At the ninth Nordic Biogas Conference (NBC), held October 22nd–23rd, 2024 in Aalborg, Denmark.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , JE Nilsson 2024
Reflecting on the Nordic Biogas Conference 2024: Championing Circular Economy and Nutrient Recovery
This past October, I had the privilege of participating as a plenary speaker at the Nordic Biogas Conference (NBC) 2024 in Aalborg, Denmark. The NBC is a key platform for knowledge exchange and networking among experts, innovators, and stakeholders in the biogas and circular economy sectors. Organized by leaders from the biogas industries of all five Nordic countries, NBC 2024 brought together a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and waste management solutions.
A Focus on Circular Economy, Waste Management, and Nutrient Recovery
During the session, titled Circular Economy – Waste Management – Feedstock and Fertiliser Quality, moderated by Linn Andersson from Avfall Sverige, I presented insights from the EU Interreg BSR core project, CiNURGi, where we focus on nutrient recovery as a catalyst for sustainable synergies across various sectors in the Baltic Sea Region. My presentation, Circular Solutions for Nutrient Recovery: Building Sustainable Synergies Across Sectors in the Baltic Sea Region [PDF], highlighted innovative solutions for recycling nutrient-rich biomass, developing industry standards for safe fertilizers, and fostering cross-sector collaborations. These approaches are essential for creating resilient, circular systems that reduce environmental impact while opening new economic opportunities.
One of the core messages I shared was the importance of establishing a common language in the biogas sector, particularly around terminology for recycled nutrients. Consistent terminology can significantly improve communication, policy alignment, and market acceptance, paving the way for a true circular economy.
Inspiring Contributions from Session Speakers
It was a pleasure to share the stage with two other inspiring speakers who brought invaluable perspectives to the session:
- Claes Lundberg from Renahav Sverige AB: Claes presented an impressive story of transforming waste challenges into valuable products. His organization, Renahav, has developed a circular model where former waste from Sweden’s seafood industry is converted into organic fertilizers and biogas. This circular approach not only supports agriculture and local industry but also minimizes environmental impact, showcasing the powerful potential of circular economy solutions at a local level.
- Lea Böhme from SORPA bs., Iceland: Lea shared her experiences managing biowaste and composting systems. She emphasized the critical role of public engagement in maintaining high-quality, source-separated food waste. By fostering a continuous dialogue with citizens, her team at SORPA ensures the quality of the biowaste collected, which is crucial for producing effective digestate and compost. Lea’s insights underscored the importance of community involvement and transparent communication in achieving sustainable waste management goals.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Biogas and Circular Economy
This year’s NBC underscored the shared vision within the Nordic region to leverage biogas and nutrient recycling as solutions for climate resilience, energy security, and sustainable waste management. Each speaker in our session highlighted different facets of the biogas value chain, demonstrating the sector’s potential to integrate energy, agriculture, and waste management through a circular approach.
As we look to the future, I’m excited to continue fostering collaboration across sectors and contributing to the development of effective, sustainable solutions. I extend my gratitude to NBC 2024 and Biogas Danmark for hosting such a dynamic and insightful conference, and I look forward to the next gathering in Iceland in 2026.
Speaking at Parallel 3B: Circular Economy – waste management – feedstock and fertiliser quality.
