The biogas production from animal production waste as support for climate neutrality at the regional level: The case of Wielkopolska

Abstract

In the context of the current global challenges, the European Green Deal and the objective of achieving climate neutrality of the EU economy, actions and solutions that result in an improved economy and a reduction in anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the support of the energy transformation, thus bringing economies closer to zero emissions. Both the energy and agricultural sectors have been identified as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. It has been demonstrated by scientific research that the EU’s environmental and sustainable development goals will not be achievable without a reduction in meat and animal product consumption. A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 50% is feasible with a 54–71% reduction in meat consumption and a 62–78% increase in local food consumption (Rahmann et al. 2017, Purnhagen et al. 2021, Talwar et al. 2021, Röös 2022). Conversely, the agriculture, forestry and land use LULUCF) sector plays a pivotal, even foundational, role in carbon absorption.  Wielkopolska is  one of six voivodeships that have been designated for support through the Just Transition Fund, which is intended to offset the financial burden of climate policy and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. For regions whose economies are based on coal, it is necessary to identify a development trajectory that can reduce the costs of implementing climate policy in the long term. The objective of this study is to estimate the theoretical potential of biogas production from animal excrement in the Wielkopolska voivodeship.

As demonstrated by research conducted by Zaliwski (2007), the Wielkopolska voivodeship is distinguished by elevated emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from agricultural activities. Consequently, the management of slurry for biogas production may represent a crucial component in the advancement of a low-emission economy. The production of biogas from animal excrement has the dual benefit of supporting the energy transformation of the region’s economy and reducing the negative impact of animal production on the natural environment. Wielkopolska has demonstrated the highest potential for biogas production in the country, coupled with high animal production. The necessary areas for the strategic development of centralised biogas plants have been identified in light of the transformation of the Wielkopolska economy towards climate neutrality.