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Product Description of Sustainable Organic Biogas

SUSTAINGAS Report D2.1

www.sustaingas.eu

Date of issue: 31.12.2012 – v e r s i o n v 2 . 9

Responsible for

this report

Wolfgang E. Baaske, STUDIA

Bettina Lancaster, STUDIA

with

contributions by

Frank Hofmann, Liliana Gamba, Ulf Weddige, ECOFYS;

Albena Simeonova, Borislav Sandov, FEA; Uli Zerger,

Beatrice Grieb, Florian Gerlach, FIBL; Anna Wilioska,

Agnieszka Puzio Literska, FUNDEKO;

Andrzej Szeremeta, IFOAM EU; Michael Tersbøl,

Lone Klit Malm, Organic Denmark; Steven Trogisch,

María José Pérez, Fernando García Suárez,

PROTECMA; Volker Jaensch, Cornelia Heine, RENAC

Enhancing sustainable biogas production

Product Description of Sustainable Organic Biogas

SUSTAINGAS Report D2.1

Wolfgang E. Baaske, STUDIA Bettina Lancaster, STUDIA

Studienzentrum für internationale Analysen (STUDIA)

Panoramaweg 1 4553 Schlierbach Österreich

t: +43 75 82 / 8 19 81-95 f: +43 75 82 / 8 19 81-94 e: [email protected] w: www.studia-austria.com

ECOFYS Germany GmbH, Germany

Foundation for Environment and Agriculture (FEA), Bulgaria

Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau (FIBL), Germany

FUNDEKO Korbel, Krok-Baściuk Sp. J., Poland

International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements

(IFOAM EU Group), Sweden

Organic Denmark (ORGAN-DK), Denmark

PROTECMA Energía y Medioambiente, S.L., Spain

RENAC, Renewables Academy AG, Germany

STUDIA Schlierbach Studienzentrum für internationale Analysen, Austria

The project “SUSTAINGAS – Enhancing sustainable biogas production in organic farming”

has received funding from the European Union and is supported by Intelligent Energy Europe,

Contract N°: IEE/11/838/SI2.616375.

www.sustaingas.eu

Authors

Responsible

for this report

SUSTAINGAS

partners /

contributors

funding

Preface

Biogas is an important renewable energy vector with impressive

growth and installation rates in the EU. However, production of biogas

from organic farms has not yet been sufficiently exploited. The European

project SUSTAINGAS aims at promoting sustainable biogas supply by

positioning sustainable biogas products from organic farming.

Organic farming is gaining importance in the EU today, providing a

significant potential for sustainable biogas production. This potential has

not been addressed sufficiently so far and these kinds of farms are also

at a disadvantage as they have higher production costs. There are also

concerns in the organic farming community regarding the potential

impact of the anaerobic digestion process on the natural cycle.

SUSTAINGAS will create a concrete model that can be applied in

organic farming. Steps foreseen: set-up of a strategy to address the

demands and barriers for an increased biogas production in organic

farming; the elaboration of sustainability standards for biogas

production in organic farming; the identification of best practice

examples; the training of organic farmers and their representatives,

biogas consultants and associations; and communication to the

consumers.

This report gives a product description of sustainable organic biogas,

which is summarized in chapter 1. Evidence is provided in the following

chapters. The description is based upon 40 consultations with organic

farmers (see chapter 2) and a comparative literature study (chapter 3).

We thank all the partners and experts who contributed to this

description, especially the organic farmers that have been interviewed.

W. Baaske

B. Lancaster

Content 5


Content

1 Product description of sustainable organic biogas –

summary 7

1.1 Working definition of sustainable organic biogas 7

1.2 Thresholds and targets 8

1.3 Effects and impacts 8

1.3.1 Development model 9

1.3.2 Examples of potential effects 10

2 Producers’ views: Results from consultations with

organic farmers 13

2.1 Design of the action 13

2.2 Issues of sustainable organic biogas production 15

2.3 Comparison with / without biogas plant 16

2.4 Some interpretations and consequences 18

3 Literature study 21

3.1 Design of the study 21

3.2 Results – overview 21

4 Annex 25

4.1 Organic farmers’ consultations: Solutions and

approaches to enhance sustainability in biogas

production 25

4.2 Literature study details 36

4.2.1 European Union 37

4.2.2 Austria 40

4.2.3 Bulgaria 44

4.2.4 Denmark 45

4.2.5 Germany 47

4.2.6 Poland 52

4.2.7 Spain 59

6 Product description

in organic farming

1. Summary 7


1 Product description of sustainable organic biogas – summary

Sustainable organic biogas is a new product.

Before placing it on the market, it must be

proven that its features are acceptable and

meet customer demands. A product

description is provided here.

What is sustainable organic biogas? Based on evidence derived from

a literature study, consultations with organic farmers and other experts,

the SUSTAINGAS team derived the following working definition:

1.1 Working definition of sustainable organic biogas

Sustainable organic biogas is biogas produced with substrates mainly

originating from organic agriculture, organic food production and/or

nature conservation. Types of substrate used are mainly catch crops,

residues from animal husbandry or crop production, material from

conservation areas and/or uncontaminated biological residues. The

significance of energy crops as substrates is limited since organic

biogas aims to have a positive impact on food production, avoiding a

competition for land use. Material from conventional agriculture is

limited.*)

The digestate is used as an organic fertilizer in the organic farms’ own

nutrient cycle. Organic biogas aims to improve soil fertility in organic

farming systems. A safe and efficient process with low emissions

particularly of methane is essential for the sustainability. Positive

impacts are expected on water conservation and biodiversity.

*) Criteria are expressed e.g. in the percentage of dry matter input or to the quantity of nitrogen per hectare applied as fertilizer with the digestate.


in organic farming

1.2 Thresholds and targets

This working definition includes criteria, but does not specify

thresholds and targets. Agreements on threshold and targets certainly

are important for practice, but go beyond a working definition. The

literature study (chapter 3) cites some thresholds and targets for some

countries, where regulations exist. The consultations with organic

farmers (chapter 2) show, which issues are important to them and which

solutions and approaches they take to enhance sustainability in biogas

production.

As an example, an expert interviewed claimed “a 70 % minimum

threshold for organic input materials may be acceptable for good

practice“. The same threshold is set in a regulation of the Austrian

organic farmers’ association Bio Austria: “As from 2020 the organic

share of the basic material must be higher than 70 %.” The consultations

with organic farmers with biogas plants show, that in many cases the

share of organic material is even higher.

A desirable target is reducing conventional materials to zero –

however, some opposition from organic farmers arises against a too

strict convention.

Potential thresholds will be elaborated in more detail within other

activities of the project SUSTAINGAS.

1.3 Effects and impacts

The effects and impacts of a sustainable organic biogas production

are important to make the product acceptable to farmers, consumers

and politics. However, an assessment of effects and impacts cannot be

part of a product description, but needs further empirical analysis. When

defining the base line of such an assessment, 2 questions may arise:

1. Question 1: Organic farmers without biogas plants are a target

group as they may decide for producing organic biogas. Which points

make organic biogas acceptable and attractive to organic farms

without biogas plants?

2. Question 2: An organic biogas plant operates almost as a

conventional biogas plant although there are certain differences.

1. Summary 9


Which points make biogas from organic farms different than biogas

from conventional farms?

1.3.1 Development model

Figure 1: Sustainable organic biogas production – 2 baselines for comparison

The model contains 2 baselines: Farming without biogas production,

and conventional farming. Organic farming with biogas may be both

compared with organic farming without biogas, and with conventional

farming with biogas. Typically, the entrepreneurial development path

starts from conventional farming and runs to conventional farming with

biogas, or to organic farming.

A progression on the vertical axis is important to reach the European

targets for increasing the share of renewable energy. That progression

may start from conventional farming or from organic farming. For

SUSTAINGAS, only the latter starting point is important. More organic

farmers become convinced that biogas is a feasible option to them.

Question 1 refers to the vertical axis in the figure.

An increased attention on the horizontal axis is important for

communication to the public. Sustainable organic biogas production

should gain consumer appreciation, and this will promote sustainable


in organic farming

biogas production in general. The horizontal axis in the figure refers to

question 2.

1.3.2 Examples of potential effects

The following aspects of sustainable organic biogas production may

be either regarded as a differential to organic farming without biogas

production or conventional farming with biogas production:

Green House Gas (GHG) balance: Organic farming with biogas may

reduce GHG emissions in comparison with both baselines.

Selection / transportation of substrates: Practice shows that there

will be other substrates be used in organic farming with biogas

compared to conventional farming with biogas. When substrates are

rare and organic farms are distant, higher transportation efforts may

be the effect.

Degree of efficiency in gas production: Technically, there will not be

much difference in the efficiency of gas production. However, some

organic farms may decide to longer the retention time and thus

achieve more methane yield.

Use of waste heat: The use of waste heat is crucial to the economy

of conventional as well as organic biogas farms. Solutions for organic

farms are similar to solutions for conventional farms. Special

solutions for organic farms focus e.g. at drying organic food.

Contribution to regional power supply. Both organic and

conventional farms may contribute to regional power supply,

depending on settlement density and access to grids. For organic

farms, enhancement of soil quality may be more important than

contribution to regional power supply (this refers to question 1).

On-farm carbon and nitrogen cycle. In comparison with organic

farming WITHOUT biogas, most farmers state that they definitely

improve the humus building and progress towards a closed material

cycle.

Acceptance of biogas plants in the neighbourhood. Types of

substrate used are mainly catch crops, residues from animal

husbandry or crop production, material from conservation areas

and/or uncontaminated biological residues. Organic farmers are the

ones who most frequently change crop rotation (e.g. growing more

1. Summary 11


clover grass instead of maize), when introducing biogas production.

