Ending dependence on fossil fuels as the main source of energy is one of the European Union’s priorities under the REPowerEU plan. This is presented in a double scenario; a political and an environmental vision focused on tackling the climate crisis. Nevertheless, in 2021, following the restrictions agreed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of fossil fuels has increased substantially (13.7%) 2021 compared to 2020, generating a setback in the energy transition objectives.
From LIFE ECODIEGESTION 2.0 we promote the use of renewable energies as a source of electricity production, industrial, and transport, collaborating with the environment and supporting the path towards green and sustainable goals. Our project, which aims to scale up the technology for the production of biogas on demand with WWTP sludge, using agri-food waste and slurry as co-substrate, is part of the solution to the fight against climate change.
Biogas is the only renewable energy that can be used for any of the major energy applications: electricity, thermal, or as a fuel, according to the Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving (IDAE). One of our main objectives is to make the use of biogas a reliable energy source to cover the demand for green energy within the framework of EU objectives.
Eurostat shows that, although during 2020 renewable energies overtook fossil fuels as a source of production, the latter has once again taken the lead. This means that we must redouble our efforts on the road to the energy transition. By 2030, the Commission proposes to expand the use of renewable energies from 40 % to 45 % as part of the “Fit for 55”. From LIFE ECODIEGESTION 2.0 we set a specific target to increase biogas production by up to 14% with the same amount of added cosubstrate using the most favorable dosing of residues and mixtures while maintaining the stability of the system.
As good news, on the renewables side, preliminary 2021 data show the largest increases in electricity produced from solar (+13%), followed by solid biofuels (+9.6%). On the other hand, due to unfavorable weather conditions, hydroelectric and wind power generation decreased (-1.2% and -3.0%, respectively).
We are convinced that the contribution of renewable energies and projects such as LIFE ECODIGESTION 2.0 drive the ecological transition and reduce energy independence. It is vitally important to deploy innovative initiatives within the framework of renewable energies that contribute to the fight against climate change.
