Table 3 Drivers and constraints in biogas distribution and end-use
Drivers | Constraints | |
|---|---|---|
Political factors | • Distribution obligation passively creates demand • Support for low-carbon investments and gas distribution infrastructure | • Differing taxation between end-use cases • Discontinuous policy instruments • Lack of demand-based policy instruments |
Environmental factors | • Synergies with environmental goals and rural development • Local and regional climate initiatives • Consumers more climate-aware | • Consumers’ awareness has not translated into a willingness to pay a climate premium |
Social factors | • Biogas has a positive public image • Change of information between biogas actors | • Lack of demand-focussed initiatives • Risk of not-in-my-back-yard effect when investing |
Technical and economic factors | • Gas-operated vehicles are considered reliable • Switch-fuel tactics available to substitute for natural gas • Possible markets in marine transport and flexible power production | • Limited fuelling infrastructure • Risk of empty pumps and pump malfunctions • Diminishing supply of gas-operated passenger vehicles • Risks of being an early bird investor • Small initial market |
Value chains | • Municipalities dominated by agriculture interested in investing in biogas | • Farmers perceived as hesitant to sell gas or feedstock to a larger company • Lack of entrepreneurial attitude on farms |