23% more Swiss biogas in the gas network
Biogas is becoming increasingly popular in Switzerland. In 2015, almost a quarter more biogas was fed into the gas grid than in the previous year.
Swiss gas consumers are becoming increasingly enthusiastic about biogas. In 2015, for example, a total of 25 plants fed 262 GWh of biogas into the grid. This is an increase of 23% compared to the previous year. This is reported by the Swiss Gas Industry Association (VSG).
Biogas as a renewable and CO2-free energy is produced from natural waste materials. Like natural gas, it consists essentially of methane and can be mixed with it as desired. Many local suppliers now offer natural gas with different biogas contents.
Gas vehicles on the upswing
In Switzerland, a total of 12,480 (+5%) vehicles powered by natural gas/biogas were in operation in 2015. Most gas-powered vehicles are in the cantons of Zurich, Bern, Vaud and Aargau. The number of new registrations amounted to 1198 vehicles (-4%); for passenger cars, the number of new registrations increased by 2%.
The average biogas content in fuel was just under 24% in 2015. The addition of biogas further improves the already very good CO2 balance of natural gas vehicles. Vehicles powered by natural gas/biogas generally emit fewer pollutants that are harmful to the environment and human health than vehicles with gasoline or diesel engines. As in previous years, the current Auto Environmental List of the Swiss Transport Club (VCS) confirms the environmental friendliness of gas vehicles.
Gas industry consolidates position
A total of 37,120 GWh of natural gas and biogas were sold in Switzerland in 2015. The increase of 7% compared to the previous year is mainly due to the increase in heating degree days (+10%).
In recent years, the Swiss gas industry has been able to consolidate its position on the Swiss energy market. Over the past five years, for example, an average of around 36,800 GWh of gas has been sold annually; the share of natural gas in final energy consumption is around 13%. Today, three quarters of the Swiss population are served by the approximately 19,500 kilometer long transport and distribution network. For Swiss industry, natural gas is primarily used to generate process heat. For example, the mechanical, electrical and metal industries now cover around one-third of their energy requirements with natural gas, making a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.
