Facts:
SLU has its own biogas plant at Lövsta research center about 8 kilometers outside of Uppsala. Our unique biogas facilities include everything from a high-tech equipment in the laboratory to a full-scale production plant.
SLU Biogas Center
Last changed: 13 December 2022
At SLU we work with the whole biogas chain. An unique feature for our research is that we answer questions about both energy generation and waste treatment. We have our own biogas plant as well as top modern laboratories.
How is biogas produced?
Biogas is produced through degradation of organic material in a complex microbial process. The process occurs spontaneously in nature but can also be used for controlled degradation of various organic waste streams in constructed reactors. As biogas contains methane, an energy-rich compound.
We generate basic knowledge in our laboratory on biogas production from different type of organic waste materials from municipalities as well as from agriculture and crops.Photo: Ingo Ecke.
We evaluate various issues related to biogas production at farms. Cropping systems, waste management, energy production and recycling of nutrients are in focus. Foto: Maria Westholm.
Biogas can be used to produce electricity, heat or fuel for vehicles. At SLU, we study small-scale upgrading techniques for vehicle fuel. Photo: Anna Schnürer.
SLU units dealing with biogas
Department of Molecular Sciences
Substrate, Process biology, Quality of biogas residue
Department of Energy and Technology
System studies, Liquid biofuels, Hygiene
Department of Economics
Economical evaluation
Department of Biosystems and Technology
Sustainable Farming Systems, Technology
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Sustainable community planning
Lövsta research centre
Production facility for biogas
Education in biogas, waste management and energy at SLU
Programs
- Master of Science in Energy Systems (given in Swedish)
- Master of Science in Environmental and Water Engineering (given in Swedish)
Freestanding courses
- Waste management
- On-site wastewater systems, nutrient recovery and sewage sludge treatment
- Safe Nutrient Recycling
- Bioenergy - Technology and Systems
- Biogas in the sustainable society (given in Swedish)
Methane can be used for:
- Production of heat
- Production of electricity
- Vehicle fuel
In addition, the biogas processs also results in a degradation residue, called digestate, which serves as an excellent fertilizer.
The unique biogas system includes both generation of energy and waste treatment. The biogas, consisting of methane and carbon dioxide, can be used as fuel for vehicles, heating and to generate electricity. The biogas system works both at large and small scales which makes it interesting for both industrialized and developing countries. Illustration: Cajsa Lithell.
We have international collaborations and work with end users
We evaluated various aspects of biogas production from many different materials, often in collaboration with researchers at other universities but also with organizations, farmers, municipalities and businesses. We work both nationally and internationally.
Research activities at the SLU Biogas Center relate to areas such as:
- Production systems for biomass
- Pretreatments
- Substrate utilization
- Process biology
- Gas upgrading
- Use
- Storage
- Quality of digestate
- Systems analysis
Please contact me if you have any questions concerning biogas!
Anna Schnürer, Professor
Department of Molecular Sciences, SLU
anna.schnurer@slu.se, 018-67 32 88
Collaboration
We have since many years been cooperating with RISE, Research Institutes of Sweden, (former JTI) on various issues in the biogas area. We are also active in BRC, Biogas Research Center and have a large network through Biogas East and Biogas West, regional cooperation organizations that work to influence and improve biogas conditions in Sweden. We also conduct research and collaboration on biogas advice with the Swedish Economy and Agricultural Society.