remains economically difficult for many operators. Ultimately, increasing flexibility funding could support the energy transition and reduce economic costs. The challenge is that renewable energy must not be more expensive than fossil fuels, which should create an incentive for operators to adapt their systems to the new circumstances.

Outlook and demands

The discussion surrounding renewable energies continues to be a hot topic. It is becoming clear that the industry needs a clear, reliable policy in order not to get into a deadlock. A rapid, implementable strategy is also needed to create incentives for investments. The operators see the need to deal intensively with the new conditions and are demanding clear and implementable rules from political decision-makers.

Overall, the biogas industry is at a crossroads, and the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the conditions for operators improve or whether they continue to struggle with uncertainty. Politicians are required, not only in Germany, but also at the European level, to sustainably promote the positive development of biogas plants. The ball is now in the court of those responsible – time to change the game.

How this all continues remains to be seen. One thing is clear, however: the operators want a good hand in politics in order to successfully master the challenges of the energy transition.