This contributes to avoiding competition with food production. This

may increase acceptance both in the neighbouring farming

community as well as at consumers. In many cases, organic farmers

are experienced in PR and capable of building confidence in the

neighbourhood.

Other effects of sustainable organic biogas production have been

mentioned:

Water conservation. Biogas from clover grass contributes positively

to water conservation, in comparison to clover mulching, which

removes nutrients to the soil during the winter, but allows growth

oriented steering only to a limited extent. If, instead, clover grass is

harvested, biogas produced and the fermentation residues used as

fertilizers, then nutrients will pass into the field precisely when

plants can absorb them. They will not penetrate into deeper layers

of the soil or into the ground water. – In addition, biogas plants most

often comprise investment in water-protective measures, e.g.

storage capacities for substrates (liquid manure, silage, dung)

according to state of the art technology.

Conservation of Grassland. The ploughing up of grassland induces

green house gas emissions, a serious issue in many European

regions. Growing energy plants on former grassland therefore is no

option for climate protection. Grassland may instead be used for

growing substrates for biogas plants, in the pursuit of a closed circle

economy. Afforestation is prevented.

2. Producers’ view 13


2 Producers’ views: Results from consultations with organic farmers

Farmers already produce organic biogas.

Their view is essential for acceptance in the

producers’ community.

2.1 Design of the action

Organic farmers who may contribute to a definition of sustainable

organic biogas have been contacted in order to benefit from their

knowledge. For selecting farmers a specific procedure has been

followed: Only farmers having a potential for organic biogas production

or that already produce biogas have been contacted.

Table 1: Design of the action

Action characteristics Design

Target group organic farmers with biogas plants

OR:

in a planning phase

Number of interviews planned: 40

received: 40

Split received:

by nation

by target group

AT 5, BG 5, DE 15,

DK 5, ES 5 and PL 5

organic farmers

with biogas plants: 21

in a planning phase: 19

Type of interview face-to-face

OR:

by phone

Date of the interviews July 2012

to November 2012

Questionnaire type half-standardized


in organic farming

Figure 2: Structure of the sample, by running / contributing to a biogas plant

Do you run or contribute to a biogas plant?

percentages, n=40

Criteria for selection of organic farmers without biogas plants but

with potential (being in a planning phase) were

the farm is operated organic, AND

the farmer is interested in biogas, AND

one of the following conditions applies:

the farmer’s animal livestock is larger than 75 live stock units (LE),

OR

the farmer’s arable land is larger than 80ha, OR

livestock or arable land is half as large, but the farmer is willing to

cooperate in order to ensure a sufficient amount of input material

These criteria distinguish farmers with potential, disregarding

farmers with low production or very specialized production.

Most of the respondents (52%) run a biogas plant. The organic

farmers with biogas plants are located in DE (15), AT (5) and DK (1). In

BG, PL and ES there are no biogas plants on organic farms (with 1

exception in Spain, which will be contacted later). Most of the

respondents running a biogas plant run it as their own biogas plant and

on their own farm. In Austria, there is a higher share of co-operatives, as

farm sizes are small: “Yes, I run a biogas plant together with other

farmers on my farm”, “Yes, I run a biogas plant on another farm together

with other farmers”.

Two thirds of the farms have been organic for more than 5 years,

one third for less than 5 years.

37%

10%5%

48%

Do you run or contribute to a biogas plant?

Yes, I run my own biogas plant on my farm

Yes, I run a biogas plant on another farm together with other farmers

Yes, I run a biogas plant together with other farmers on my farm

No

Structure

of the sample



2.2 Issues of sustainable organic biogas production

The following figure shows the respondents’ answers on the

question: What is important for a biogas plant on an organic farm

in order to be sustainable?

Figure 3: Issues for sustainable organic biogas production

What is important for a biogas plant on an organic farm in order to be sustainable?

Crucial

Important

Also important

percentages, n=40

78

70

65

63

48

63

55

45

58

53

40

30

23

28

23

15

23

28

33

48

23

38

50

28

35

28

40

50

28

45

8

8

8

5

10

8

3

13

10

23

25

15

33

15

3

3

3

10

5

13

10

18

5

3

3

3

Sustainment of soil quality

Avoiding methane emission

Composition of input materials in general

Economic feasibility of biogas plant on organic farm

Fair play for all people involved

Transportation distance of input materials

Degree of efficiency in gas production

Safety and health on the workplace biogas plant

Use of waste heat on farm or external

On-farm nitrogen cycle to increase harvest

Amount of input material from conventional farms

Contribution to regional power supply

Acceptance of biogas plants in the neighborhood

Avoiding competition to food and feed production

Acceptance of biogas plants by organic food …


Very important Important Not so important Unimportant no answer

78

70

65

63

48

63

55

45

58

53

40

30

23

28

23

15

23

28

33

48

23

38

50

28

35

28

40

50

28

45

8

8

8

5

10

8

3

13

10

23

25

15

33

15

3

3

3

10

5

13

10

18

5

3

3

3


















78

70

65

63

48

63

55

45

58

53

40

30

23

28

23

15

23

28

33

48

23

38

50

28

35

28

40

50

28

45

8

8

8

5

10

8

3

13

10

23

25

15

33

15

3

3

3

10

5

13

10

18

5

3

3

3



















in organic farming

Biogas oriented organic farmers state that Sustaining of soil quality,

and Avoiding methane emissions are the most important “crucial”

demands for sustainable organic biogas production. Also the Economic

feasibility of biogas plant on an organic farm and the Composition of

input materials in general are crucial issues.

The important issues are: Fair play for all people involved, Degree of

efficiency in gas production, On-farm nitrogen cycle to increase harvest,

Use of waste heat on farm or external, Transportation distance of input

materials, Safety and health on the workplace biogas plan. Those

demands score about the same level.

Issues of minor importance are the Amount of input material from

conventional farms, the Contribution to regional power supply, the

Acceptance of biogas plants in the neighbourhood, the Avoiding

competition to food and feed production, and the Acceptance of biogas

plants by organic food consumers. These issues are still important, as the

majority of organic farmers agree. Yet there are some organic farmers

not agreeing.

The target group “organic farmers with biogas plants or in a planning

phase” claims many demands concerning sustainability of biogas

production on organic farms: Most high score the sustaining of soil

quality, and avoiding methane emissions. Any promotional activities

must meet those demands.

2.3 Comparison with / without biogas plant

Some respondents have not been running a biogas plant, but were

interested in the topic; others already are involved in biogas production.

Comparing the latter with the overall results, there is not much

difference. Generally, nearly all demands are higher. This means, that

experienced organic biogas producers are well aware of quality

standards. The sustaining of soil quality and avoiding methane emissions

prevail top-ranked.

Soil quality and

methane emissions

– most important

issues



Figure 4: Issues for sustainable organic biogas production – view of organic farmers with biogas plants


Index 0-100

There may be some sustainability aspects organic biogas producers

are more aware of than organic farmers who are interested only in

biogas. The following operational aspects are valued about 10% higher

in the group of producers:




These issues of sustainability again cover both ecological as

economical benefits. Their importance may possibly become evident at

the moment, when practical experience has been gained. As a

consequence:

Promotional activities for new biogas plants for organic farms must

raise awareness concerning the importance for taking measures to

make use of waste heat, exploit the on-farm nitrogen cycle, and care

97

95

84

83

85

92

81

83

92

92

63

71

70

63

62

90

88

86

86

83

83

83

81

80

79

66

65

61

58

58

















with biogas plant (n=21) all (n=37) "with" minus "all"


in organic farming

for low transportation distances. Organic farms without biogas plants

tend to underestimate these conditions for a successful operation.

A similar argumentation, but with a lesser degree of urgency, applies

to the societal demands




Again, organic biogas producers are more aware (5 to 9 percentage

points) of these issues than organic farmers who are just interested in

biogas. Still, societal demands do not rank high in the target group. But

we may conclude that knowing societal demands and being able to

reflect on them, consider and communicate them, may well be a lesson,

experienced organic biogas plant operators have learnt. Organic farms

without biogas plants tend to underestimate societal demands as part of

their communication strategy.

Societal demands of sustainable biogas production require increased

attention, once a plant is operating.

2.4 Some interpretations and consequences

Dimensions of sustainable development. Remarkably, these

ecological demands rank before economic demands like economic

feasibility. In fact, sustaining of soil quality and avoiding methane

emissions cover some economic demands. Methane is a market

commodity. Soil is productive capital, the concept of sustainable

agriculture extends intergenerationally, relating to passing on a

conserved or even improved natural resource to further generations.

Social / societal aspects of sustainability also rank high: Almost 95%

claim a Fair play for all people involved as important. Thus, the organic

farmers with biogas plants or in a planning phase select the three

classical dimensions of sustainable development, the pursuit of

economic prosperity, environmental quality and social equity in the

following order:

environment BEFORE economy BEFORE social equity

Economic feasibility:

a precondition

for sustainable

development



Dimensions of public discourse. It is somehow amazing, that

avoiding competition to food and feed production, ranks relatively low.

Almost 54% assess it as important. But compared to other issues, it is

less significant. When interviewing farmers, we received remarks as

1. Organic farms are obliged to grow catch crops, and may use them in

regions without animal husbandry for energy production.

2. Historically, agriculture has always dedicated some land use to

energy supply and raw material production. Arable land cannot be

used 100% for food / feed production.

3. Urban development exerts much more pressure on land use than

growing energy crops.

