Over 5.7 billion cubic metres per year of potential production, a key driver for decarbonisation and an interesting solution for farming businesses. According to a recent study carried out by Legambiente in collaboration with the University of Padua, the production of biomethane from agricultural waste in Italy is “a strategic resource” in the ecological transition. However, the sector’s development needs to be accelerated in order to fully harness its potential.
The study was recently presented at a forum organised by Legambiente together with the CIB – Italian Biogas Consortium and the Italian Composting Consortium. The focus was on the production of biogas and biomethane through anaerobic digestion from agricultural waste, with the report analysing its potential at both national and regional levels.
The data are noteworthy, as highlighted by representatives of Legambiente and CIB: at a national level, production could reach and exceed 5.7 billion cubic metres of biomethane per year from agricultural sources, in line with the 2030 targets set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan. Livestock effluents represent the main source, accounting for approximately 75%, followed by residues from herbaceous crops (20%) and by-products from the processing of plant-based raw materials (5%).
By utilising livestock manure and waste materials from crops and food processing, the analysis points out, these bioLNG plants not only make it possible to produce biogas as a substitute for fossil methane, but also enable farms to turn effluents and waste into a valuable resource, using materials that otherwise require costly and complex management and disposal solutions.
The model remains that of “Biogasfattobene”, developed by CIB several years ago. At Maganetti, we know it very well, as our project with the Cooperativa Speranza is built precisely on this circular economy solution. Livestock effluents and plant waste are transformed into bioLNG to fuel our fleet: a crucial step in reducing the impact of our operations and a solution that converts waste materials into a significant energy source.
