Biogas is a renewable energy source that is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and wastewater sludge. The biogas produced is a mixture of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with trace amounts of other gases. Biogas can be used directly as a fuel for heating, electricity generation, and transportation, or it can be upgraded to biomethane and injected into the natural gas grid or used as a transportation fuel.
Bioeconomy, on the other hand, refers to a sustainable economic model based on the use of renewable biological resources to produce goods and services. The bioeconomy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food, and biotechnology. The goal of the bioeconomy is to promote economic growth, while also reducing dependence on fossil fuels, minimizing waste and pollution, and supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
"Biogas is a renewable energy source that plays a key role in the bioeconomy, helping to turn waste into valuable resources and promoting a more sustainable future,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, Group leader of Biogas Research Team.
Biogas is an important component of the bioeconomy because it provides a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be produced from organic waste streams. In addition to its energy value, biogas production also offers a number of environmental and social benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal, improving soil quality through the use of digestate as a fertilizer, and supporting rural development through the creation of new jobs and income streams.
In the context of the bioeconomy, biogas production can be seen as part of a larger value chain that includes the collection and sorting of organic waste, the transport and processing of feedstocks, the generation of energy and other products from biogas, and the reuse or recycling of digestate and other byproducts. By optimizing this value chain, biogas production can help to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of the bioeconomy.
Biogas and the bioeconomy are closely linked as biogas is a renewable energy source that is produced from organic waste streams, which are a valuable resource in the bioeconomy. Biogas production is a key component of the circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, and to minimize waste and pollution.
Biogas production is an important component of the bioeconomy because it provides a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be produced from organic waste streams. Biogas production offers a number of environmental and social benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal, improving soil quality through the use of digestate as a fertilizer, and supporting rural development through the creation of new jobs and income streams.
In the context of the bioeconomy, biogas production is part of a larger value chain that includes the collection and sorting of organic waste, the transport and processing of feedstocks, the generation of energy and other products from biogas, and the reuse or recycling of digestate and other byproducts. By optimizing this value chain, biogas production can help to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of the bioeconomy, and support the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
Some of the relevant areas, which we have interest in:
Feedstock characterization and optimization
Research on the characterization of different types of feedstocks for biogas production, including their chemical composition, biodegradability, and methane potential, which can help to identify the most suitable feedstocks for different biogas production systems. Optimization of feedstock mixtures and pre-treatment methods which can also enhance biogas yields and quality.
Process optimization
Research on the optimization of the anaerobic digestion process which can help to increase biogas production efficiency, improve biogas quality, and reduce process downtime. This includes studies on the effects of temperature, pH, hydraulic retention time, and reactor design on biogas production.
Technological development
Research on the development of new technologies for biogas production, such as various additives, pre-treatments, microbial electrolysis cells and membrane technologies, which can help to increase biogas yields and quality, and reduce process costs.
Life cycle analysis and sustainability assessment
Research on the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of production systems which can help to identify the most sustainable practices and inform policy decisions. Life cycle analysis to evaluate the environmental impacts (of for example biogas production) across the entire value chain, and sustainability assessments to consider broader social and economic impacts.
Policy analysis and development
Research on policy frameworks for the bioeconomy and waste management to identify the most effective policies for supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy. This includes studies on the effectiveness of existing policies and the development of new policy instruments, such as taxes, subsidies, and regulations, to promote the sustainable use of waste and other biological resources.
Circular economy approaches
Research on the integration of biogas production into circular economy approaches, such as waste-to-energy and nutrient recycling, to help to identify opportunities for waste reduction and resource recovery, and promote the circular use of resources.
Bioeconomy in the Global South
Bioeconomy is a concept that is becoming increasingly relevant also in the Global South (before referred as developing countries), as these countries often face significant environmental and social challenges that can be addressed through sustainable and inclusive economic development.
Here are some key points about bioeconomy in developing countries:
Importance of natural resources
Developing countries are often rich in natural resources, including forests, agricultural land, and marine resources. These resources can be used to develop bioeconomy value chains that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Sustainable Development Goals
Bioeconomy can contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of targets aimed at reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development, and protecting the environment.
Potential for job creation
Bioeconomy has the potential to generate significant employment opportunities in developing countries, particularly in rural areas. This can help to reduce poverty and promote economic development.
Challenges
Developing countries face a range of challenges in developing bioeconomy value chains, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and weak governance systems. In addition, there may be concerns around land tenure, intellectual property rights, and social equity.
Examples of bioeconomy in developing countries
There are many examples of bioeconomy in developing countries, including the production of biofuels, bio-based products, and agroforestry. For example, our work in Vietnam led to the production of biogas from livestock waste in numerous farms (around 700) and has helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide renewable energy.
Policy support
Developing countries can benefit from policy support that promotes the development of bioeconomy value chains. This can include incentives for private sector investment, research and development programs, and capacity building initiatives.
“Bioeconomy offers significant opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic development in the Global South, however, there are a lot of challenges. Therefore, we are aiming on tackling those challenges. This can be done through policy support, stakeholder engagement, and research and development,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, Group leader of Biogas Research Team.
Subjects taught:
Bioeconomy - IUO021E (Guarantee: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík)
Sustainable Biotechnology and Environmental Protection - IUI018E (Guarantee: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, involved in lecturing: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yelizaveta Chernysh)
Organic Waste Management in TS - IUI011E (Guarantee: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík)
Current projects focused on Bioeconomy
CEE2ACT
BIOECO-UP
Read more about the Launch of the CEE2ACT project B2B Tool HERE.