4. Under a perspective of global sustainable development, supply

should better outbalance the principle of optimal factor allocation

and the principle of vicinity. The pressure industrialized countries

exert on arable land in less developed countries stems from

disregarding the latter principle.

5. The pressure on land use may be negligible in countries with large

areas of non cultivated land. Here (as e.g. in Bulgaria), organic biogas

production contributes to a sustainable land use.

Organic farmers experienced difficulties when going public with

these arguments. Causes may be a knowledge gap between organic

farmers and the non-farming related sectors of society, as well as

diverse interests of industries and households.

Strengthening the communication skills of organic farmers is an issue

deserving of particular attention.

3. Literature study 21


3 Literature study

3.1 Design of the study

The literature study analyzes crucial points that make biogas from

organic farms different than biogas from conventional farms. Aspects

are:

Green House Gas (GHG) balance

selection / transportation of substrates

degree of efficiency in gas production

use of waste heat

contribution to regional power supply

on-farm carbon and nitrogen cycle

acceptance of biogas plants in the neighborhood

The documents fall into the following categories

scientific article

regulation of an organic farmers’ association

national legal regulation

We set the goal to sample at least one document per category and

per country (including EU). In total, 38 documents have been collected,

relating to organic biogas production and preferably considering

sustainability.

3.2 Results – overview

The following table provides an overview of document types and

contents. Most of the documents deal with biogas production, some

with sustainability criteria and some with organic farming. The literature

search covers both scientific articles as well as regulations. In most of

the cases ecological impacts have been addressed, in some cases also

regional economic effects or social responsibility. The most important

criteria covered have been the use of non-organic material, the on-farm

carbon and nitrogen cycle, and the contribution to regional power

supply.


in organic farming

Table 2: Results of the literature study

Region

No.

Focus Docu-ment type

Aspects of sustain-ability

Criteria covered

Sust

ain

ibili

ty c

rite

ria

bio

gas

pro

du

ctio

n

org

anic

far

min

g

scie

nti

fic

arti

cle

regu

lati

on

regi

on

al e

con

om

ic e

ffec

ts

eco

logi

cal i

mp

act

soci

al r

esp

on

sib

ility

Gre

en

Ho

use

Gas

(G

HG

) b

alan

ce

sele

ctio

n /

tra

nsp

ort

atio

n o

f su

bst

rate

s u

se o

f w

aste

hea

t

on

-far

m c

arb

on

an

d n

itro

gen

cyc

le

safe

ty

use

of

no

n-o

rgan

ic m

ater

ial

deg

ree

of

effi

cien

cy in

gas

pro

du

ctio

n

con

trib

uti

on

to

re

gio

nal

po

wer

sup

ply

ac

cep

tan

ce in

th

e n

eigh

bo

rho

od

fair

pay

oth

er

EU 1 X X X X

2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

AT 1 X X X X X X

2 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

3 X X X X X X X X

BG 1 X X

2 X X

3 X X

4 X

DK 1 X X X X

2 X X X X X X

3 X X X X

DE 1 X X X X X X X X X X

2 X X X X X X X X

3 X X X X X X X X X X X

4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

5 X X X X X X X X X X X

6 X X X X X X X

7 X X X X X X

PL 1 X X X X X

2 X X X X

3 X X X X X X

4 X X X X X X X

5 X

6 X

7 X X

8 X X

SP 1 X X X X X X

2 X X X X

3 X X X X X

4 X X X X X X X

5 X X X X

6 X X X X

sum 11 24 13 15 18 12 14 5 6 10 4 10 4 13 9 11 3 3 9

SUSTAINGAS 2012

3. Literature study 23


A deeper insight in the literature shows that

Many state regulations do not consider organic biogas as a new

product, but treat it in the same way as biogas from conventional

farms.

Regulations from organic associations tend to introduce stricter

rules for the share of non-organic materials in the digestate allowed

as a fertilizer on organic farms.

On the other hand they care for provision of transitional periods,

allowing farmers to adapt to changing and more strict demands

concerning the use of non-organic material as a fertilizer.

Scientific articles seldom cover the demands of organic farmers

when assessing biogas production.

4. Annex 25


4 Annex

4.1 Organic farmers’ consultations: Solutions and approaches to enhance sustainability in biogas production

The question “What is your approach on your farm [concerning

sustainability of biogas production]?” has been raised for all issues. The

following tables list the answers organic farmers with biogas plants

provided. The answers refer to the 21 responding organic farms with

biogas plants in operation.

Table 3: Sustaining of soil quality

Farmers‘ approaches

A central issue for organic

agriculture! It is a reason for running

the biogas plant. Soil quality

improves significantly. Humus is

developed and carbon is stored in

the soil, when the digestate is

applied to the ground. All the

members of the plant are getting

their biogas slurry or composted

material back (8 times)

High proportion of clover grass in

stockless crop rotation of the

organic farms providing substrate

improves soil fertility and builds

humus

Change in crop rotation (8), e.g.

change of rotation from

(conventional) wheat, rape, oats to

7-year-rotation

more use of clover grass (4), grass

(2), catch crops (2), undersowing (1),

green cover (1): alfalfa (2),

buckwheat, radish

Surplus of material on the surface;

viscous manure

Dry cultivation, reducing of pressure

on soil

Ploughing, ploughing in straw (2)

Ground samples on a regular basis

Separation

Size of plant fits to size of land

On the farm, there is only moderate

input of digestate. Generally:

further research necessary.

More grass in the crop rotation, but

the soil will not be better. Until now

the dung is ploughed into the soil

and that will stop.


in organic farming

Table 4: Avoiding methane emission


Gas-tight final storage, covered

digestate storage (6 times)

Final repository is open, "lagoon"

Long retention time (5 times), in

detail:

2 fermenters, long duration of

retention time

Increase of retention time by

lowering water content in

substrate. CHP not running at

full power --> no methane loss

at short term standstill of CHP

(stored gas can now be used by

running CHP at full capacity)

Long retention time in gastight

system (130 days)

Composting follows the methane

production in the garages. That

process reduces methane losses.

regular measuring of methane

emissions

Drage hose (2)

Five step plant; closed containers

Very much aware of leaks and

maintenance of the motor

Table 5: On-farm nitrogen cycle to increase harvest


Decisive for biogas in organic

agriculture

Crop rotation solutions (6 times)

Maize, wheat, Clover grass

4 years crop rotation

Clover grass, wheat, field

forage, field forage, maize

Clover grass (each 4th

year),

corn, potatoes, catch crops

(each 2nd

year)

More lucerne, more clover

grass since operation of the

biogas plant

More flexibility in the crop

rotation and use of the crops

High share of legumes (6 times):

clover 30%, 40% clover grass (aiming

at 30%), whole crop and grass in all

the fields, 100% energy crop, most

of it grass. The typical farmer has

about 25% grass in the crop rotation

Nutrient import via manure

Spreading of digestate early in the

year (low temperature) to avoid N-

losses

10-20% increase of yields

Yields increased by approximately

20-30% for cereals (shallow soils,

compared to yields during

conversion to organic agriculture)

No closed nitrogen cycle! Increasing

nitrogen efficiency by loss-reducing

application of manure

4. Annex 27


Table 6: Use of waste heat on farm or external


5-10% own consumption, rest is sold

30% own consumption (in winter),

70 % is sold

20% used in the plant, 10% for the

farm buildings, the rest is not used.

When the plant is running without

problems heat will be used for

drying different materials.

Maximum share of heat is sold to a

public building nearby

All the gas is sold. So there is only a

small amount of heat produced by

the composting after the gas

production.

Used only for the plant and own

house. When a scouts centre will lay

pipes, the rest of the heat will be

sold to them.

Only for the plant and buildings in

the beginning

Drying of woodchips (energy) and of

grass (protein)

Own farm buildings, house

Heating of entire farm, houses, large

on-farm dairy, drying of cereals and

hay. Thermal energy for dairy was

one reason for biogas

District heating has been built

because of the biogas plant. Village

operates district heating and buys

thermal energy from plant owner.

About 10% of heat produced is used

for the biogas process, about 60%

for district heating.

Heating 10 flats, cereal drying

Drying of the substrate (is not ideal).

A planned heating of neighbouring

farmer's buildings did not succeed.

93.000 kWh for biogas plant itself,

288.000 kWh for sale, 702.000 kWh

for chip wood drying (per year)

45.000 kWh for running of the plant,

1.800.000 kWh for sale (per year)

30% heat losses

Heating piglet house

Heating for industry and

municipality

During winter time all produced

heat is used for the plant and the

farm. In summer time about 25% of

the produced heat is used for the

plant demand, the rest is unused.


in organic farming

Table 7: Transportation distance of input materials


All substrates: 0 km, 2 km, 3 km (<

10 km), < 4 km, 2-3 km (< 5 km), 5

km, 0,2-6 km, 5-6 km, 5-10 km, < 10

km, 10 km ( < 18 km), 12 km, < 15

km (but sometimes from further

away, DK), < 40 km

Slurry / manure: < 5 km < 5 km 5 km

10 km by lorry

Grass 5 km, silage <12 km, maize

and sunflower seeds 10-15 km,

organic grass < 20 km

Poultry manure >12 km

(cooperation cereals/manure),

chicken dung < 18 km

Have a big distance to organic pig

slurry 40 km, but are only using very

little

All farmers in the region are

welcome to join the plant, so there

is no maximum distance

Is underestimated

Too few organic farmers in the

region (2 times)

Trying to source as close to the farm

as possible - not always possible

(fierce competition for biomass!).

Table 8: Fair play for all people involved


A key to collaboration is that no one

feels cheated.

