Biogas power plants are an effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide (CO2), in Europe. While each biogas plant produces a different amount of biogas and electricity, the amount of CO2 that can be emitted into the atmosphere is relatively consistent.
Where sources claim that biogas plants are able to potentially replace fossil fuels such as gas, coal or petroleum products, they gradually reduce the amount of CO2 released as a result.
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), widespread biomethane and biogas projects will result in significant reductions in CO2 emissions. IRENA estimates that, if all potential projects were installed, they could deliver emissions reductions of more than 350 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030.
More closely, the amount of CO2 saved would depend on the specific biogas projects and their emission reduction plans. However, in general comparison with other types of power plants, biogas plants reduce carbon dioxide emissions significantly and have great potential to combat climate change.