Why is methanization essential in France?
Biogas contributes to France's energy mix
We have many renewable energies on our territory that complement each other to diversify energy production and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. However, their share will have to double by 2030 to represent 32% of energy consumption in France.
France has the largest wind energy reserves, the third largest solar energy reserves and the fourth largest forest area in Europe. Biogas is also playing an increasingly important role in the energy mix: in 2030, it is expected to account for 10% of natural gas consumption in France.
Methanization helps fight climate change
It contributes in two ways to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Firstly, because biogas can be used to replace fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) to heat buildings, run vehicles, or even produce electricity. Secondly, because the process captures and isolates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, naturally produced during the decomposition of organic matter, particularly livestock effluent.
Waste is better managed and at lower cost
Methane digesters can recycle a wide variety of organic waste, including greasy or very wet waste that cannot be composted. This means less waste to incinerate and landfill.
The bill is affected: the cost of waste treatment by methanization is around €50 per tonne, compared to around a hundred euros for incineration or for the storage of non-hazardous waste.
Methanization preserves and creates jobs
Building methanization units, organizing transport and logistics, ensuring maintenance... all these tasks require labor. On French territory, thousands of jobs should be created in the coming years, with the installation of hundreds of sites. Methanization also makes it possible to perpetuate existing agricultural jobs.
Savings for farmers
Farmers with a methanisation unit on their farm can use biogas to produce heat and use it directly on their farm, thereby reducing their energy bills.
By using the digestate to fertilize their crops, they reduce the costs associated with purchasing industrial fertilizers. Farmers can also sell all or any surplus of the biogas produced.
Methanization offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for farmers to treat the manure of their livestock.