Biogas secures sustainable energy and food production

This policy brief provides a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening Swedish biogas and biofertiliser production, while highlighting the need for cross-sectoral coordination.

Sweden currently produces 2.3 TWh of biogas, but there is significant untapped potential. Sweden’s biogas production could increase to 7–10 TWh in a matter of years by increasing the sorting of food waste and greater use of organic waste streams that are currently overlooked (especially animal manure and crops that do not compete with food production). Biogas production could enable farms to replace fossil fuels in agricultural machinery or become self-sufficient in electricity and heating. Additionally, biofertiliser could cover a significant portion of the agricultural nitrogen and phosphorus needs.

Ultimately, the expansion of biogas production systems will provide additional benefits such as strengthened energy and food security in times of crisis and the need for supply resilience, regional economic development, green jobs, and a cleaner environment. Many European countries are now increasing their biogas production in a bid to reduce dependence on imported fossil gas. The understanding of the positive societal effects of biogas solutions has improved and influenced both Swedish and European policies, as well as local and regional policies. 

One of the key advantages of supporting biogas development solutions is the minimal conflicts of interests involved. In Sweden, there is a strong desire within the business community and academia to take the lead in significantly increasing sustainable biogas production. However, to continue to promote the expansion of Swedish biogas, long-term regulation and cross-sectoral coordination are required.

This policy brief aims to provide research-based recommendations on how to contribute to securing national food supply by increasing domestic biogas and biofertiliser production.

The policy brief is produced in cooperation between researchers at SLU and Linköping University. All contributing authors are also part of Biogas Solutions Research Center (BSRC).

The policy brief has also been published in a Swedish version.