Biogas digestate in the EU: 2024 Highlights
In 2024, the European Biogas Association (EBA) reported a notable 37% increase in the EU’s biomethane production capacity from previous years, reaching 5.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually. As a result, the growth has led to a rise in the production of biogas digestate, a nutrient-rich byproduct of the anaerobic digestion process. The EBA estimates that nearly 1 million ton of digestate are produced each year.
Common use: natural fertilizer
Farmers widely use digestate as a fertilizer to boost soil health and replace chemical alternatives. It’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter.
Challenges with solid-liquid separation
While solid-liquid separation is the most common treatment, it has limitations:
- Nutrient Imbalance: Liquid fractions lack phosphorus, while solid fractions are less versatile.
- Environmental Risks: Poorly managed liquid fractions can lead to nutrient leaching and water pollution.
- High Costs: Additional treatments like nutrient recovery increase expenses.
- Odor and Pathogens: Separation doesn’t fully address odor or pathogens, requiring further processing.
Why dry biogas digestate?
Drying digestate resolves these issues by:
- Sterilizing and reducing odors
- Simplifying storage and transport
- Recovering valuable nutrients for high-quality fertilizers
Technologies like ExergyPSSD® transform biogas digestate into a marketable, eco-friendly product with 10x higher energy value.
Biogas digestate isn’t just a byproduct—it’s a vital resource for a sustainable future.