Biogas faces new challenges: Paulmichl supports the call for a secure future

The German biogas sector is facing important political and economic decisions. The planned revision of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) is set to bring about significant changes to the framework conditions for existing biogas plants. At the same time, many plant operators are faced with the question of how necessary investments in modernisation, expansion and continued operation can be made economically viable in future.

For us at Paulmichl, one thing is clear: a sustainable biogas sector needs reliable framework conditions.

New framework conditions for existing biogas plants

The planned amendment to the EEG aims to align biomass subsidies more closely with flexible electricity generation. At the same time, a reduction in the volumes of biomass tenders is envisaged.

The current plans are as follows:

• 1,000 MW per year for 2027 and 2028
• 750 MW per year for 2029 and 2030
• 500 MW per year for 2031 and 2032

For operators of existing biogas plants, this means increasing uncertainty. Many are facing investment decisions that must be made with a long-term perspective, whilst at the same time it is not yet clear under what economic conditions their plants will be able to operate in the future.

This affects more than just individual companies. It concerns the future of an entire sector and the question of what role biogas can play in the German energy system going forward.

Biogas can do more than just provide base load

We are convinced that biogas can play an important role even in an energy system increasingly dominated by wind and solar power.

The key advantage is that biogas can be stored and used flexibly.

Whilst wind and solar power depend on the weather and the time of day, biogas plants can tailor their electricity production specifically to actual demand. In this way, they can help to balance out fluctuations in the electricity grid and usefully complement renewable energies.

It is therefore important to us that existing biogas plants are given a realistic prospect of continuing to operate in the long term.

Paulmichl supports the call by the Biogas Trade Association

For this reason, we support the current appeal by the Biogas Trade Association and are taking part in the ongoing campaign for reliable framework conditions.

We want to use the opportunities available to us to draw attention to our customers’ situation and, at the same time, highlight the importance of biogas for a secure and renewable energy supply.

In this context, the Schwäbische Zeitung, amongst others, will be visiting us. We also have plans for a face-to-face discussion with Axel Müller, Member of the Bundestag.

For us, one thing is paramount: dialogue.

After all, the future of the biogas sector is not determined by political decisions alone. It will also depend on whether politicians, plant operators, manufacturers and the entire sector work together to develop solutions for the years ahead.

Our direction remains clear

We cannot predict today how the political framework in Germany will ultimately develop.

What we can influence, however, is our own path:

We remain close to our customers. We are closely monitoring developments in Germany. And at the same time, we are continuing to expand our international presence.

Because our commitment remains the same: robust, efficient and durable technology for an energy supply in which biogas will continue to have its place in the future.

Anyone wishing to support our campaign is welcome to share the relevant status images via their own WhatsApp status, thereby helping to raise awareness of the importance of a secure future for biogas and the entire sector.

Further information on the EEG amendment and the background to the campaign will follow shortly on the intranet.

Further information:
Bioenergy Capital Office – Statement on the draft EEG 2027

Working together for a strong biogas sector – in Germany and worldwide.