Identification and assessment of sustainability effects related to biogas solutions : literature review and perspectives from five countries

A societal sustainability transition is urgent, requiring the shift towards a more circular and regenerative biobased economy. Biogas solutions (based on anaerobic digestion, AD) can take many different forms, from sludge stabilization at wastewater treatment plants to stand-alone digestion of the organic material separated from municipal waste to digestion of dairy manure and intermediate crops in rural areas to landfill gas collection, and can produce a number of energy and digester/biofertilizer products, and biogenic carbon dioxide. Biogas solutions are multifunctional and can deliver key products and services to society, such as energy, mobility, nutrients, fodder, clean water, chemicals, and environmental services including sustainable management of natural resources. Across the globe, there is great potential for expanded adoption of biogas solutions.