Biogas is a renewable, storable, and flexible energy source that enables stable and predictable production over both short and long terms. In France, the primary feedstocks available for methanisation are agricultural by-products as well as organic waste from agri-food industries and households. To meet the energy recovery targets set for 2050, the methanisation sector requires solutions that enhance plant efficiency, while ensuring sanitary safety and effective handling of co-products to promote the sustainable use of local resources. Each methanisation facility functions as a unique ecosystem that must be optimised—especially given the growing trend towards regional projects tailored to locally available feedstocks.
Under the framework of the “Regional Research and Innovation Platforms” FEDER–Region open call, the Biogaz RIO project (Research and Innovation in Occitanie), led by the BIO2E platform of the LBE, began this year. Its aim is to deliver solutions that enable better control of feedstock management and operational parameters in the anaerobic digestion process, the development of systems for the monitoring and supervision of facilities, and the maximised use of biogestion coproducts. The project brings together LBE scientists and economic stakeholders in the methanisation sector, including feedstock producers, solution providers, and operators of methanisation facilities.
Three agricultural methanisation operations are involved in the project: GAEC des Vallons, SAS Méthanchottes, and SAS Méthasec.
Outlooks :
Beyond the technological solutions to be provided for the methanisation sector, the Biogaz‑RIO project will enhance the service offer of the Bio2E platform (ISC) to meet the R&D needs of regional companies and accelerate the technology transfer of research outcomes. This enhancement notably includes the renewal and/or acquisition of new equipment valued at nearly €750 K, among which are a Biosafety Level 2 (L2) laboratory and a new facility equipped to investigate various digestate valorisation pathways.
The consolidation of the ISC‑labelled Bio2E platform will provide diverse national stakeholders with access to state‑of‑the‑art technological facilities, thereby stimulating research projects in the methanisation sector.
Applications :
The outcomes of the Biogaz‑RIO project will generate insights to overcome four key challenges encountered in the development of methanisation projects:
