“Thyroid” occupations: Biogas technicians

Summary

A skills revolution is necessary to respond to the impact of the green transition in the short- and medium-term. All workers, across qualification and seniority levels, sectors and occupations need to be trained in an array of skills. Particular focus is necessary for occupations that drive “greenovation”, which lies at the core of the green transition. Such occupations may be relatively small in terms of employment shares but are indispensable for meeting the European Green Deal goals. These ‘thyroid occupations’, as Cedefop coined them, are highly skilled (e.g., R&D scientists and specialised engineers), but also medium-skilled technical profiles that supporting the implementation of green solutions.
Cedefop explored employment and skill developments and trends in selected “thyroid” occupations. This report discusses Biogas technicians, building on desk research, quantitative data, but also interviews with key stakeholders relevant to the occupation.

 © Image by Jan Nijman from Pixabay

Who are biogas technicians? 

Biogas technicians work in the derivation of gas from organic matter and produced as landfill gas or digested gas. They operate equipment in biogas plants, perform tests and maintenance tasks, and act in the event of a failure. They often have a background in agricultural engineering, agricultural economics or microbiology and they are normally employed by large biogas plant operators.

Biogas is produced from the decomposition of organic materials. These residues are placed in a biogas digester in the absence of oxygen. With the help of a range of bacteria, organic matter breaks down releasing a blend of gases. The output is a renewable gas which can be used in multiple applications. By refining biogas, it is possible to obtain biomethane, which can be used as a natural gas substitute (European Biogas Association). 
Biogas technicians are usually hired by companies operating and/or developing large biogas installations. Less often, they are also hired by smaller biogas plants with on-site combined heat and power (CHP): these are often agricultural businesses, predominantly run by farmers with an agricultural education.  According to Cedefop’s analysis on online job advertisements, these professionals may also be identified by means of alternative labels, such as Biogas installation operators.

The key responsibilities of biogas technicians per seniority level, as reported by interviewed experts, are outlined in Table 1. Briefly, senior technicians guide the operations and lay down the processes to be implemented by junior technicians.  

Source: Cedefop based on expert interviews

Developments in biogas production/ management/ storage

The biogas sector has rapidly expanded in the last decade and is expected to continue to do so, to achieve the set target of 35 bcm per year by 2030. As of 2020, the combined biogas and biomethane production in Europe was approx. 18 bcm (natural gas equivalent), of which 83% was directly used to produce local power or heat. The sector is quickly evolving in terms of technologies available and new potential uses of anaerobic digestion and its end-product. 

As previously mentioned, biogas and biomethane are produced from the decomposition of organic matter (crops, agricultural waste, manure, biowaste, etc.). Organic matter is put into a biogas plant in absence of oxygen to undergo a process of anaerobic digestion. Bacteria decompose the organic matter and release gas. Various techniques exist to upgrade biogas and turn it into biomethane. The whole process is illustrated in the figure below.

Figure 1. Biogas and biomethane production pathways 

 
Source: IEA 2020

As of 2020, 18,774 biogas plants were active in Europe. At that time, around 1,000 of them injected biomethane into the natural gas grid. The combined biogas and biomethane production was approximately 18 bcm (natural gas equivalent), of which 83% was directly used to produce local power or heat. Only 3 bcm have been upgraded to biomethane. While the production of biomethane has continued growing steadily in the last decade, that of biogas stagnated between 2015 and 2019, with a renewed increase only in 2020.  
The distribution of plants across Member States is far from uniform, with 60% of the plants installed in Germany (11,269 of the 18,774 in Europe). Other than Germany, only Italy has more than 1,000 plants, while France is expected to reach this threshold if it maintains its 2020 growth rate (+53 plants) given that it has the third highest number of plants in the EU.

Figure 2 Number of biogas plants per EU Member State, 2020

Source: Bionergy Europe and EBA, 2022

For biomethane, the biggest producers (after Germany) are the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. In Sweden, about 60% of the biogas produced is upgraded to biomethane (EBA, 2022).

