Already in February 2024, the Ministerrat of Austria has decided on the Renewable-Gas-Act (Erneuerbares-Gas-Gesetz or EGG). Yet, in mid-July 2024, the final approval of the Nationalrat by a two-thirds majority is still to be expected. With the successful implementation of this legal framework, the foundation for the comprehensive expansion of production sites for green gases, such as biogas plants, shall be provided. Simultaneously, the Austrian objectives to intensify climate protection, local production of green gases, and reduction of fossil imports shall be stabilized.
Austria sets precise targets with the EGG
The Renewable-Gas-Act, led by the Austrian Bundesministerium for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, sets clear objectives for local production of green gases and an independent gas supply. By those measures, the current production capacity shall increase from 0.14 TWh to 7.5 TWh by 2030 (a factor of 50). Subsequently, an increase of up to 15 TWh is targeted by 2040. In addition, the act establishes a quota regulation system (Green-Gas-Quota) that aims to gradually replace fossil natural gas. Starting in 2024 at 0.35%, the quota will be increased step by step to reach the objective of 9.75% in 2030. Credibility shall be possible only for locally produced, non-imported biomethane.
The potential of such a legal framework can be gauged by examining the current stock of relevant generation facilities in Austria. Statista (2024) estimates that there were approximately 350 biogas plants in Austria in 2022. The Styrian Chamber of Agriculture (2024) identifies 14 biomethane feed-in facilities among this total. In comparison, there are over 9,000 biogas plants in operation in Germany, 238 of which supply the national gas grid (2022). Until now, the legal frameworks lacked „backing and funding, ” Der Standard (2022) commented about undeveloped biogas potentials. Investments weren’t profitable for credit institutions, given the uncertain future of this expensive energy source. This act will significantly improve the financial frameworks for the construction and operation of production plants.
Future energy and development potentials
The Bayerisches Landwirtschaftliches Wochenblatt (2024) also reflected future development potential. Fines are pointed out when the quota is missing 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, which will be invested in infrastructure projects to produce renewable gases. This should decisively impact suppliers’ incentive to expand existing capacities for biomethane production. This should also contribute to expanding biogas plants operated with waste materials, biological residues, and other input materials.
Sound advice and cooperation with greenValue
With years of experience in renewable energies, greenValue has successfully participated in implementing several projects. In the biogas segment, controlling construction processes, securing raw materials, and ensuring fermentation products are part of the service portfolio. As an independent service provider, greenValue aims to introduce its experience to Austria as well. An extract of our references displays the involvement in different projects and emphasizes flexibility and customer-optimized services for project-relevant requirements.
The authors work at greenValue, a service provider in renewable energies with years of experience and comprehensive references in project management.
Quelle: July 31, 2024, www.greenvalue.de
Image source: AI-generated
