The first cubic metre of biomethane is now in the grid

A milestone: Axpo, Switzerland’s largest energy group, has fed the first cubic metre of biomethane into the grid from its new plant in Grottole (Basilicata)!

This was made possible by the teamwork of everyone involved.

A consortium led by us at ATZWANGER has been awarded the tender as general contractor for the detailed design and turnkey construction.

The project was developed as part of the PNRR to produce agricultural biomethane. The innovative plant boasts impressive figures: it will feed over 4,250,000 Sm³ of biomethane into the grid each year, utilising local agricultural by-products such as straw, olive-pomace, manure and other waste from the region. At full capacity, this will save around 9,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year and generate renewable energy – equivalent to the gas consumption of around 3,200 households!

Another notable aspect is the processing of over 14,500 tonnes of straw per year, a form of biomass which, due to its high lignin and cellulose content, requires complex treatment technologies.

An important step towards the energy transition, which simultaneously adds value to agricultural by-products and contributes to regional development – through sustainable infrastructure that is integrated into the local context.