On November 25 – 26, 2024, Pedal Consulting hosted the ALFA Project consortium and various Slovak stakeholders in Poprad, Slovakia, where the 1st mutual learning workshop, a field visit, and the project’s 6th Plenary Meeting were held. The main objective of this gathering was to highlight the project’s mission to support the adoption of biogas technologies within the EU livestock sector, create additional revenue opportunities for farmers, and support the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector across Europe.
Day 1: Mutual Learning Workshop and Field Visit
The first day was dedicated to the Slovak mutual learning workshop, which gathered experts, a biogas plant manager (who later guided us later through the Poprad – Matejovce biogas plant), policymakers, investors, farmers and researchers to discuss practical solutions for:
- Boosting biogas plant efficiency
Presentations explored optimising feedstock management, integrating advanced technologies, and adopting innovative business models to maximise biogas production efficiency. - Unlocking alternative revenue streams
Speakers highlighted opportunities such as:- Upgrading biogas to biomethane for grid injection or transportation fuel.
- Developing bio-based fertilisers and other co-products from digestate.
- Utilising combined heat and power (CHP) systems for local industrial and community needs.
- Learning from best practices across different regions of Europe
Participants gained insights from successful case studies in Slovakia, Denmark, Italy, and the Czech Republic, showcasing how tailored approaches can improve both operational efficiency and financial resilience.
On-site visit to Poprad – Matejovce biogas plant
The workshop was followed by a guided tour of the Poprad – Matejovce biogas plant, a successful case featured in our website, where participants observed firsthand:
- The processes behind feedstock preparation and digestion.
- Cutting-edge equipment, including digesters and fermenters.
- Facility operations, including monitoring systems and efficiency controls.
This visit offered participants a practical understanding of biogas plant operations, underscoring the importance of integrating innovation with day-to-day processes.
Day 2: 6th Plenary Meeting
The second day brought together ALFA Project partners for the 6th Plenary Meeting, a platform to review the project’s progress and chart the path ahead. Key outcomes included:
- Project Progress Review
Partners review the progress made across the project’s work packages, reflecting on the significant achievements made in promoting biogas as a key component of the EU’s sustainable energy agenda. - Focus on Open Calls
Special attention was given to the launch and deployment of the ALFA’s second round of open calls, aiming to support farmers, energy experts, and investors, by offering tailored support services to adopt innovative biogas technologies. - Policy Recommendations Development
The consortium held initial discussions on the drafting of policy recommendations to address key challenges in the biogas sector and support the broader uptake of biogas technologies across the EU. These discussions laid the groundwork for the next steps of ALFA in developing recommendations that will help shape supportive regulatory frameworks across Europe.
Conclusion:
The Slovak mutual learning workshop and the 6th plenary meeting fuelled further ALFA’s mission to drive the uptake of biogas systems in the livestock sector, foster stakeholders’ collaboration, and influence policy development in the biogas sector. By combining expert discussions, field visits, and consortium’s alignment, the project is equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to drive the adoption of biogas technologies.
What’s Next for the ALFA Project?
- Second Round of Open Calls
The second round of open calls invites stakeholders across Europe to access ALFA’s free, tailored support services aimed at accelerating the adoption of biogas solutions. Open until 17th of January 2025. - Policy Recommendations
The development of actionable, evidence-based policies is underway, focusing on fostering innovation, addressing barriers, and enabling long-term sector growth. - Replication Guide
- A replication guide is also being developed to help facilitate the widespread adoption of successful biogas models across different regions, ensuring that best practices can be scaled and adapted to diverse contexts within the EU.
- ALFA’s Promotional Video Release
A professional video capturing highlights from the workshop, site visit, and plenary meeting will be launched in December 2024, showcasing the project’s achievements and future opportunities.
