The conference brought together researchers working on various technologies aimed at achieving sustainability in transport. The conference was divided into two parts: the morning was devoted to infrastructure and the afternoon focused on vehicles. Key outcomes of a selection of EC-funded projects on both topics were presented by the invited speakers; the aim was to stimulate discussion among all participants on what these projects – as well as others – have achieved, what their practical applications have been, what their pitfalls are, and what priorities should be set for future research and demonstration activities in the EU.

The BIOGASMAX presentation emphasized the need for the taking into account of the larger costs/benefits picture of alternative fuel use in general and biomethane in particular. Successful biomethane market expansion depends on an integrated set of requirements that ought to be fulfilled. Financial measures are needed to make investment worthwhile and stimulate the market. It would also be particularly profitable if financial value were to be put on pollution reduction in order to give concrete insight in the larger biomethane benefits. In order to reach this expansionist level, we need strong political decision makers. Any biomethane project should also aim for the integration of different policy fields (e.g. energy, environmental, transportation, urban development and tourism) in order to reach maximum synergies between all parties that can make a positive contribution.

The positive aspects of biomethane use also came to the fore. Upgraded to vehicle fuel quality, biogas creates an environmentally closed loop. The different elements of this environmentally closed loop comprise waste management, a clean water solution, and improved agricultural output through the use of biomethane production by-products. Once in use, biomethane reduces harmful carbon dioxide, methane and particulate emissions. As such, biomethane fuel use definitely contributes to a greener image for your organization.

For more information on the MOBIDAYS and the proceedings of the conference, please visit:http://www.mobidays.eu/