Policy context and developments

The 2018 EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) includes provisions for biogas and biomethane production and promotes their use in the transport, heating, and electricity sectors. RED II also establishes sustainability criteria to produce biomass-based fuels, ensuring that biogas is produced in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

In the same year, the Commission also presented the Waste Framework Directive. This legislation sets out waste management principles and targets for EU Member States. It encourages the separate collection and treatment of organic waste and supports the use of anaerobic digestion to recover energy from biodegradable waste materials. Additionally, the Commission's 2019 recommendation on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and facilitating Power Purchase Agreements  facilitates, amongst other renewable energy sources, the production and uptake of biogas and biomethane. In 2019, the European Parliament, Council and Commission agreed upon the Fertilising Products Regulation which opens the market for organic fertilisers. In May 2022, the European Commission presented a Staff Working Document accompanying the REPowerEU plan. It supports production to a sustainable potential volume of biogas to further upgrade it to biomethane and direct biomethane production from waste and residues, avoiding the use of food and feedstocks leading to land use change issues. A biogas and Biomethane Industrial Partnership (BIP) was created in 2022, to promote the sustainable production and use of biomethane.
 

Technological developments

The biogas sector is rapidly evolving, as new and more sophisticated technologies are being developed to reap the benefits of anaerobic digestion (AD). As reported by  EBA  (n.d.a), up to a few years ago many of the benefits of AD – beyond energy production – were not fully explored. What is expected in the coming years, is a broader use of biogas and biomethane in the EU circular economy, for different purposes. The main advancements and trends in the EU are the following: 

1.    Improved Anaerobic Digestion Processes: Anaerobic digestion is the core process in biogas production. Technological developments in anaerobic digestion, including advanced digester designs, such as plug-flow and continuous stirred tank reactors, have improved process control, higher biogas yields, and improved substrate degradation.
2.    Co-digestion and Feedstock Flexibility: Co-digestion involves the addition of multiple organic feedstocks to the biogas plant. Technological advancements have allowed for the integration of diverse feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, energy crops, food waste, and sewage sludge, to optimise biogas production. 
3.    Pre-treatment and Substrate Optimisation: Pre-treatment technologies have been developed to enhance the degradation and biogas potential of various feedstocks. Mechanical and thermal pre-treatment methods, such as shredding, pulping, and thermal hydrolysis, improve substrate accessibility and increase biogas yields. 
4.    Biogas Upgrading and Injection: Technological developments in biogas upgrading include various methods like pressure swing adsorption (PSA), water scrubbing, and membrane separation, which selectively remove impurities and increase the methane content of biogas.
5.    Digestate Treatment and Nutrient Recovery: Digestate is the residual material produced after anaerobic digestion. Advanced technologies have been developed for digestate treatment, including solid-liquid separation, nutrient recovery, and composting. These processes allow to produce high-quality digestate that can be used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser or soil amendment.
6.    Smart Monitoring and Control Systems: Advancements in sensor technology, automation, and data analytics have led to the development of smart monitoring and control systems for biogas plants. These systems enable real-time monitoring of process parameters, such as temperature, pH, and gas production, and allow for remote control and optimisation of plant operations. 
7.    Integration with Renewable Energy Systems: Technological developments focus on the integration of different energy systems, optimising energy storage and management, and creating integrated renewable energy solutions.

Biogas technicians supporting the European Green Deal

Biogas and biomethane have the potential to reduce GHG emissions, reduce waste and generate renewable energy. For this reason, having well-trained biogas technicians to manage these processes will be key to deliver the green transition. 

Renewable gases, including biogas and biomethane, will be central to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2050 and help the EU become less dependent in external energy supplies. Their use is crucial for Europe to reduce GHG emissions in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, transport, and agriculture. Biogas and biomethane are renewable energy sources that help abate emissions across the whole value chain, with a three-fold emissions reduction impact (EBA, n.d.b). Renewable energy generation, waste management, and methane emission reduction can be effectively achieved from biogas engineers.