We have to be fair to all farmers

involved, so that all their banks

accept their investments in a biogas

plant.

Workers must participate in success.

Part of their pay depends on the

success of the plant.-

Fair pay

Limited to substrate suppliers

Does not apply, as there are no

employees, proprietor = worker; no

wages, proprietor mainly does

everything on his own (3 times)

Not specific to organic (2 times)

4. Annex 29


Table 9: Composition of input materials in general


We exploit clover, a crop we must

grow in any case and otherwise

would be useless

The best is to mix different fruits

5-10% maize/corn, 35% dung, 55-

60% clover grass

35%cattle slurry. 65% clover grass

30% cattle slurry. 60% clover grass

Clover grass, discarded vegetables

and very little organic and

conventional pig slurry

(Clover) grass from own fields, slurry

from nearby

Cow manure, cow dung, chicken

dung, grass silage

Pig slurry, chicken dung, cow dung,

clover grass, whole crop (30% of the

biomass in crops)

Grass, cow dung, cow slurry

80-90% clover grass, rest:

manure/slurry

Manure and leftover feed

30% manure/slurry, 10% clover

grass, rest maize/cereals, whole

plant silage, small proportion sugar

beet

15 % manure, plant biomass with

50% clover grass/lucerne

60% clover grass and more, 30%

cattle manure, poultry dung, 10%

horse manure and milling

byproducts

>50% manure, <50% plant biomass

(clover grass, catch crops)

1300t maize, 590t sunflower seeds,

420t grass-silage, 540t pig slurry,

560t pig dung

50% field forage, 30% maize, 10 %

green plant silage (GPS), rest dung

and slurry

Dung, manure, grass silage, in

cooperation with organic poultry

farm, 30% from conventional farms

Residuals, no crops

Manure, dung, clover grass, grass

and organic maize. First we tried to

run the plant without maize, but the

engine didn't run properly without

the share of maize (15%).


in organic farming

Table 10: Safety and health on the workplace biogas plant


Training (4 times)

Specific measures

We apply high standards

Written step-by-step definitions of

regular operations, estimation of

dangers (important for apprentices)

In compliance with legal regulations,

a prerequisite for running a biogas

plant (3 times)

Each job has its own risk, and it is

important to take care of risks

“Do it yourself”-solutions on a small

plant are not always ideal for health

& safety

Present situation is a compromise,

improvements would be possible

There are no employees

Right now, the standards are

overblown.

Not specific to organic farms (2

times)

Table 11: Economic feasibility of biogas plant on organic farm


It is very important (3 times): At

beginning the focus has been more

on idealism. High risk for the entire

farm. The operation is a lot of work.

The plant should be self-sufficient

and support the operating farm.

Need for calculations and correct

budgeting

Important factors are

Costs for the transportation.

Getting good fertilizer and

produce energy for sale

Input materials at a reasonable

price (3 times), e.g. using own

materials

Need for possibilities of

financing the plant

Changes in operation:

Chose to make a dry fermen-

tation plant, with expected low

operating costs and suited this

biomass with a share of grass

The farm gave up cattle stocks

and focuses solely on biogas

The perspective must be holistic ,

economic feasibility is not the only

focus (2 times):

Due to its size the plant is not

profitable, but contributes to

the farm's energy supply

Innovation and crop rotation

are in the centre of efforts

Not specific to organic farming

For organic farms, an economic

feasibility is not yet existing

4. Annex 31


Table 12: Degree of efficiency in gas production


The farmers claim the following full

load hours per year: 5843, 6570,

7900, 8000, 8200, 8200, 8250,

>8500, 8600, 8700, 8750

Efficiency is always high (>8500h/a)

because of plant being own

property (responsibility)

Methane yields: 53%, 58%

Methane yields: 60 m3/tons per

tons fresh weight (30% DM), 0,23

Nm3/kg DM substrate, 0,24 Nm3/kg

DM substrate

Methane per kg efficiency not

measurable due to lack of weighing

equipment

Remaining gas production potential

in the digestate of 0.32 %

I have chosen not to run the plant

with full load, so the engine is

running more stable around the

clock. The plant is not running

properly.

Substrate treatment with electro-

kinetic disintegration, 2 fermenters,

long duration of retention time

CHP engine in operation only

approximately 12 h per day.

Important to weigh up cost versus

yield

Due to expensive substrate, biogas

production was reduced, CHP is not

running at full power, longer

retention time, more methane yield

per oDM.

All 3 gas containers have been

linked, allowing gas storage also at

times of motor maintenance work

Operator has little influence.

Maize is the most effective

substrate, but not acceptable. There

is much research demand for

improving fermentation of other

materials.


in organic farming

Table 13: Contribution to regional power supply


Is becoming an increasingly

important aspect. (3 times),

especially for decentralized and

demand oriented supply:

Regional supply via CHP is

positive only when electricity

AND heat are used --> intensive

use of thermal energy

Biogas energy is more

expensive than wind or solar

energy, therefore regional

supply according to demand is

becoming important.

A decentralised approach is

recommended, away from big

energy companies to a

decentralised regional supply

system.

High contribution to regional power

supply (9 times)

All the gas is sold to the local

CHP

3% own use, the rest sold to a

public building

4.5 Mio kWhel/a produced.

Grid electricity need of the

plant is 5-6% of the energy

produced

2.8 Mio. kWh/a sold; electricity

needs of the plant are met by

energy from the grid - about

10% of the electricity produced

2,15 Mio. kWh/a; own use 10%

2,1 kWh/a

0,76 Mio. kWh/a

25% used for own farm

40% of the community demand

An option for the future (2 times):

Possibly heat for the scouts center.

If possible the gas will be sold to the

local heat and power plant

No success in contribution to

regional power supply (2 times)

We could supply the whole

village, but there is no effective

support for that.

Small biogas plant not much

left for selling

Not important (2 times):

The plant is located remote,

local heat net would be too

expensive, even for supplying

the own house

Wind is a more important

energy source. Biogas is an

addition, but the nutrient issue

is more central for biogas. Plant

uses own wind energy for its

own power supply (not grid

electricity)

CHP engine productive max. 12

h per day. Wind and sun are

much more efficient for energy

production.

4. Annex 33


Table 14: Acceptance of biogas plants in the neighborhood


There have been no problems (3

times), especially when farm is

remote

Business relations promote

acceptance, e.g. Providing heat

supply (example: Kindergarten),

selling gas to the area, farmers in

the vicinity are suppliers and

purchaser (3 times)

Transport (2 times): agreement with

the municipality on transport routes

and timing; transport is the most

delicate issue - if possible, no

transports after sunset.

Measures taken for reducing

emissions

No input (purchases) of maize;

problem is competition for hectars

(2 times)

Presentation at the municipalities’

council

Building confidence is a question of

time and good performance (7

times)

One neighbor has been

opposing plant, but got

convinced of its feasibility.

Many talks and discussions,

especially at the beginning;

explanation of interrelations,

open dialogues (4 times)

At the time the plant was

erected, we had 1 opposing

party, but this man became a

supporter when he saw the

plant in operation.

At the very beginning, people

complained. But this has been

settled. The reason for bad

odour has been a cow shed

within a vicinity of 100m, and

not the biogas plant, which is

300 m distant from settlements

(the compulsory distance)

Invitation of neighbors for

inauguration feast as well as

creating opportunities for visiting

the plant and having guided tours (3

times), e.g. in course of the so-called

“ecological year”

Mixed reception and problems with

neighbours (3 times), measures

taken e.g. The villagers were invited

to visit the plant. Trying to

communicate transparently.

Bad image of biogas promoted by

the media


in organic farming

Table 15: Avoiding competition to food and feed production


Competition to food production

does not apply to my biogas plant. It

may be relevant for regions with

large biogas plants, but not for my

farm (13 times)

Producing the same amount food

(or even more) as before, because

of increased crop yield (3 times)

100% energy crops, are producing

feed for biogas instead of feed for

pigs. Potential to grow more and

other crops.

Confining maize / energy crop input

to only 5-10%, max 10%, 15-20%

(organic maize), to be able to run

the plant; mainly use of slurry (4

times)

Input is only non-marketable fruits,

e.g. damaged potatoes (with cuts,

ruptures).

25% bread cereals, 25% fodder

cereals, 25% feed plants and 25%

energy plants is an appropriate

model for land use. It is not possible

to grow 100% bread cereals.

Using NO energy crops: 0% energy

crops clover grass from balanced

rotations as substrate (2 times)

Not possible to realize with the

present biogas plant. Biogas plant

was built in 2001 when this was not

an issue. Now not enough non-

energy crop biomass available, so

energy crops have to be used.

65% of substrate: no competition;

35% energy crops is acceptable. This

also enables more diverse crop

rotations and improves soil fertility.

This plant size was only possible

with energy plant use. With a

smaller plant, the district heating

would not have been realized.

Important, but not absolutely

essential. 10-15% of the clover grass

could be counted as "energy crop"

since it is not needed for nutrients

in the crop rotation

We need food & energy from

agriculture! (3 times):

1300t maize; story about how much

grain were needed for feeding

working horses

It is a joke; in former times they

used up to 30% of agriculture yields

for work horses

Construction, building and

urbanisation is the main cause for

agricultural land losses.

Applying principles of organic

farming, “Bioland” Position Paper

4. Annex 35


Table 16: Amount of input material from conventional farms


0% (7 times), 5-10%, 10% (is going

to be reduced), 10% (3 times), 20%

(2 times), 30%, 40% , <50%, >50%

It is very important that no

conventional material is being used

It is nonsense, that it may not be

mixed

No conventional input is difficult for

larger plants

”Better conventional biomass than

nuclear power”

0% is the aim (3 times)

Biomass from conservation farming

would be also positive, but this

poses technical problems

Today, conventional poultry manure

is used

Customers require 100% organic

material inputs.

