Organized by the Serbian Biogas Association in cooperation with the German Biogas Association – Fachverband Biogas e.V., and with the support of BMZ – the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, the panel conference “Biogas and Biomethane in Serbia by 2030 – Energy from Waste for Sustainable Development” was held on March 13, 2025, in Belgrade.
The event gathered key stakeholders from the biogas and biomethane sector, including representatives of national and international institutions, companies, academia, investors, and organizations in the green energy field. The conference focused on knowledge exchange, sharing best practices, and identifying concrete directions for the further development of the sector in line with European sustainability and decarbonization goals.
The conference was officially opened by Dr. Judith Hoffmann, representative of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia, emphasizing the importance of this topic and confirming the strong bilateral cooperation in the field of green energy. In her address, Dr. Hoffmann highlighted the significance of international collaboration in the transition toward sustainable energy sources, and the role of biogas as one of the key solutions for achieving climate goals.
As a token of appreciation for their long-standing cooperation and support to the biogas sector in Serbia, special acknowledgments were presented to Ms. Antje Kramer and Ms. Sabine Thaler, members of the international project team of Fachverband Biogas, for their exceptional contribution in sharing knowledge, experience, and providing strategic support to the Serbian Biogas Association.
The conference was divided into several thematic sessions, addressing the main challenges and opportunities within the sector:
1. Biogas and the Circular Economy in Practice
This session highlighted the multiple benefits of biogas – not only as an energy source, but also as a tool for reducing emissions, managing waste, and improving soil quality through the use of digestate. Examples from countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Finland showcased the integrated role of biogas in sustainable agriculture, energy systems, and waste management.
2. Biomethane – A New Opportunity for Energy Independence
Speakers from Serbia, Ukraine, and Hungary presented diverse approaches to developing the biomethane market, including regulatory frameworks, producer registration, and early
examples of biomethane export to the EU. It was emphasized that Serbia needs to adopt a legal framework enabling the injection and trade of biomethane, as well as develop the necessary infrastructure for its wider application.
3. Challenges for Biogas Plants After the Expiry of the FiT Scheme
Special attention was given to the sustainability of existing biogas plants that are exiting the feed-in tariff system. The discussion highlighted the need for alternative market-based models, long-term contracts, conversion to biomethane, and expansion of the feedstock base. The role of associations, chambers of commerce, and institutions was emphasized in supporting these efforts and advocating for necessary legislative changes.
Key Conference Takeaways:
- Biogas is a key pillar of the circular economy and should be supported through strategic policies and incentives.
- Biomethane plays a strategic role in boosting energy independence and reducing emissions, but requires urgent regulatory development.
- Post-FiT biogas plants are a valuable resource and can remain viable through new financing models, industry partnerships, and market development.
- International cooperation and knowledge transfer remain essential for accelerating progress in the domestic sector.
- Serbia has real potential to become a regional leader, with clearly defined legal frameworks, stable incentives, and stronger integration with the EU market.
The Serbian Biogas Association will continue to advocate for sector development, support investors, improve the regulatory framework, and promote sustainable solutions in the field of renewable energy from waste.
