Denmark, a nation renowned for its progressive energy policies, has turned biogas into a cornerstone of its renewable energy strategy. A recent study chronicles how biogas has evolved from a farming byproduct to a vital, capital-intensive industry, making Denmark a global leader in sustainable energy innovation.
How Biogas Transformed Denmark
The story begins in the 1980s, when biogas systems were small-scale, primarily serving farms as a way to manage manure and produce heat. Over decades, strategic policy interventions and collaborations have turned biogas into:
- A National Resource: Denmark now produces enough biogas to supply 25% of its natural gas grid.
- A Circular Economy Model: Digestate from biogas plants enriches agricultural soils, reducing reliance on chemical fertilisers.
Key Insights from the Study
- Policy as a Driver of Change:
- Subsidies and feed-in tariffs incentivised early adoption of biogas technologies.
- Recent policies mandate the integration of biogas into the national grid, boosting demand.
- From Farms to Corporations:
- The biogas sector has shifted from localised farm-scale plants to industrial-scale operations managed by major energy companies.
- This transformation has increased efficiency and output but has also raised concerns about corporate control over what was once a grassroots solution.
- Global Leadership:
- Denmark exports its expertise in biogas technologies, supporting countries worldwide in their energy transitions.
Lessons for the World
Denmark’s success showcases how long-term planning, targeted policies, and collaboration between stakeholders can revolutionise an energy sector. However, the transition also highlights the need to balance industrialisation with local benefits, ensuring small-scale producers are not left behind.
By replicating Denmark’s model, other nations could accelerate their journeys toward renewable energy while fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Source
Governing Resource making in energy transitions: a study of shifting configurations of biogas in Denmark from farming to big business, Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning, 2025-01-17
Boˆreal 