Table 17: Acceptance of biogas plants by organic food consumers


Improved during the last years

Vegetable gardening division has no

negative experiences with

customers regarding the biogas

plant.

Consumers tend to respond

positively to the biogas production

on the farm

No problems, no action needed, not

an issue for the consumers, no

direct marketing to consumers (5

times).

District heating has positive impact

Public relations (7 times)

Regular visitor groups on the

plan

Guided tours are offered

Running an own shop

Plant open for visitors any time

Open farm days

I am a member of the national

network of organic

demonstration farms

At times of the Fukushima

catastrophe consumers had more

positive attitude towards biogas.


in organic farming

4.2 Literature study details

Figure 5: Form for literature study concerning definition of sustainable organic biogas

4. Annex 37


4.2.1 European Union

Organic Regulations concerning biogas production

Document Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 of 28 June 2007 on organic

production and labelling of organic products and repealing

Regulation (EEC) No 2092/91:

Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 of 5 September 2008

laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council

Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling

of organic products with regard to organic production, labelling

and control:

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1235/2008 of 8 December 2008

laying down detailed rules for implementation of Council

Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 as regards the arrangements for

imports of organic products from third countries:

Working document – version of 28.6.2012 of COMMISSION

IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) No …/.. of XXX amending

Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 laying down detailed rules for the

implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on

organic production and labelling of organic products with regard

to organic production, labelling and control

Author(s) European Commission

Issue Regulations (EU) No 834/2007, 1235/2008, No 889/2008

Download http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:

32007R0834:EN:NOT Consolidated version 10/10/2008: http://eur-

lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CONSLEG:2007R0834

:20081010:EN:PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:



:20120801:EN:PDF

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:



:20120701:EN:PDF

http://www.ifoam.org/about_ifoam/around_world/eu_group-

new/eu_member/regulation/pdf/Annexes_I_II_XII/COMproposal-

workingdocument-fertilizerandpesticidSCOF10-7-2012.pdf


in organic farming

Contents of the document: There is no specific point about biogas

production in Regulation (EC) No 834/2007, neither in the Regulation

(EC) No 1235/2008.

However there is a reference in Regulation (EC) No 889/2008

regarding the implementing rules on organic production, and specifically

in Annex I regarding the fertilisers and soil conditioners referred to

Article 3 (1) of the same regulation. Explicitly it is mentioned that

composted or fermented household waste, and composted or

fermented mixture of vegetable matter, obtained from source separated

household waste and from mixtures of vegetable matter respectively,

which have been submitted to composting or to anaerobic fermentation

for biogas production can be used as fertiliser and soil conditioner. In

other words, based on Commission Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 the use

of biogas digestates produced from ingredients and products allowed in

organic production, can be used as fertilisers and soil conditioners.

Article 2 point k of Regulation (EC) No 889/2008 provides definition

of ‘energy from renewable sources’: renewable non-fossil energy

sources: wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, landfill gas,

sewage treatment plant gas and biogases. Biogas is mentioned

specifically as one of energy sources, which is being preferably in organic

production for aquaculture operators (article 6a point 5 and article 25h

point 3).

Article 2 (k) ‘energy from renewable sources’ means renewable non-

fossil energy sources: wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower,

landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases;

Article 6b point 5: Aquaculture and seaweed business operators

shall by preference use renewable energy sources and re-cycle materials

and shall draw up as part of the sustainable management plan a waste

reduction schedule to be put in place at the commencement of

operations. Where possible, the use of residual heat shall be limited to

energy from renewable sources.

Article 25h point 3: Aeration is permitted to ensure animal welfare

and health, under the condition that mechanical aerators are preferably

powered by renewable energy sources. All such use is to be recorded in

the aquaculture production record.

4. Annex 39


Extract of Annex I:

Name Compound products or products containing only materials listed hereunder

Description, compositional requirements, conditions for use

Composted or fermented mixture of vegetable matter

Product obtained from mixtures of vegetable matter, which have been submitted to composting or to anaerobic fermentation for biogas production

Composted or fermented household waste

Product obtained from source separated household waste, which has been submitted to composting or to anaerobic fermentation for biogas production Only vegetable and animal household waste Only when produced in a closed and monitored collection system, accepted by the Member State Maximum concentrations in mg/kg of dry matter: cadmium: 0,7; copper: 70; nickel: 25; lead: 45; zinc: 200; mercury: 0,4; chromium (total): 70; chromium (VI): 0

Currently in 2012, European Commission is working on the

amendments of Annex I of Regulation (EC) No 889/2008. Commission

proposal includes modification:

specification for Composted or fermented household waste. The

category will be modified to Composted or fermented mixture of

household waste and specification for maximum contaminants for

chromium (VI) will be change from 0 mg/kg of dry matter to "not

detectable".

new category is being added:

Name Compound products or products containing only materials listed hereunder

Description, compositional requirements, conditions for use

Composted or fermented mixture of vegetable matter

Product obtained from mixtures of vegetable matter, which have been submitted to composting or to anaerobic fermentation for biogas production


in organic farming

Directive 2009/28/EC

Document Directive 2009/28/EC of the European parliament and of the

council on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable

sources and amending and subsequently repealing Directives

2001/77/EC and 2003/30/EC (RED)

Author(s) European Parliament, Council

Issue European Union, 23. April 2009

Download http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do

?uri=CELEX:32009L0028:en:NOT

Contents of the document: This Directive establishes a common

framework for the production and promotion of energy from renewable

sources within the European Union. The directive requires EU member

states to produce a pre-agreed proportion of energy consumption from

renewable sources such that the EU as a whole shall obtain at least 20%

of total energy consumption from renewables by 2020. The document

also sets additional requirements for electricity from renewable sources,

for biofuels and bioenergy.

4.2.2 Austria

Bio Austria – regulation

Document Regulations for Organic Farming in Austria

Author(s) Doris Hofer

Issue Bio Austria – Verein zur Förderung des Biologischen Landbaus,

Linz; 2010

download Regulations for Organic Farming in Austria

Contents of the document: The document specifies to which degree

biogas slurry from mixed farms is acceptable, and sets targets for

diminishing the share of conventional material.

2.1.4 Regulations for biogas slurry from mixed farms

In mixed farms raw materials from organic and conventional agriculture are

fermented. Generally speaking the spreading of biogas slurry from these

farms is permitted only if the delivery of substrata is made demonstrable by

the applicant. For arable land a minimum legumes share of 20 % in the

4. Annex 41


main crop rotation of the relevant year or of the last three year must be

obtained. The applied materials correspond to the list of BIO AUSTRIA

fertilizers (point 2.1.5). The amount that can be admitted is calculated from

the amount of Nitrogen that was delivered in the form of substrata plus

25 kg Njw per ha farmland that fits for being fertilised and year. The

calculation basis is the Nitrogen per year (Njw) according to ÖPUL 2007.

2.1.4.1 Biogas slurry from plants which had the required license to

build the plant before December 31, 2004:

BIO AUSTRIA-members can purchase biogas slurry from these plants until

the end of 2013, if:

o the organic share of the basic material is higher than 70 %.

o no conventional urine and slurry and no conventional pig and

poultry farmyard manure are fermented.

BIO AUSTRIA members who are themselves shareholders (minimum share

3 %) and/ or operators (already before January 1, 2009) of biogas plants,

can spread biogas slurry from mixed plants on their farms until the end of

2019, if no conventional urine and slurry and no conventional pig and

poultry farmyard manure are fermented. As from 2020 the organic share

of the basic material must be higher than 70 %.

2.1.4.2 Biogas slurry from plants which had the required license to

build the plant after December 31, 2004:

The spreading of biogas slurry from these plants can be approved, if the

input-material is basically of organic origin, except for:

Growth of conventional grassland areas

Growth of areas which are cultivated according to ÖPUL- measures

“Abstaining from the use of yield-increasing inputs on agricultural areas”

and ”Abstaining from the use of yield-increasing inputs on arable land or

grassland “.

Conventional farmyard manure of cattle, horse, sheep and goat

2.1.4.3 Quality measures

Twice a year the plant operator must submit the following information:

A list of all components fermented in the plant in t or m3 indicating

whether the components are of organic or conventional origin.

In case of animal basic material the animal species must be specified

along with the livestock husbandry system (tethering, slatted floors etc.)

including the stock density of the original farm.


in organic farming

In order to secure GMO-free production it is necessary to confirm the

Austrian origin of maize, soya, potato and sugar beet including their

secondary products.

An annual analysis of the nutrients (N, P, K, DM etc.) is necessary.

Basically, for sanitary reasons a three month post storage of the biogas

slurry takes place.

In case of the application of basic materials of the element group 2 and/or 3

of organic origin according to the animal by-products regulation “EU-VO

Tierische Nebenprodukte 1774/2002“ (e.g. vegetal and animal household

waste of organic origin) the following parameters must be complied with:

Analysis of nutrients (N, P, K, DM etc.), heavy metal and sanitary conditions

(Salmonella absence in five samples per 25 g wet matter)

Frequency of the analysis:

Less than 300 t co-substrata of the element group 2 and/or 3 per year:

one analysis every two years

300 t - 4.000 t co-substrata of the element group 2 and/or 3 per year: one

analysis per year

More than 4.000 t co-substrata group 2 and/or 3 per year: one analysis a

year and one more analysis per each 4.000 m3 that have been started.

