In the past year, we have increasingly reflected on Serbia’s first three biogas plants—the pioneers that, 12 years ago, boldly laid the foundations for renewable energy production from biogas. These plants were not merely technological achievements but also symbols of hope, demonstrating that Serbia was capable of stepping towards a sustainable future. Behind these projects were visionaries, individuals ahead of their time, unafraid to face challenges and the unknown. They understood that the road would be difficult but placed their faith in this innovation and the expertise that would recognize its value.

Launched in 2012, these three plants had to “break the ice,” paving the way for all of us working in the sector today. At the same time, they demonstrated that biogas is not only an efficient solution for managing organic waste but also a guardian of the environment, public health, nature, and local communities. The operators of these plants faced considerable mistrust, skepticism, and unfounded, misleading narratives, as much of the community was unprepared for a technology that, at the time, seemed akin to “rocket science.” These first biogas operators had to prove many things, most importantly, that these plants were entirely safe and that accidents were impossible with proper management. Biogas production is a strictly controlled process, a fact confirmed by the years that followed.

Furthermore, they had to demonstrate that biogas plants stabilize the power grid, operating around the clock, and that the generation of electricity from biogas is a fully predictable process, despite contrary beliefs. They also had to continually showcase the numerous environmental benefits of biogas production—how the sustainable management of farm waste generates both electricity and heat, with the only byproduct being high-quality fertilizer, ideal for organic agriculture.

Until these plants became operational, it was difficult to counter the prevailing misconception that they would produce unpleasant odors. In reality, they reduced farm odors by up to 90%, much to the relief of local residents. Additionally, these plants employed local people, providing economic security and strengthening communities. They achieved more than anyone could have anticipated, proving that biogas is not just technology but a solution for the future.

The process of proving all this was neither swift nor simple, but these visionaries and operators persisted. Everything created in the biogas sector thereafter followed the path they had already paved. These pioneers were not just building plants, they were building a future for all of us. They demonstrated that it is possible to turn waste into something valuable, useful, and sustainable. These initial biogas plants were not simply technological innovations, they were symbols of vision, courage, and belief in a better future.

Unfortunately, these plants have now been forgotten. As a group of experts and enthusiasts fights to preserve these pioneers, they are confronted with bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of understanding. Although the sector continues to grow, the symbolism of these plants must not be overlooked. Two of the three pioneering plants have already been shut down, left as abandoned concrete structures – symbols of failure that could have been avoided. Following the expiration of their contracts with EPS, the plants received no governmental support and were left to deteriorate.

This is not only a loss for the biogas sector but also for all of us who believe in this technology, in progress, and in the right to clean air and water. The profession has gone silent, simply because there has been no one willing to engage in meaningful dialogue.

The question we must ask ourselves is: What message are we sending to the region, to Europe, and to the world? As we confront environmental challenges, we are allowing biogas plants, which offer solutions for managing large quantities of organic waste (30-100 tons per MW per day), to fall into disrepair.

Moreover, maintaining existing investments is both financially more viable and strategically more efficient in terms of resources, compared to the capital expenditures required for the implementation of new projects.

Our mindset, unfortunately, seems to be that the grass is always greener on the other side. We continuously strive for what we do not have instead of nurturing what we already possess and what serves us well. Yet, if we continue on this path and fail to act in time, the grass may indeed be greener on the other side, but only because we allowed it to wither in our own yard.

Author: Lidija Zelić, Managing Director of the Serbian Biogas Association