Questions and Answers

A biogas plant is a facility that processes agricultural raw materials (manure, slurry, straw, silage) into biogas, which is then used to produce electricity and heat. A biomethane plant is a similar installation, but the biogas is purified into pure methane (biomethane), which can be injected into the gas network or used as fuel.

Biogas is produced through anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen) of organic matter. In sealed tanks called fermenters, bacteria break down organic substances, producing a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. This process is natural and similar to what occurs in cow stomachs, for example.

The production uses:

• Manure and slurry
• Straw and silage
• Feed, vegetable, and fruit residues
• Leaves, husks, whey
• Other by-products from agriculture and agri-food processing

NO – quite the opposite! A biogas plant solves the odor problem from slurry and manure. The entire process takes place in hermetic tanks, and raw materials are stored in closed halls. Modern installations have filtering systems (biofilters) that eliminate odorous substances. The digestate produced in the process practically emits no smell.

YES – biogas plants are as safe as gas stations. They are equipped with:

• Gas sensors
• Automatic fire suppression systems
• Lightning protection installations
• Advanced security systems All installations are subject to rigorous safety standards and environmental protection regulations.

NO – a typical biogas plant generates about 20-25 transports per day, which represents only a few percent of traffic on local roads. For comparison: average traffic on regional roads is over 4,200 vehicles per day, and on national roads – over 13,500.

NO – a biogas plant actually improves the environment through:

• Reduction of methane emissions to the atmosphere
• Reduction of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide emissions
• Production of clean, renewable energy
• Supply of ecological fertilizer (digestate)

NO – engines and equipment operate in closed, soundproofed halls. Each facility must meet noise standards specified for the given area. A biogas plant is much less disruptive than wind farms, for example.

• Taxes: 700,000 – 1.3 million PLN annually in property tax
• Jobs: 7-12 direct positions + service industry jobs
• Cheaper heat: up to 30% savings on public building heating
• Economic development: attracting new investors through access to cheap energy

• Steady income: guaranteed substrate collection throughout the year
• Better fertilizer: digestate is more valuable than raw slurry
• Savings: reduced costs of artificial fertilizer purchases
• Problem solution: management of excess slurry and manure

• Clean air: elimination of odors from slurry spreading on fields
• Cheaper energy: access to cheaper heat and electricity
• New jobs: in the biogas plant and cooperating companies
• Better roads and infrastructure: thanks to additional tax revenue for the municipality

In Poland, there are about 200 agricultural biogas plants, while in Europe there are over 20,000. Germany alone has about 10,000 agricultural biogas plants. Poland has the potential to build up to 2,000 such installations.

Poland can produce up to 8 billion m³ of biomethane annually, which would cover nearly half of the country’s natural gas demand. Currently, we use only a fraction of this potential.

A typical biomethane plant needs 100-200 thousand tons of raw materials annually, which come from local farmers and processing plants.

Digestate is a natural fertilizer produced after the fermentation process. It is better absorbed by plants than raw slurry, doesn’t emit unpleasant odors, and provides valuable nutrients to the soil

A biogas plant is based on locality – raw materials come from farms and facilities within the municipality or county radius. There’s no question of bringing waste from distant locations.

Biogas plants are less visually invasive than wind or photovoltaic farms. They can be integrated into the surroundings through green plantings and appropriate coloring.

The best way is to visit an operating biogas plant. Many municipalities organize study trips for residents where you can see how such an installation actually works.

It’s an opportunity for:

• Energy independence
• Local economy development
• Quality of life improvement
• Additional funds for municipal investments
• Solution to odor problems
• Contribution to climate protection

A biogas plant is an investment that benefits everyone – farmers, residents, the municipality, and the environment. It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted!