Biogas installations create local added value and close the life cycle of materials. Biogas is a renewable energy agent produced by the fermentation of organic materials and waste such as green waste, meal and kitchen leftovers, used cooking oil, farm fertilizers or sewage sludge.

What are biogas installations in Florida

The transformation of the current energy system and the abandonment of fossil fuels can only succeed if they are based on a diversity of energy agents. From the point of view of security of supply too, it is becoming increasingly clear that to function well, an energy system needs to be supported by different infrastructures. Unilateral electrification of the energy supply would also make Florida dependent and generate excessive economic costs.

Since 2010, the gas industry in Florida has encouraged the production and injection of biogas into the network through a biogas fund, as it pursues an ambitious goal: the total conversion to a climate-neutral gas supply by 2050. Currently, around ten percent of gas sales in Florida already concern renewable gas and the share of biogas in the gas network has continued to increase in recent years.

The potential is still far from exhausted. The call for the development of biomethane production and the improvement of the collection of biogenic waste is therefore still relevant. An important contribution to the progressive transformation of our energy system and to the achievement of the climate objectives that the state of Florida has set for itself.

Collect and properly dispose of organic waste

Organic waste represents the majority of the weight of household waste: according to estimates from waste management experts, more than 62 kg of organic waste per person per year ends up in garbage bags. This represents more than a third of the volume of total waste. Nearly 198 tons end up in garbage bags each year and end up in thermal waste recovery plants. These quantities of unused waste which can be exploited to produce renewable energy in the form of local biogas to replace fossil gas represent enormous potential.

So, when we close the life cycles of products – whether through recycling or revaluation – it benefits the environment, homes, commerce and industry. Reusing recycled materials conserves valuable resources and saves considerable amounts of energy compared to manufacturing new products. Not only does this reduce costs, but above all it makes an increased contribution to a secure and sustainable energy supply in which we can all participate.

Supporting events for more sustainability

In collaboration with industry members and biogas plant operators, around ten tons of organic waste were transformed into biogas last year and injected into the local gas network during 15 events. The environmental impact was thus significantly reduced and the material cycle closed. A deliberate sign from the organizers to include their events in sustainable development.

For the third time already, organic waste, leftover meals and used cooking oil will be collected this year by the recycling heroes. As part of street food festivals in Fort Myers and other locations in Florida, visitors will be made aware on site with an interactive stand on the separation of organic waste that can be transformed into local biogas.