Advanced biomethane potential from local sources in Italy

Area of Science:

• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• Environmental Science and Policy

Background:

• Anaerobic digestion is a key technology for producing biomethane, a domestic renewable energy source.
• It supports energy system decarbonization and reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels.
• Nutrient recycling from agricultural waste minimizes the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the technical potential for advanced biomethane production in Italy.
• Focus on feedstocks compliant with the EU's Renewable Energy Directive for advanced biofuels.
• Assess the contribution of biowaste and residues to national energy targets.

Main Methods:

• Utilized regional data on residue-generating processes and waste stream statistics.
• Created geographically explicit maps of substrate availability.
• Converted substrate availability to technical biomethane potential using specific coefficients.

Main Results:

• Estimated Italian technical potential for advanced biomethane at 5.6 billion m³ in 2022.
• This volume is equivalent to approximately 8% of Italy's total natural gas consumption.
• Potential from biowaste and residues alone could meet 2030 national production targets.

Conclusions:

• Advanced biomethane production from Italian biowaste and residues offers significant potential.
• Utilizing these feedstocks avoids competition with food, feed, and fiber production.
• This approach enhances nutrient recycling and mitigates environmental impacts from conventional agriculture.