Use of Biogas

The executive committee of Kristianstad municipality has decided to declare it a Fossil Fuel Free Municipality. The reduction of fossil fuels is to be achieved primarily by the use of bio-fuels, both biomass as fuel for heating and production of electricity and biogas as fuel for local buses and other vehicles.

In 1997 the local Municipal Waste Company established a biogas plant with the aim to improve sustainability and energy production. The plant in Karpalund is using manure and organic waste, not only from households but also from food industry. The biogas plant of Kristianstad is the first in Sweden to co-digest solid urban waste, sewage, and other biomass into energy and organic fertilizer.

From 1999 the biogas production at the water treatment plant has been upgraded and used as fuel for busses. Using the produced biogas, together with biogas from the water treatment plant, as fuel for buses and other vehicles now reduces fossil fuels in the transport sector. The Public Transport Company has played an important role in the project by introducing biogas in the city transportation and has also contributed to the establishment of a new depot for all buses in Kristianstad. The municipality has established a car pool with biogas cars and private companies use biogas vehicles.

The target population is the local market, local companies as well as private persons. The project is a result of successful co-operation between the municipality, private Sydkraft Gas, farmers, industry and consumers.

Kristianstad, a capital of Region Skane, has been awarded several times during the past years: Campaign for Take Off Award 2001, Climate Star 2002, Energy Globe Award 3^rd Prize 2003.