The anaerobic microverse : an in-depth roadmap on AD plan operations, microbiome innovation, and economic impact

The MICRO4BIOGAS roadmap provides a concise overview of the European biogas sector, placing the spotlight on the microbiome as a key factor in improving biogas production. Central to this is bioaugmentation – the targeted introduction of high-performing microorganisms into biogas plants to optimize biological processes. Funded by the EU under the Horizon 2020 program, the project brings together 14 partners from six countries. One of its major achievements is a comprehensive metagenomic analysis of 80 samples, offering one of the most in-depth insights to date into the microbial communities of European biogas plants. The roadmap highlights the role of key microbial groups – including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and bacteriophages – and their contribution to the efficiency of anaerobic digestion. It also outlines the state of biogas development in selected EU countries and profiles relevant stakeholders in the sector. Beyond its technical focus, MICRO4BIOGAS aims to raise awareness of the crucial role microbiomes play in biogas production. A Europe-wide survey involving over 200 stakeholders and a collaboration with the Spanish municipality of Aras de los Olmos, which is committed to renewable energy, further enrich the project.