Biogenic CO₂: A Strong Signal at the European Level
In its article “Biogenic CO₂ from biogas: key to Europe’s carbon strategy” (September 2025), the European Biogas Association (EBA) highlights the strategic role of biogenic CO₂ from biogas in the European Union’s decarbonization efforts.
Key European Points
- Massive catch potential
- By 2040, European biomethane facilities could capture up to 89 million metric tons of biogenic CO₂ per year, representing more than 25% of the EU’s carbon capture target (EBA, 2025).
- CO₂ Utilization and Storage
- Captured CO₂ can be:
- Permanently stored (BioCCS, also known as BECCS – Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage),
- Or used as a raw material for the production of synthetic fuels, chemicals, and construction materials, or in greenhouses and the agri-food industry.
- Environmental benefit
- Unlike fossil CO₂, biogenic CO₂ is part of the natural carbon cycle and enables net—or even negative—reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
This strong institutional signal demonstrates that the utilization of biogenic CO₂ is now recognized as a cornerstone of the European climate strategy.
The Potential of Biogas and BioCO₂ in Switzerland
A high-stakes energy landscape
Switzerland currently produces approximately 0.5 TWh of biogas per year (RTS, 2025), compared with 2.5 TWh of imported biogas and nearly 27 TWh of imported fossil gas each year. This energy dependence points to significant potential for local development, both in terms of renewable energy production and the utilization of biogenic CO₂.
Utilizing BioCO₂: Toward Synthetic Gases and a Circular Economy
Biogenic CO₂ from Swiss biogas can be captured and utilized locally. As is the case in Europe, this CO₂ can be used to produce synthetic gases (synthetic methane, e-methane) and renewable fuels, or utilized in the food industry and greenhouses. This utilization helps reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen Switzerland’s energy sovereignty.
Technologies and Potential According to aeesuisse
The aeesuisse report (CCS/CCU Position Paper, June 2024) highlights:
- The potential for utilizing biogenic CO₂ to produce synthesis gas and renewable fuels,
- The importance of modular, on-site solutions tailored to the scale of Swiss facilities,
- The key role of the agricultural sector and biogas facilities in the energy transition.
WasteOlas: a modular solution designed for breweries, adaptable for biogas production
The system developed by WasteOlas is primarily designed for breweries, where CO₂ from fermentation can be captured, purified, and utilized locally. Breweries and biogas plants are two different industries, but they share some similarities: after filtration, the CO₂ from biogas (bioCO₂) can be utilized in a manner similar to that from breweries.
Thanks to our modular approach, our technology can easily be adapted to the specific needs of each sector. This will help strengthen the circular economy among these industries, which are often already interconnected: for example, breweries purchase malt and hops from farmers and send their spent grain (brewing residue) to biogas digesters to produce biogas or for animal feed (forage).
In summary, WasteOlas offers a flexible solution that promotes the local utilization of CO₂, reduces emissions, and fosters synergies among regional stakeholders. This approach is fully aligned with the transition toward a more sustainable and resilient economy that is accessible to all.
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