Stable corporate management and new markets
Lohne/Saerbeck - Germany’s largest biogas producer, EnviTec Biogas AG, is starting its 23rd financial year on a strong foundation: “Despite all the adversities we are going through, we are looking forward to the new year with confidence,” explains Olaf von Lehmden, CEO of the company based in Lohne and Saerbeck, Germany. Following its market entry in Sweden, EnviTec Biogas plans to launch projects in a couple of European markets.
The company’s roughly 200-million-euro investment program, the largest in its history, is also progressing well. For example, the doubling of the 700 Nm3/h (435 scfm) own-operated plant in Forst, Brandenburg, is currently in trial operation. Along with the additional production of 63 GWh of biomethane annually—compliant with RED II standards due to the choice of input materials and suitable as a CO2-neutral fuel—Bio-LCO2 is also generated here. Liquid carbon dioxide is used in the food industry as well as many other branches, such as the chemical industry. In addition to Forst, the expansion of the company-owned project in Friedland has also been completed. The plant, originally commissioned in 2007, has been significantly expanded and now produces an additional 43 GWh of biomethane per year, which, as in Forst, is available for use in the fuel sector.
The plant manufacturer is also hoping for positive signals from the upcoming elections in Germany. “The lack of long-term prospects in the political framework has generated widespread uncertainty in the renewable energy sector, leading to a decline in investment in the hydrogen, green mobility, and biogas plant expansion markets,” summarizes von Lehmden. In the spirit of true technological openness, it is imperative that we consistently utilize all renewable energy sources – including bioenergy, which offers significant system-relevant potential!
To put this technological openness into practice, EnviTec Biogas will also increasingly focus on wind and solar power projects in the new financial year. The recently established EnviTec Wind I Solar GmbH & Co. KG has become part of the financially strong group of companies. “Our Lohne-based start-up adds the wind and solar power segment to EnviTec’s renewable energy portfolio, enabling us to offer an even broader range,” says the CEO.
The stable corporate management of the healthy medium-sized company is also reflected in its number of employees. “Last year, our team grew to around 700,” says von Lehmden. Even though the figure is currently stagnating, EnviTec is currently training 18 apprentices – a record number that clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to the future of Germany as a business location. “Investing in young people is not only essential for our company, but above all to achieve our shared goal of combating climate change,” the CEO concludes with conviction.
