Biomethane presents a significant opportunity for energy independence in Serbia, says Lidija Zelić, director of the Biogas Serbia association. Biomethane, produced from waste like manure, slaughterhouse scraps, and food industry byproducts, offers a clean, sustainable energy solution. While European countries like Germany, Austria, and Italy are advancing biomethane projects, Serbia’s biomethane market is still in its infancy, with regulation lagging behind.
Zelić emphasizes that biomethane is a key part of the circular economy, solving both waste and energy challenges. Serbia has the potential to lead the region in this field, but the development of a stable legislative framework is urgent to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Countries like Germany, Denmark, and France have already integrated biomethane into their energy systems, with long-term state support, clear rules, and investor incentives. Serbia, with 44 existing biogas plants and 54 under construction, processes around 900,000 tons of waste annually, producing electricity, heat, and organic fertilizer. By utilizing agricultural residues, Serbia could generate 500 MW of capacity, covering 50% of the country’s natural gas needs.
Zelić stresses that 2025 should be the year Serbia establishes clear and predictable regulations for biomethane, ensuring that waste is used efficiently as an energy resource, not discarded.
