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Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Analysis of institutional authors

Philippidis, G.Author

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October 2, 2026
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REPowerEU investment plan and the biogas sector in the European Union: The untapped potential of the manure-biogas-fertilizer complex

Publicated to: Social Science Research Network (SSRN). 7553259- - 2026-10-02, DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.7553259

Authors:

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Europa, La Tierra

Abstract

The biogas sector has been gaining importance in Europe in recent years. This paper provides novel insights into the development of the biogas, biomethane and digestate markets in the EU. It applies the MAGNET model, extended to accommodate a separate biogas sector, to analyse different long-term scenarios related to the proposed increase in biomethane production in Europe. We assess the impact of the projected REPowerEU plan investments (€37 billion) on biomethane production, as well as the remaining key industries that compete for the same feedstocks (e.g., the livestock sector). Furthermore, we analyse the evolution of digestate production and its potential consequences for the use of synthetic fertilizers in Europe. Finally, we evaluate the environmental and macroeconomic impacts of biogas investment policy. It is found that, under the current pace of implementation, the 2030 RePowerEU biomethane production target (35 bcm) will not be met, although it appears achievable by 2040, provided that the necessary investments can be secured. Moreover, there is a clear need to facilitate the use of manure by the biogas sector. Currently only a small part of livestock manure is processed in Europe – available estimates situate this share at around 10%. Finally, to maximize the benefits from biogas production (both financial and environmental), more focus on digestate is required. The potential substitution of synthetic fertilizers by digestate may significantly improve the biogas production net GHG emissions balance. Consequently, our results provide further insights into the feasibility of the RePowerEU plan and the untapped potential of the manure-biogas-fertilizer complex.
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Keywords

Affordable and clean energyBiofertilizantesBiogasClimate actionDigestatoEmisiones de gases de efecto invernaderoEstiércolIndustry, innovation and infrastructurePolítica energéticaResponsible consumption and production

Quality index

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2026-11-15:

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.
    • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: http://hdl.handle.net/10532/8451
    Continuing with the social impact of the work, it is important to emphasize that, due to its content, it can be assigned to the area of interest of ODS 12 - Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, ODS 13 - Climate Action, ODS 7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, ODS 9 - Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, with a probability of 54% according to the mBERT algorithm developed by Aurora University.
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    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: Last Author (Philippidis, George).

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