Set against the stunning backdrop of High Tatras, the event provided a timely opportunity to address the challenges biogas plant owners are facing. Particularly in Slovakia, where the current feed-in tariff and state support are set to end in 2028. With 80 biogas plants currently operating in Slovakia, plant owners are seeking strategies to ensure their future viability and continued operation.

Alternative revenue sources

The main session of the workshop focused on alternative revenue sources for biogas plants. It highlighted Slovak as well as international best practices in order to provide diverse perspectives. Presentations covered topics such as:

• aggregation flexibility,
• energy communities,
• digestate utilization and monetization,
• heat utilization,
• other revenue opportunities in biogas production.

The presentations were interspersed with knowledge-sharing sessions and focused discussions, encouraging active participation. Attendees exchanged insights, shared best practices, and explored the practical implications of the concepts introduced. The discussions fostered deeper engagement, collaborative problem-solving, and addressed specific challenges related to the topics presented.

Key Insights from the Workshop

1. BIOMETHANE UPGRADE
   Transitioning to biomethane can be a significant revenue source for existing biogas plants. However, such an upgrade requires substantial investment.
   
   
2. FEEDSTOCK DIVERSIFICATION
   Changing feedstock inputs, as well as energy balance, tank capacity, and different biomass sources, can improve plant performance.
   
   
3. COLLABORATION WITH COMPOSTING FACILITIES
   Partnering with composting operations to utilize bio-waste, such as bakery waste, can enhance energy generation.
   
   
4. EXPANDED PORTFOLIO
   Exploring new products such as digestate, together with aggregation flexibility have got potential to stabilize network frequency and dilution levels.
   
   
5. RENEWABLE ENERGY COMMUNITIES (RECs)
   Integrating biogas plants into RECs can offer additional revenue by combining various renewable energy sources. However, Slovakia faces regulatory challenges, with only four RECs registered and a 22-year payback period.
   
   
6. DIGESTATE TRADING
   Establishing a marketplace for digestate, such as CYRKL, could facilitate its use in agriculture and increase its value.
   
   
7. HEAT UTILIZATION
   Biogas plants can supply heat to nearby buildings, as demonstrated by the Poprad-Matejovce/EnergoTerra plant. Other potential applications include heating greenhouses for vegetable production or warming farm facilities that house livestock.
   
   
8. ADDITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES:
   • Biomethane certificates
   • CO₂ capture and storage from Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants
   • Methanization of CO₂ to increase biomethane production
   • Liquid methane for the transport sector
   • Pyrolysis of fiber fractions to enhance gas production and carbon storage

Field Visit to Poprad-Matejovce / EnergoTerra Biogas Plant

Participants of the workshop had also a possibility of visiting the Poprad-Matejovce biogas plant. It has been in operation since 2013. The plant produces 12,000 m³ of biogas daily. Generating 23 MW of electricity and supplying nearly 800 kW of heat to a district heating circuit. Feedstock they use includes primarily corn silage, grass silage, manure, and biological waste from the plant’s farm and local partners.

Plant manager Mr. Michal Čarák is a member of the Slovak Biogas Association. He led the tour and provided a firsthand look at the plant’s daily operations. The Poprad-Matejovce biogas plant is a great example of heat utilization and energy community integration. The plant supplies heat to around 2,000 households, as well as a kindergarten and a primary school. Such a practical example aligned very well with many workshop discussions, showcasing how biogas plants can contribute to local energy solutions and sustainability.

This biogas plant was also a part of ALFA success cases from Slovakia. You can find more information on the plant in the Slovak language here.

The ALFA mutual learning workshop offered valuable insights into the future of biogas production in Slovakia and beyond. The event highlighted the importance of diversifying revenue streams, embracing innovation, and overcoming regulatory challenges to ensure the long-term viability of biogas plants.

Do not miss the video!

The ALFA project promotional video shot in Poprad, Slovakia features:

• the impact of biogas technology showcased at EnergoTerra’s plant in Poprad;
• ALFA project mission and activities;
• interviews by ALFA project partners and the manager of the Poprad – Matejovce biogas plant.

Watch it now: ALFA Promotional Video.

All you need to know the ALFA initiative:
https://alfa-res.eu/