Title:
Analyzing the Image of Biogas Plants - A Multi-Stakeholder-Approach
Author(s):
Zoellner, J., Ehrenstein, U., Strauch, S.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
The contribution addresses the results of a two-years-project funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) within it was aimed to analyze the image of biogas plants in Germany. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach with two scientific partners (Fraunhofer UMSICHT for the technical part, and Research Group Environmental Psychology for the social part) was chosen. Within the project, the image of biogas plants was analyzed on different stakeholder levels using quantitative and qualitative methods. The respective stakeholders were operating companies, manufacturers and residents. In addition to the process of identifying the relevant variables which influence or determine the image of biogas plants, the different degrees of acceptance in the considered regions were analyzed. After the data analyses, in workshops addressing target groups, such as operating companies, residents and local initiatives, local authorities etc., the empirical results were discussed and solutions and possible scenarios developed. Finally, the project aimed at transferring the social data into technological changes and improvements. Recommendations about acceptance relevant optimizations of biogas plants, e.g. the choice of input material (slurry and waste), safe and sustainable plant operation, strategies for emission mitigation, logistic improvements, are given and best practice examples are presented.
Keywords:
biogas, policies, stakeholders, public acceptance
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Biomass utilisation concepts
Event:
19th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
OE6.3
Pages:
2540 - 2542
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-55-4
ISBN-10:
88-89407-55-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/19thEUBCE2011-OE6.3
Price:
FREE
