Production of biogas from manure at a farm level is the very epitome of a sustainable bioenergy system. The system incorporates a circular economy decentralised production of organic biofertilizer and biogas for use in heat, power or transport fuel, whilst simultaneously reducing fugitive methane emissions from open slurry holding tanks, reducing smells and minimising pollution effects on rivers and wells. Why therefore is the practice of producing biogas from manure not more widespread? The characteristics of manure depend on farm animal source and the method of husbandry, which in turn leads to a wide range of levels of technically available manure resource and costs of biogas produced from manure. To exemplify this, IEA Bioenergy published this report which examines the potential of manure for utilization in biogas facilities across seven countries: Germany; Australia; Austria; Norway; Canada, Ireland and the UK. These countries have differing levels of biogas industry, very different farming practices and a range of climates. It is hoped that the country selection should allow the lessons learned from these seven countries to be applied to many countries across the planet.
