The Role of Biogas Production in Circular Economy Approach from the Perspective of Locality

Aleksandra Lubańska and Jan K. Kazak ()
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Aleksandra Lubańska: Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzka 55, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
Jan K. Kazak: Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Grunwaldzka 55, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-15

Abstract: The circular economy is an economic concept opposite to the current linear system. One of its main principles is to seek to minimise waste by reusing seemingly useless raw materials. Biogas plants are places where energy can be recovered from waste. In order to boost the environmental benefits of this concept, it is important to rely on local systems (including supply chains). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether biogas plants in Poland operate in a circular manner from the perspective of locality. The analysis was based on questionnaire surveys concerning the nature of the facilities’ operations, divided into biogas plants located at sewage treatment plants, biogas plants based on municipal waste and agricultural biogas plants. On the basis of the data obtained, statistical and spatial analyses were carried out to verify the installed capacity of the facilities, the distance from which they obtain their substrate and the use of the biogas produced. The results of the study confirm that the functioning of biogas plants located in Poland is, in most cases, of a local character, fitting into the objectives of a circular economy. Biogas plants that are characterised by the lowest transportation needs are biogas plants located next to sewage treatment plants.

Keywords: circular economy; biogas; waste management; local energy resources; local development; short supply chain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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