Document’s specifications for a sustainable organic biogas production

Criteria / thresholds Effects on permits, funding, tariffs

For arable land a minimum legumes share of 20% in the main crop rotation of the relevant year or of the last three year must be obtained

Knock-out criteria

Quality label for biogas

Document Establishment of an evaluation system for biogas plants –

“Quality label biogas”

Author(s) R Braun, M Laaber, R Madlehner, E Brachtl, R Kirchmayr

Issue BMVIT, Energiesysteme der Zukunft, Tulln, 2007

Download www.nachhaltigwirtschaften.at

Contents of the document: The study derives quality parameters for

biogas plants. Technical efficiency, economic performance, socio-

4. Annex 43


economic aspects and ecological parameters are assessed for 41 plants.

Benchmarks are derived. Efficiency has much increased for new biogas

plants.



Organic load, gas yield, annual level of utilization

indicative, the study gives benchmarks based on empirical data, but they are not formally binding. For funding and receiving loans the economic quality criteria may apply most.

Acceptance study “BiogasAccepted”

Document Increasing Acceptance for Biogas Applications

Author(s) W Baaske, C Bergamasco, Z Forróova, M Haberbauer, K Kovács,

G Kunikowski, B Lancaster, K Marshall, JM Álvarez, D Ochs

Issue Schlierbach, 2010

Download www.biogasaccepted.com

Contents of the document: The document describes measures to

increase the acceptance of a biogas plant in the neighborhood. It is

based on a questionnaire targeted at neighbors. Benchmarks have been

created for 7 dimensions of acceptance.



attention for renewable energy score 0-100, thresholds, affect general information measures

biogas interest score 0-100, thresholds, affect education measures

biogas project acceptance score 0-100, thresholds, affect project local information measures

regional climate score 0-100, thresholds, affect political measures

demands to the region score 0-100, thresholds, affect project design measures

individual values score 0-100, thresholds, affect information measures

individual commitment score 0-100, thresholds, affect bargaining measures


in organic farming

4.2.3 Bulgaria

Legal framework for biogas: Law of RE, 2007

Document LAW OF RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES

AND BIOFUELS

Author(s) Government

Issue Prom. SG. 49 of 19 June 2007, amended. SG. 98 of 14 November

2008, amended. SG. 82 of 16 October 2009, amended. SG. 102

of 22 December 2009.

Download http://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135555862

Legal framework for biogas: Law of RE, 2011

Document LAW OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Author(s) Government

Issue Effective on 05/03/2011, Prom. SG. 35 of 3 May 2011,

amended and supplemented. SG. 29 of 10 April 2012,

amended and supplemented. SG. 54 of 17 July 2012.

Download http://www.lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135728864

Legal framework for biogas: Landfills / Waste Disposal

Document The conditions and requirements for the construction and

operation of landfills and other facilities and installations for

the recovery and disposal of waste

Author(s) MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

Issue Ordinance No 8 on August 24, 2004 (SG, No. 83 of September

24, 2004)

Download http://www.law.dir.bg/reference.php?f=n8osv-04

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=bg&prev=_t&sl=bg&tl=en&u=http://www.lex.bg/bg/laws/ldoc/2135728864

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=bg&prev=_t&sl=bg&tl=en&u=http://www.law.dir.bg/reference.php%3Ff%3Dn8osv-04

4. Annex 45


Other national programs

National long-term program to promote RES 2005-2015

National program to promote short-term RES 2007

National long-term program to promote Use of Biofuels in the

Transport Sector 2008-2020

4.2.4 Denmark

Ministry for Climate, Energy and buildings – regulation

Document Notat: Begrænsninger for brug af majs og andre energiafgrøder

til production af biogas. Limitations for the use of maize and

other energy crops for production of biogas

Author(s) Energistyrelsen, Klima-, Energi- og Bygningsministeriet (Agency

of Energy, Ministry for Climate, Energy and Buildings)

Issue Copenhagen, 26. September 2012

Download http://www.ens.dk/da-DK/Info/Nyheder /Nyhedsarkiv/2012/

Documents/Notat%20om% 20begr%C3%A6nsning

%20af%20brug%20af%20majs% 20final%2026092012.pdf

Contents of the document: This document reflects the broad

political attitude in the Danish Parliament, that the use of energy crops

for biogas production should be limited. From 2015-17 only 25 pct. of

the input biomass can be from energy crops like maize and other energy

crops, and from 2018-2020 only max 12 pct. can be energy crops. After

2020 the shared is expected to be further reduces. Organic farms and

small biogas plants can get exception from these general rules, which

later on will be implemented in the legislation. The limitation is launched

in connection with a recent rise in the feed-in-tariff for electricity and

other energy forms arrived from biogas production. For electricity feed-

in-tariff has risen from about 10 eurocent to 15.



Maximum share of energy crops of 25 % as condition for receiving feed-in-tariffs in the future

Does not affect organic biogas plants


in organic farming

Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries – regulation

Document Vejledning om økologisk jordbrugsproduktion (Guidelines for

organic farming production)

Author(s) Ministeriet for Fødevarer, Landbrug og Fiskeri.

Naturerhvervssstyrelsen (Ministry of Food, Agriculture and

Fisheries of Denmark, The Danish AgriFish Agency)

Issue Published by author, July 2012. Copenhagen

Download http://1.naturerhverv.fvm.dk/Admin/ Public/DWSDownload.

aspx? File=%2fFiles%2fFiler%2fTopmenu%2fPublikationer%

2fVejledninger%2fOekologi_Juli_2012%2fOekologivejledning_jul

i_2012.pdf

Contents of the document: The document describes how the

farmers can comply with certification in organic production in Denmark

and EU. Page 39-40 is specific about organic biogas and how to use

biomass from biogas plants. In general all material approved in the EU-

regulation and listed in the Annex 1 can be used as biomass. The farmer

must document the origin of the biomass used in the biogas plant. An

organic biogas plant has to be approved and authorized as an organic

enterprise by this authority, and the use of non-organic biomass

containing nitrogen must be approved in each case. Use of a mixture of

biomass with organic origin and biomass with non-organic origin

biomass can be approved, and the resulting biogas slurry will be “partly”

organic, calculated on the percentage of nitrogen in non-organic

biomass. The guidelines do not define a maximum limit on how much

non-organic material can be used. The biogas slurry is used on fields.

Farmers can apply up till 170 kg nitrogen (total nitrogen) per hectare

and hereof a maximum of 70 kg nitrogen per hectare can be of non-

organic origin.



Authorization of biogas plant as organic enterprise:

Is a condition to produce “organic” biogas slurry

The share of non-organic biomass as input in the biogas plant (% N):

Defines the “partly” organic in percent. Max 70 kg nitrogen per hectare of non-organic origin. Only products on the list of Annex 1 in the EU Regulation can be used in the biogas plant.

4. Annex 47


Ministry for Climate, Energy and buildings – regulation

Document Energi- og gødningsforsyning ved hjælp af biogas (Energy- and

fertilizer supply by means of biogas)

Author(s) Michael Tersbøl in Alrøe, H & Halberg, N. (EDS). 2008. (Udvikling,

vækst og integritet i den danske økologisektor.

Issue ICROFS (International Centre for Research in Organic Food

Systems)

Download http://ecowiki.org/uploads/OekologiskUdvikling/Kap14-Biogas-

Tersboel-OFFPRINT.pdf

Contents of the document: Development of organic agriculture with

energy crops in the crop rotation for the production of biogas and

‘organic’ fertilizer provides a wide range of benefits on the farm and for

society. Therefore, it is an obvious strategy to promote the production

of biogas and organic fertilizer to increase conversion to organic

production while addressing a wide range of challenges for both organic

farming and the society. The paper/survey argues that Biogas

technology trims organic agriculture's positive role in a wide range of

policy areas: aquatic environment, nature and biodiversity, natural

resources, soil quality, reduced pesticide use, rural development, energy

and climate change, education and employment, just as it promotes

organic farming credibility and competitiveness.

4.2.5 Germany

Bioland – regulation

Document Code of praxis for the operation of biogas plants in organic

farms (Merkblatt für den Betrieb von Biogasanlagen auf

Bioland-Betrieben)

Author(s) Bioland-Bundesverband

Issue Bioland German Association (Bioland-Bundesverband)

Download http://www.bioland.de/bioland/richtlinien.html

Contents of the document: Bioland supports biogas in general as

on-farm energy production and substitution of fossil energy. To ensure

that biogas on organic farms is sustainable and allowed it is mandatory

that:


in organic farming

All input material complies with EU-regulation 2009/91, Attachment

II A and Bioland regulations (allowed fertilizer and substrates)

The amount of total nitrogen (N) to the fields must be limited to 110

kg/ha and

The maximum of imported material is limited to 40 kg/ha

Shared biogas plants are only allowed if all input material allowed

according above regulation

Digestate and imported conventional substrates must be stored

separate from organic fruits or fodder

If material is imported there should always be a communication with

Bioland and the company responsible for the organic control



Input material Controlled by the controlling company (Öko-Kontrollstelle)

Nitrogen limit Controlled by the controlling company (Öko-Kontrollstelle).

Shared biogas plants Controlled by the controlling company (Öko-Kontrollstelle)

Inform Bioland and controlling company

n/a

Demeter – regulation

Document Regulation for the certification of Demeter quality (German:

Richtlinien für die Zertifizierung der Demeter-Qualität)

Author(s) Forschungsring für Biologisch-Dynamische Wirtschaftsweise

Issue Demeter association for organic farming

Download

Contents of the document: Demeter sees some negative aspects in

biogas production, especially in conventional farming. If a biogas plants

is operating on a Demeter farm the following conditions have to be

fulfilled:

At least 2 third of the substrates must be from Demeter farms or

farms running under “Betriebskooperation” conditions

Import for material is limited to one third

4. Annex 49


Digestate (fertilizer) form imported material is limited to 40 kg/ha

During fermentation biological-dynamic compost “Preparates”

(biologisch-dynamische Kompostpräparate) have to be used.



