Biogas is regarded as a renewable energy source and the developed technology for its
production is of a great potential. The purified biogas output-produced both by large scale
plants and smaller constructions- can be used for various purposes: it can be injected into
the gas network as a replacement to natural gas; it can be used for the generation of heat
and electricity, as an automotive fuel, or as a combustible for heating.
In the recent years, the European Union advocates on the renewable energy sources, in
which biogas is included. The majority of the European member states has not only adopted
the relevant Directives and Regulations, but has also developed renewable energy
production strategies on a national level. As a consequence, the biogas production rates
have been uplifted. However, in some cases, certain differences within the EU in the
national strategies and commitments associated with RES and Biogas promotion, result in
slower growth rates than the expected targets on an EU level.
The aim of this dissertation is to investigate the current growth rate of the biogas sector
within the European region. For this purpose, the national strategies and supportive
schemes for Biogas promotion of three member states - France, Italy and Greece- are
presented and discussed. Initially, the dissertation focuses on the evolution of the ‘’Polluters
Pay Principle’’ on the different interpretations of this Principle and on the key role of the
Principle to the formulation of international climate policy. Secondly, there is a special
mention on the alternative forms of energy sources, while emphasis is given to the general
characteristics of biogas energy and its effectiveness. Lastly, there is an examination and
analysis of the differences in the means of production, the amount of produced biogas and
the main sectors, in which biogas is utilized among the investigated member states.
The methods that have been used for the drafting of the dissertation are literature review
and interviews. The work has commenced with literature review and then in order to obtain
a thorough primary knowledge, in the most comprehensive way, interviews have been
conducted with key persons that have been working in the biogas industry of France, Italy
and Greece. From these interviews certain details of the implemented strategies were
obtained, and the main incentives and barriers for the biogas sector development were
identified. Based on the review of the relevant literature, on the gathered information and
data obtained by the interview, on the ‘’Polluters Pay Principle’’ and its implementation to
the domestic legislation, of each of the three member states, a multidisciplinary systems
analysis was successfully made.
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