
Biogas production from straw, grass and reed
The demand for biogas as a fossil-free alternative is growing, and there is a great need to explore the potential of utilising various residual and waste products. This project will contribute to this development by investigating the feasibility of using straw, roadside grass and reeds for biogas production.
The project is practically anchored with partners active in the biogas value chain.
The European Commission has a target of 350 TWh of upgraded biogas by 2030. In Sweden, for example, the Biogas Commission has indicated that the total need of industry alone is about 10 TWh of biogas by 2030. At present, about 35 TWh of upgraded biogas is produced in the EU and 1.5 TWh in Sweden.
To enable biogas production targets, economically viable concepts that utilise the existing potential from waste and residual products are required. The potential for roadside grass and reeds is about 0.3-1 TWh/year, while agriculture has the most significant unutilised potential in Sweden. Excluding energy crops, the total potential of agriculture is about 4-10 TWh/year, of which straw represents about 2-4 TWh/year, making it essential to investigate how the potential of these materials can be realised. In addition to the overall political objective, there is an increased demand for upgraded biogas from heavy lorries, industry and shipping, further motivating the demonstration of biogas production from straw and lignin-based substrates.
Providing opportunities for agriculture
This project is a feasibility study for a demonstration project to harness the energy contained in straw, roadside grass and reeds. The aim is to develop a business and implementation model for a future commercial project. In addition to contributing to biogas production, the project will promote rural development by increasing the agricultural industry opportunities to utilise straw for other uses.
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is leading the project in cooperation with Halmstad University, Södra Hallands Kraft, Biofrigas Sweden AB, Perstorp Holding AB and Volvo Technology AB. The project is funded through the Bio+ Research and Innovation Programme.
Project facts
- Project name: Biogas production from pelletised and briquetted straw, roadside grass and reeds (Biogasproduktion från pelletterad och bricketterad halm, vägkantsgräs och vass)
- Budget: 1 615 000 SEK
- Funding: The Swedish Energy Agency through the Bio+ research and innovation programme
- Project partners: IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute (coordinating partner) and Halmstad University
- Period: 2023 - 2025