Sweden has initiated construction of a large-scale biogas and gas upgrading plant in Vara, led by Biogas Västra Skaraborg AB (BVS) in partnership with German technology provider EnviTec Biogas. The plant aims to produce up to 70 GWh of biomethane annually, which will then be liquefied into bio-LNG to support heavy transport and industrial applications.
BVS, a cooperative of local farmers, will supply the plant with feedstock including pig and cattle manure, along with other agricultural residues from the region. The facility is designed to process around 370,000 tonnes of organic material each year across five separate digesters, with a combined capacity of nearly 32,000 cubic metres.
To meet strict hygiene standards, digestate from the mixed farms will undergo treatment at temperatures above 52°C before storage. The facility will incorporate heat exchangers and industrial heat pumps to recycle heat within the process, significantly improving energy efficiency and reducing overall energy consumption.
EnviTec’s EnviThan upgrading technology will refine the biogas to achieve 98% methane purity, making it suitable for conversion into high-quality biomethane. Dutch bio-LNG specialist Nordsol will then apply its liquefaction process, integrating it with EnviTec’s system to produce transport-grade bio-LNG that meets industry standards.
The project has received backing from Sweden’s Klimatklivet climate investment scheme, which supports initiatives that deliver measurable and cost-effective reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This support emphasizes the project’s role in contributing to Sweden’s climate goals.
While Sweden’s biomethane market is currently dominated by compressed gas distributed through regional networks, bio-LNG is emerging as a key low-carbon fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and industrial sectors. The Vara facility is expected to significantly expand the country’s capacity to produce renewable transport fuels by linking agricultural residues with low-carbon fuel supply chains, supporting Sweden’s transition to more sustainable energy sources.