Demeter material should be the main material

Imported material limited on mass

Imported material limited on nirtogen

biological-dynamic compost “Preparate”

are mandatory

Schöberl – scientific article

Document Biogas from clover-grass. Sustainable for environment and

economy

Author(s) Schöberl, W and Zerle, P

Issue Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences,

Straubing, 2012

Download http://www.etaflorence.it/proceedings/?detail=6594

Contents of the document: This study assesses the environmental

and economical sustainability of biogas production from clover grass and

examines the uncertainty of the results mathematically. Based on real

data of a biogas plant in Germany costs and greenhouse gases are

calculated and compared to a plant using maize. Then the CO2-

abatement costs of changing the biogas substrate from maize to clover-

grass are derived. Since most input parameters vary geographically and

annually or can only be estimated the outcome can mathematically be

viewed as a random variable. Therefore statistical methods are

employed to assess the uncertainty of the results. The study shows that

greenhouse-gas emissions per kWh are significantly lower if a biogas

plant uses clover-grass rather than maize. The CO2-abatement costs

range at 30 Euro/t, its expected value at 7 Euro/t. In contrast to maize

the impact of clover-grass cultivation on soil and water is positive. Costs

are a little higher, but this is outweighed easily by the fact that clover

grass does not compete with cash crops due to its position in crop

rotation. Therefore the use of clover-grass or other legumes in biogas

plants must be supported more.


in organic farming

SOEL – scientific article

Document TA-Projekt “Oekologischer Landbau und Biomasse”

Themenfeld 3 Bioenergieerzeugung und Energiepflanzen im

ökologischen Landbau

Author(s) Anspach, V; Gerlach, F. Graß, R.; Herrle, J.; Heß, J.; Siegmeier, T.;

Paulsen, H.P Szerencsits, M.; Wehde, G.; Wiggert, M.; Wilbois,

K.P.; Zeller, H.; Zerger, U.

Issue Stiftung Oekologie & Landbau, Bad Duerkheim, 2010

Download http://www.tab-beim-bundestag.de/de/gutachter/

g9500.html#Thema_3

Contents of the document: The document is an expert assessment

to reveal the integration of bioenergy production and energy crops in

organic farming. This third part of the studies focuses on bioenergy from

biogas since this technology is the most important for organic farming.

The assessment analyses: the discussion about organic farming and

bioenergy; meaning and influence of additional purchase of biomass for

the nutrient cycle; the potential, influence and meaning of integrating of

biogas production into organic farming regarding environment,

production and energy supply.

Anspach – scientific article

Document Status quo, Perspektiven und wirtschaftliche Potentiale der

Biogaserzeugung auf landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben im

ökologischen Landbau

Author(s) Victor Anspach

Issue University Kassel, Kassel

Download http://www.uni-kassel.de/hrz/db4/extern/dbupress/

publik/abstract.php?978-3-89958-812-5

Contents of the document: Biogas production is becoming

increasingly important for organic farms. This is an empirical study,

designed as a census, the structure and specifics of organic biogas

production were investigated. Today an estimated 150 organic biogas

plants in Germany exist; this corresponds to 5% of all biogas plants.

Most characteristic plants are investigated for organic biogas, e.g. use of

low-priced substrates like manure and grass-clover, but also maize

4. Annex 51


silage. Further the average usage of waste heat and the internal benefits

of biogas slurry are analysed.

BUND- scientific article

Document Energy generation from Biomass (German: Energetische

Nutzung von Biomasse-Positionspapier)

Author(s) BUND – Friends of the earth, Germany

Issue Positionspapier 34

Download http://www.bund.net/fileadmin/bundnet/publikationen/energie

/20101223_energie_position_biomasse.

Contents of the document: The document analyses the potential

and framework in Germany for a sustainable energy production from

Biomass. It criticises the current EEG legislation, and demands incentives

for a stronger utilisation of waste materials and residues in energy

generation. It covers the points: area needed, sustainable Biomass

production, import of biomass, energy- efficient use of biomass and

reduction of GHG emissions and harmful substances. Biomass should

support decentralization of energy production. Enhancement of national

energy production should not hamper the development of organic

farms. If energy crops are grown, a yearly humus bilancing should be

mandatory, and the reduction of crop rotation under 3 species should

not be allowed. 50 kg N/ha should not be exceeded. Furthermore the

use of genetic modified material should be strictly forbidden.

Grass et al. – Scientific article

Document Discourse on cofermentation of organic and non-organic

materials in a biogas plant. (German: Diskurs zur Kovergärung

konventioneller Substrate im ökologischen Landbau)

Author(s) Grass, Anspach et al.

Issue ÖL-Ergebnisse des Dialogworkshops bei der 11.

Wissenschaftstagung Ökologischer Landbau

Download http://orgprints.org/19068/1/WiTa2011_DWDoku.pdf

Content of the Document: This Paper discusses the controversial

aspects of mixing conventional with organic material inputs to a biogas

plant. 50 % of all organic biogas farms use conventional substrates.


in organic farming

Extend reaches from 1-80%, maize is used mainly. The more kWel

installed, the higher the share of conventional maize, and the share of

slurry decreases. The share of conventional material increases with the

extent the biogas plant is not adapted to the size of the farm. The farms

have less animals per kW installed power, or sometimes no animals at

all. The argumentation concerning the topic conventional share of input

materials is divers: among organic farmers’ associations as well as

among farmers themselves. However, the trend among organic farmers’

associations is that the share of substrates will be limited, if not

prohibited (e.g. Bioland in the year 2021), so further plants should be

constructed differentially. Different treatments may be for collectively

owned plants (organic and non-organic farmers). 100 % input of organic

material is in many regions yet not feasible, due to large distance

between organic farms and thus high transport costs. A problem is the

low methane returns for clover grass and animal manure compared to

maize. For example, for a farm with a 190 kWel plant a switch to purely

organic input would mean a 40 % area increase and 100 % animal

increase compared to 70% conventional maize before. Co-operations

should be established for implementing a decentralised organic biogas

provision. Introduction of a sustainability bonus in the EEG is desirable.

Already a bio bonus of 2 cent/kW would make the above mentioned

plant competitive to the conventional plant.

4.2.6 Poland

Michalski / Gladysiak – scientific article

Document Comparing the efficiency of maize and helianthus tuberosus

cultivated for biogas installations

Author(s) Michalski T., Gładysiak S.

Issue Conference materials, V session „Maize as a source of industrial

raw materials and foodstuffs”; Polish Association of Maize

Producers 2012

Download http://www.kukurydza.info.pl/files/ konferencja/Sesja%20V.pdf

Contents of the document: Article summarizes the outcomes of

scientific research conducted in Wielkopolska Region in years 2007-2011

on utilization of Helianthus tuberosus L instead of Zea mays for

bioenergy production, especially on organic farms. The research has

4. Annex 53


shown that chemical composition of both Helianthus tuberosus and Zea

mays cultivated on organic farms was different to the results observed

for conventional farming. Despite differences in the chemical

composition of plants, the efficiency of methane production form

organic and conventional farming was very similar. Zea mays and

Helianthus tuberosus produced more methane in case of conventional

farms in comparison to organic farming. The research has shown that

Helianthus tuberosus can be used for biogas production and reduction of

monocultures for biodiversity maintenance. The authors are of the

opinion that biogas plant development on organic farm serves not only

for biodiversity but also for challenging the economic situation.

Ginalski – scientific article

Document Some experience in the cultivation of energy crops

Author(s) Zdzisław Ginalski

Issue Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinow

Download http://www.cdr.gov.pl/pol/ OZE/upr_roslin_energ.pdf

Contents of the document: The aim of the study was to present the

results of research and observation of some energy crops cultivation,

especially Phalaris arundinacea and Helianthus tuberosus. Some plants

were grown by conventional methods, other according to organic

standards. It was found that organic farming, i.e. without the use of

herbicides, was less effective than conventional one. Plantations free of

chemicals were very weed and required 10-fold mechanical weeding.

Ginalski – scientific article (2)

Document Energy analysis of exemplary farm for the use of renewable

energy sources

Author(s) Zdzisław Ginalski

Issue Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinow

Download http://www.cdr.gov.pl/pol/OZE/ analiza_energetyczna_gosp.pdf

Contents of the document: The aim of the study was to compare

the operation of the farm from the Mazowieckie Region, Radom district,

municipality Skaryszew to a demonstration organic farm of the


in organic farming

Agricultural Advisory Centre. The authors focus on energy-efficiency and

economical aspects in the use of farm waste. Cost-effectiveness

calculations of the biogas plants construction for households are

presented.

Eymontt – scientific article

Document The use of waste organic matter in organic farms

Author(s) Andrzej Eymontt

Issue Issues of Agricultural Engineering, nr 3/2008

Download http://www.ibmer.waw.pl/pir/2008/

pelne_3/eymontt_wykorzystanie_p.pdf

Contents of the document: An important problem on the farms

engaged in crop production is to equilibrate the fertilizer balance in soil.

