Manure to Biogas: Global Lessons and Challenges in Unlocking Farm-Based Potential

h 13-14.30 CEST

What stands in the way of turning manure into clean, farm-based energy? This webinar explores the untapped potential of manure-based biogas systems across several countries. With diverse climates, agricultural practices, and policy landscapes, the insights shared reveal both barriers and innovative solutions for scaling anaerobic digestion. From national strategies to farm-level technologies, learn how global experiences can drive practical, sustainable change.

The first presentation by Bernadette McCabe explores why the use of manure for biogas production—despite being a model example of sustainable bioenergy—is not more widely implemented. Drawing on insights from seven countries (Germany, Australia, Austria, Norway, Canada, Ireland, and the UK), she compares farming practices, climates, and the maturity of biogas sectors to uncover key factors that influence adoption and highlight lessons with global relevance.

The second presentation, delivered by Saija Rasi, is based on a newly published report that examines the potential for manure-based anaerobic digestion from a feedstock perspective. She provides a comparative analysis of six countries—Canada, China, Finland, France, Norway, and the UK—focusing on policy contexts, motivational drivers, and strategies for overcoming common barriers to deployment.

In the third presentation, Torben Grell focuses on the Australian dairy industry and its untapped potential for energy and nutrient recovery from effluent. He presents research on how different dairy production systems and solid-liquid separation technologies can reduce methane emissions and enable practical, farm-scale circular economy solutions.

Dr. Renjie Dong concludes with a look at China’s large-scale adoption of manure-based biogas. With most plants using animal manure—especially from swine and dairy—as core feedstocks, China has developed innovative models like the Minhe poultry plant, which earned international carbon credits. Mixed feedstock strategies and strong integration with national carbon goals are helping position biogas as a key tool for rural sustainability and emissions reduction.

Agenda:

• Introduction & Moderation
  Hajo Nägele, University of Applied Sciences Zurich (ZHAW), Switzerland
• TASK 37 Introduction
  Bernard Drosg, Task Leader, IEA Bioenergy TASK 37; BEST (Austria)
• Manure to Biogas Potential and Utilization: A comparison of seven different countries
  Bernadette McCabe, Professor, University of Southern Queensland; Director, Centre for Agricultural Engineering (Australia)
• Potential for Manure-based Anaerobic Digestion – Motivations, Barriers and Approaches in Six Countries
  Saija Rasi, Natural Resources Institute (Finland)
• The Australian Dairy Industry: Impact of Production Systems for Resource Recovery and Technology Selection
  Torben Grell, Research Associate, University of Western Australia (Australia)
• Biogas: Successful Manure Valorisation in China
  Renjie Dong, Senior Biogas Expert and Retired Professor from China Agricultural University (China)
• Q&A, Panel Discussion