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Transforming your industrial organic waste streams into renewable energy

Industrial methanization: a strategic solution to convert your by-products into energy and decarbonize operations.

108

Industrial anaerobic digestion facilities in France in 2023
(source: ADEME)

45%

Average energy self-sufficiency for industrial sites equipped with methanization units
(source: ATEE)

25%

Of Biomethane injection facilities in France are supplied by industrial anaerobic digestion projects (source: CRE)

A mature Technology for Industrial Application

Industrial methanization in France originated in the 1990s, with the first pilot plants developed in the agri-food and paper sectors.

It was only from 2010 onwards, with the introduction of the first feed-in tariffs for electricity produced from biogas, that this technology experienced rapid commercial deployment.

The 2015 Energy Transition Law then accelerated its development by defining a favorable regulatory framework and ambitious targets.

Today, industrial methanization represents a mature and rapidly growing sector, fully aligned with corporate decarbonization strategies.

From waste to energy: the industrial methanization process

Industrial methanization relies on the anaerobic digestion of organic matter.

In an industrial context, it stands out for its ability to process large volumes of consistent industrial organic feedstocks (agri-food residues, livestock effluents, industrial sludge) and for its sometimes large-scale installations.

The biochemical reactions lead to the production of biogas rich in methane (50-70%) and CO₂ (30-50%). This biogas is then treated to remove contaminants (H₂S, siloxanes) before being used either for cogeneration to produce electricity and heat, or by injection into the natural gas pipeline grid after upgraded to pipeline-quality biomethane.

The process also generates digestate, a nutrient-rich digestate suitable for agricultural land application.

Environmental and economic benefits

Industrial methanation contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by:

Capturing methane that would have been emitted during uncontrolled organic waste decomposition
Reducing waste management and disposal costs (e.g., transport to disposal sites)
Creating an on-site renewable energy source, replacing fossil fuels.

This is an opportunity for businesses because it also represents:

an additional revenue stream through self-consumption or the sale of energy produced
Reduced exposure to energy price volatility
A means of complying with environmental and carbon-reduction regulations (carbon tax, RE2020, etc.)

The French regulatory framework supports this development through investment aid (ADEME, Heat Fund), feed-in tariffs for injected biomethane, and renewable gas guarantees of origin (GO) certificates. Europe also recognizes methanation as an activity contributing to climate change mitigation, thus facilitating access to sustainable financing mechanisms for businesses.

Industrial anaerobic digestion integrates waste treatment and energy production directly within the industrial facility, creating operational efficiencies while supporting corporate decarbonization goals.