Biogas Väst's contribution to the development in western Sweden 2001 -2010
Biogas Väst had a very extensive operation and conducted regional feasibility studies, carried out market development and technology development projects, worked at developing public opinion at both regional and national levels, and participated in international projects. The market development in the field of biogas for vehicles has become increasingly clear, and Biogas Väst contributed to this development.In 2001 there were 9 gas filling stations established, 800 vehicles in service and biogas production amounted to 9 GWh. At the turn of the year 2009/10 the figures were 49 gas filling stations, about 8 500 vehicles and about 102 GWh of biogas was produced for vehicle use from 8 plants. Western Sweden has the country's best gas infrastructure.
Vehicle gas (bio and natural gas) replaced about 19 million liters of gasoline in 2010 resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to about 32 000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Network When the project started there were around 10 participants in Biogas Väst and today the cluster consists of over 60 operators in western Sweden. The cluster has developed and consists of operators (companies, municipalities and organizations) in the whole biogas chain. In recent years, biogas nodes such as Biogas Syd and Biogas Öst have been formed in Sweden and Biogas Väst has served as a role model in this context. Internationally
Biogas Väst has attracted international attention and over the years a very large number of delegations have conducted field trips in the region. The international contacts have, amongst other things, generated biogas agreements between Sweden and California, and between Sweden and Korea. In 2008 Business Region Göteborg was also awarded the American environmental prize, Blue Sky Award, for creating Biogas Väst.
Together with the French city of Lille Biogas Väst was initiator of the EU project, Biogasmax, which is the first and largest biogas project for vehicles at EU level. The project will run until 2010 and some 30 parties from 8 European countries are participating.