On market oriented farms such a balance is achieved by mineral

fertilization supplemented with the organic fertilizers. However, on the

farms producing food with application of ecological methods the use of

organic fertilizers is a basis. Composting of organic matter is an useful

way to getting the organic fertilizers. Depending on the type of farm,

kind and volume of crop production, adequate composting methods

ought to be used which would ensure: - the highest utilization of waste

organic matter produced on the farm, - minimizing the losses of

nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) originated in the process of

composting and fertilization, - utilization of the heat and gases arising in

composting process at simultaneous reduction of their emission to

atmosphere, - getting ready fermented compost of the best quality.

Either in Poland and in the other countries there are being developed

the methods of composting in piles and in closed chambers. Various

composting methods possible to application on ecological farms as well

as the results of their use were discussed in this paper.

4. Annex 55


Poland: regulations – comment

The literature review below concerns legal issues of renewable

energy sources in Poland (there are no special regulations for biogas

only).

In Poland a basic legal act for energy production in general is in

force, including the renewable sources too. It is the Energy Law (from

the year 1997, amended in 2006). However, in October 2012, the Polish

Ministry of Economy presented the new draft of Law on renewable

energy sources. The draft Law on renewable energy sources is part of

the new legislative package for energy that contains 3 new acts: gas law,

energy law, the law on renewable energy sources, which are being

prepared in the Ministry of Economy throughout the year 2012. This

new energy law package is designed to create a basis for the functioning

of modern energy market in Poland. It is expected to be proceeded in

the Parliament in December this year.

For promotion of sustainable organic biogas it is necessary to bear in

mind that the literature relates to the present legal status and it may be

changed after the new law is introduced. The reviewed texts are the

following:

Legal framework of renewable energy projects based on existing

Energy Law

List of barriers to development of renewable energy

Directions of the development of agricultural biogas plants in Poland

for the years 2010-2020 – strategy document

Guide for investors interested in the construction of biogas plants

Energy projects – regulation

Document Legal framework for renewable energy projects in Poland

Author(s) Adam Morawski, Morawski and Co – International Lawyers

Issue Polish Information and Foreign Investments Agency, Warsaw,

November 2011

Download http://www.paiz.gov.pl/prawo/odnawialne_zrodla_energii


in organic farming

Contents of the document: The article briefly summarizes the

existing Polish regulations concerning renewable energy sector, namely

Energy Law Act. It is the basic legal document that regulates the whole

energy issues in Poland, including renewables, and the article describes:

specific rules related to connecting to the network and the

transmission of electricity generated by companies using renewable

energy sources;

rules for the sale of electricity generated by companies using

renewable energy;

issuing certificates of origin and trading (green certificates) issued

for the energy generated from renewable sources.

Barriers in energy sector – regulation

Document List of barriers in the energy sector. List of barriers to

development of renewable energy.

Author(s) Association of Private Employers of Energy Sector, Association of

Employers – Forum of Renewable Energy

Issue Polish Confederation of Private Employers Lewiatan, Warsaw,

May 2011

Download http://pkpplewiatan.pl/wydawnictwa/_files/publikacje/lewiatan

_energ_www.pdf

Contents of the document: The report includes an assessment of

developments in the electricity and gas markets in 2010, and - as the

title suggests - a list of barriers to development of the sector along with

the recommended ways to remove them.

According to the Association of Employers - Forum for Renewable

Energy the delays in the implementation of efficient and effective legal

regulations, in particular the climate and energy package and the

implementation in Poland of Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of

energy from renewable sources, are now the most immediate barrier

and the largest source of investment risk in renewable energy.

4. Annex 57


Agricultural biogas plants – regulation

Document Directions of the development of agricultural biogas plants in

Poland for the years 2010-2020

Author(s) Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural

Development

Issue Ministry of Economy, Warsaw, 2010

Download http://www.seo.org.pl/pliki/publikacje/kierunki

%20rozwoju%20biogazowni%20MG_2010_07_13.pdf

Contents of the document: The document assumes that in every

Polish municipality (gmina) in 2020 there will be one agricultural biogas

plant under operation (provided that the municipality has the right

conditions to launch such a project).

The main purpose of the document is to optimize the legal and

administrative system in the establishment of biogas plants in Poland

and indicate the possibility of co-financing this type of installations from

public, both national and European Union sources, available in the

national and regional operational programs.

The document discusses the need to establish a system of

promoting and supporting the production of agricultural biogas and

using it to produce electricity and heat. It is expected that biogas plants

will be built in rural areas with relevant biomass resources, in order to

harmonize the national policies with the priorities of the Common

Agricultural Policy.

Guide for investors – regulation

Document Guide for investors interested in the construction of biogas

plants

Author(s) Andrzej Curkowski, Anna Oniszk-Popławska, Przemysław

Mroczkowski, Magdalena Zowsik, Grzegorz Wiśniewski

Issue Institute for Renewable Energy, Warsaw, March 2011

Download http://www.mg.gov.pl/files/upload/13229/poranik%20biogazow

y.pdf


in organic farming

Contents of the document: On the basis of the governmental

document Directions of the development of agricultural biogas plants in

Poland for the years 2010-2020, adopted in July 2010, Ministry of

Economy in cooperation with the Institute for Renewable Energy has

developed a practical Guide for investors interested in the construction

of biogas plants.

The Guide contains information on: the development potential of

biogas plants in Poland, available technologies and requirements for

feedstock for the production of agricultural biogas plants; characteristics

of the different stages of the investment process, economic issues -

including financial engineering investment, legal aspects of the

investment and the exploitation processes and case studies of the three

agricultural biogas plants operating in the country.

4. Annex 59


4.2.7 Spain

Sociedad Española de Agricultura Ecológica – scientific article

Document La fertilización y el balance de nutrientes en sistemas

agroecológicos

Author(s) V. Gonzalvez, F. Pomares

Issue SEAE (Sociedad Española de Agricultura Ecológica), Valencia,

2008

Download http://www.agroecologia.net/recursos/

documentos/manuales/manual-fertilizacion-fpomares.pdf

Contents of the document: Soil improvement is one of the pillars of

organic production. Also, the soil should be understood as a complex

system with physical, chemical and biological properties that are crucial

for achieving optimal development of crops.



nutrient turnover ensure sustainability of crops by using organic amendments

University Pablo de Olavide – scientific article

Document Sustainable de-growth: an agroecological perspective on

Spain’s agrifood system

Author(s) Infante Amate, J., Gonzalez de Molina, M.

Issue University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain, 2011

Download Journal of Cleaner Production (2011),

doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2011.03.018

Contents of the document: Traditionally, energy balances in

agrarian production have been used to calculate the impact of food on

the Spanish economy in physical terms. However, this tool is clearly

insufficient. The results of this research show that feeding the Spanish

population is an inefficient process. A move towards organic farming,


in organic farming

and corresponding new consumption patterns, may considerably reduce

resource use in Spain.



reduce energy costs 34% of the primary energy consumed in agrarian production

reduce use of resources

Spanish Institute for Energy – scientific article

Document Situación y potencial de generación de biogás. Estudio técnico

PER 2011-2020

Author(s) AINIA technological center, GIRO foundation (IRTA)

Issue IDAE, Spanish Institute for Energy, Madrid, 2011

Download http://idae.electura.es/publicacion/230/ situaci%EF%BF%BDn

_potencial_generaci%EF%BF%B Dn_biog%EF%BF%BDs

Contents of the document: This paper aims to disseminate the

potential of biogas generation in Spain. To do this integrates results

from different studies which are part of the set of previous works “The

development of the new Renewable Energy Plan 2011-2020”. One of the

studies has been: current and potential to generate biogas from

agricultural and food waste in Spain.



biogas potential ensure biogas market, explore possibilities

Committees Association of Organic Agriculture – regulation

Document Overview of Spanish and UE legislation on organic farming

Author(s) INTERECO (Committees Association of Organic Agriculture in

Spain)

Issue INTERECO, Spain, updated to July 2012.

Download http://www.interecoweb.com/informacion/

4. Annex 61


Contents of the document: Complete compilation of national legal

regulations (UE based) to obtain certification on organic farming. List of

standards, requirements and legal considerations.



legal regulations mandatory

Ministerio de Industria – regulation

Document RD 661/2007 Producción de energía eléctrica en régimen

especial – Special regime for the generation of electricity

Author(s) Ministerio de Industria

Issue Boletin Oficial del Estado, num.126, 26 mayo 2007. Ministerio de

Industria, Energía y Turismo, Madrid, 2007

Download www.boe.es/boe/dias/2007/05/26/pdfs/A22846-22886.pdf

Contents of the document: National regulation for renewable

energy production. The PER 2005-2010 introduced a special regime for

selling the electricity that acted within the scope of the Iberian

electricity operator market, and established the tariffs of the electricity

generated in the biogas plants depending on their technology. Biogas

produced in anaerobic digesters corresponds to subgroup b.7.2. The

PANER 2011-2020 was going to continue using this scheme.



Grants Set tariffs in origin

Ministerio de Industria – feed in tariffs’ regulation

Document RD 1/2012 Moratorium of the feed-in-tariffs for renewables

Author(s) Ministerio de Industria

Issue Ministerio de Industria, Energía y Turismo, Madrid, Enero 2012

Download www.boe.es/boe/dias/2012/01/28/pdfs/BOE-A-2012-1310.pdf

Contents of the document: The order RD1/2012 has made a

moratorium of the feed-in-tariffs for renewables. Due to the tariff

deficit, the government has completely cancelled the special regime for


in organic farming

electricity production for renewable technologies and establishes the

price of 0.054 €/kWh for the general regime. The RD1/2012 announces

the current preparation of the new regulation of the net balance

electricity system, encouraging the own production of electricity.



Tariffs temporary suspension of special regime