Cottenchy,
France
Why is this important? - The project tackles the major issue of fossil fuel-based natural gas, responsible for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in France. - By converting agricultural waste into biogas, the project offers a sustainable alternative, reducing emissions by 60-80% compared to natural gas. - France aims for biogas to constitute 7% of its energy mix by 2030 and 20% by 2050. - However, progress has been slow, with biogas accounting for only 0.7% in 2020 and 0.9% in 2023, due to its higher cost compared to natural gas, despite numerous existing subsidies.
Why does this project need financial support? - Financial support is crucial for BioAgri Energies to manage the increased costs due to exceptional inflation. The business plan, developed in 2018, underestimated the funding needed due to significant inflationary pressures, with feedstock material prices increasing by 20-30%. - Additionally, the feed-in tariff for biomethane did not keep up with inflation, causing financial strain. In 2022, the project operated at a loss, and it is expected to incur an additional €300,000 in expenses for electricity and feedstock inputs between 2023 and 2024. - Carbon credit sales are essential to cover these costs and ensure the project's viability and continued impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What is unique with this project? BioAgri Energies is an association of 8 shareholder farmers near Amiens (80). Each of them wanted to diversify their farming activities and income. They took part in public meetings and completed a compatibility survey to ensure that they could work together. The result was the Cottenchy methanisation project, which uses livestock effluent, intermediate crops for energy purposes and waste from the agri-food industry.
It represents a genuine local circular initiative, enhancing energy supply autonomy and boosting economic resilience in rural regions.