New techniques and technologies for biogas generation were the focus for the 15th Innovation Congress that ran from 11 to 12 May at the German Federal Environmental Foundation in Osnabrück. Held as a face-to-face event after a two-year break, the Congress also provided biogas all-rounder EnviTec Biogas from Lower Saxony with an opportunity to present its innovative business model ‘From waste material to green fuel – driving the transition to sustainable transport with biofuels from Germany’, for which it received the Biogas Innovation Prize in the ‘Business’ category. “With the acquisition of BioEnergie Park Güstrow and the launch of the joint venture BALANCE EnviTec Bio-LNG GmbH, we are making huge investments into our new advanced biofuels business segment. As a result, we offer plant operators a way forward for their business after the expiry of the EEG and are supporting the move to sustainable transport,” explained EnviTec Biogas CEO Olaf von Lehmden in his speech.
The jury, consisting of researchers and representatives of the host institutions – the German Farmers’ Association (DBV), German Biogas Association and Federal Bioenergy Association (BBE) – welcomed this approach, praising in particular the exemplary way in which the model paved the way for the future. “Our award aims to recognise projects or approaches that help to boost the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biogas plants,” comments Johann Meierhöfer, Head of the DBV’s Bioenergy Division. “And the business model from EnviTec Biogas easily meets and even exceeds these criteria.”
In both the Güstrow plant operated directly by EnviTec and the joint venture, biomethane is converted into liquefied natural gas (LNG). The end result of this process is bio LNG: a low-emission fuel that is ideal for use by medium and heavy trucks in the transport sector. This innovative business marketing model for contract liquefaction services also offers mid-sized plant operators the chance to participate in bio LNG production. Even after the expiry of EEG subsidies, these plants can therefore continue to be run economically while also contributing to sustainability.
Alongside EnviTec, who was represented at the awards ceremony by Markus von Lehmden, Director of the Own Operations Division, a team from Offenburg University of Applied Sciences also received the Biogas Innovation Prize in the ‘Science’ category. The Biogas Innovation Congress is hosted annually by the German Farmers’ Association, German Biogas Association and Federal Bioenergy Association acting together as in-kind sponsors. Research institutions who also provide support to the Congress include the German Biomass Research Centre (DBFZ).
About EnviTec Biogas AG
EnviTec Biogas AG covers the entire value chain for the production of biogas, including the planning and turnkey construction of biogas plants and biogas upgrading plants as well as their commissioning. The company takes charge of biological and technical services on demand, and also offers operational management services. EnviTec operates 75 of its own plants, making it one of the largest biogas producers in Germany. EnviTec’s business interests also include the direct marketing of upgraded biomethane as well as the marketing of electricity and balancing energy. The company is represented in 16 countries worldwide by its own companies, sales offices, strategic partners and joint ventures. In 2020, the EnviTec Group generated revenue of EUR 192.3 million and EBIT of EUR 17.2 million. The Group employs over 500 people worldwide. EnviTec Biogas AG has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since July 2007.