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 the local production of green gases and an independent gas supply. By those measures, the current production capacity shall be increased from 0.14 TWh to 7.5 TWh by 2030 (factor 50). Subsequently, an increase of up to 15 TWh is targeted by 2040. In addition, the act defines a quota regulation system (Green-Gas-Quota), which aims to substitute fossil natural gas gradually. Starting in 2024 with a value of 0.35 %, the quota will be increased step by step to reach the objective of 9.75 % in 2030. The creditability shall only be possible for locally produced, non-imported biomethane.
Research referring to the current number of operated production plants in Austria highlights the necessity of such legal frameworks. In its article, Zukunft Grünes Gas (2024) shows 350 operated biogas plants, 14 of them with grid-supporting biomethane supply (2023). In comparison, there are over 9,000 operated biogas plants in Germany, 238 of them with supply for 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, considering the unknown future of this expensive energy form. This act will significantly improve the financial frameworks for constructing and operating 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.
For more information, please visit www.greenvalue.de.
Quelle: July 31, 2024, www.greenvalue.de
