The recycling of biogas in France: a twofold environmental and energy-related challenge; La valorisation du biogaz en France: un double defi environnemental et energetique

In Europe, numerous waste methanization facilities have been built in those countries which have pursued a determined development policy in this field (Denmark, Switzerland and Germany). Since the 1990's, methanization has been considered as a reliable and mature technology, and manufacturers are now clearly identified and well known. Today, the need to encourage the spread of this technology is being felt in France, but the methanization units are still considered as being complex and the equipment level remains confidential. Additionally, the recycling of biogas derived from this process can be further perfected, particularly by extending this to thermal use. Household waste and related waste storage centres today represent the main source of energy produced via biogas, chiefly in the form of electricity. The recent provisions of the new energy law and the multi-year scheduling of investments should make it possible to increase the portion of thermal and electrical energy produced using biogas. (author)