Overall, biogas technicians are essential for delivering the green transition for the following key reasons:

• Operational Expertise: Biogas technicians possess specialised knowledge and expertise in the day-to-day operations of biogas plants. They have hands-on experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting various components of biogas systems. Their practical skills and understanding of the intricacies of biogas production are vital for ensuring smooth and efficient plant operations.
• Process Optimisation: Biogas technicians focus on optimising the anaerobic digestion process, including substrate selection, feeding strategies, digester management, and biogas yield improvement. They have in-depth knowledge of the factors that influence process efficiency, such as temperature control, hydraulic retention time, and nutrient balance. Their expertise helps maximise biogas production and ensure optimal resource utilisation.
• System Monitoring and Maintenance: Biogas technicians are responsible for monitoring and analysing process parameters, such as temperature, pH, gas composition, and hydraulic conditions. They perform routine inspections, maintenance tasks, and troubleshoot issues that may arise in the plant. Their ability to identify and address operational challenges is crucial for maintaining the performance and reliability of biogas systems.
• Safety and Compliance: Biogas technicians have a deep understanding of safety protocols and compliance requirements associated with biogas production. They ensure that plant operations adhere to safety standards and regulatory guidelines. Their knowledge of potential hazards, gas handling procedures, and emergency response measures is essential for maintaining a safe working environment and preventing accidents.
• Local Community Engagement: Biogas technicians often work closely with local communities, farmers, and stakeholders. They provide technical support, training, and guidance to biogas plant operators and other relevant parties. Their presence and involvement in the local context contribute to effective communication, community engagement, and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Biogas technicians are accustomed to working in dynamic and evolving environments. They are quick to adapt to changing conditions, emerging technologies, and new industry trends. Their agility and flexibility allow them to implement necessary adjustments and improvements as the biogas sector evolves to meet the requirements of the green transition.

Which skills are needed, and how can demand be satisfied?

Technical skills to run biogas plants and oversee the correct functioning of anaerobic digestions processes are crucial for biogas technicians. New sets of skills will increasingly be important for this occupation. Flexibility and willingness to learn will be important, as to date, most of the training takes place on the job and the required knowledge in the field is constantly evolving. Training opportunities for biogas technicians are emerging in EU countries, both in the form of public-private partnerships, and as a result of sectoral efforts. 

Skills needed

The skills needed to become a biogas technician have evolved over time, as the sector changes and expands. As highlighted by experts, a university degree in microbiology or agricultural engineering would serve as a good basis for understanding the key principles of operating a biogas plant. On top of a university degree, experts report that 6-12 months on-the-job learning would be needed for one to become a fully competent biogas technician. 

According to the ESCO classification, these are the technical skills and knowledge that these technicians should possess: 

Source: ESCO

Additional technical skills needed in this occupation, on top of the ones listed above, were identified by experts. In particular, the following were mentioned as crucial skills: 

•  Understanding of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems; 
• Laboratory skills; 
• Feedstock and gas analysis; and 
• Knowledge of CHP (Combined Heat and Power) or Cogeneration.

In the last five years the need to have a grasp on quality standards and regulatory requirements significantly increased due to the latest requirements introduced in terms of sustainability certifications (e.g.: GHG accounting). This will require, in turn, an increased technical understanding of feedstock values and digester system health. 

Importantly, it is increasingly relevant for biogas technicians to also possess soft skills. Experts indicated the need to be flexible (e.g. to the many regulatory changes) and motivated to continuously engage in learning activities to stay up to date with the latest novelties in the sector. Due to the increased requirements in terms of sustainability certifications mentioned above, it will be more and more important for biogas technicians to possess people skills and management competencies. In fact, they will often have to interact with regulators during inspections, and farmers on a regular basis. 

Other requirements are country-specific, as there are currently no EU-wide standards for biogas installations. For instance, in Ireland the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) training is a requirement for all biogas technicians.  

In addition to the analysis of ESCO skills and expert interviews, Cedefop also looked at skill needs in online job advertisements (see Table 3). From a qualifications point of view, tertiary education is not a necessary precondition when the candidates prove having sufficient technological background. Technical skills and knowledge are stressed in job requirements, alongside problem solving skills. 

Source: WIH-OJA 
 

How can the demand for skills be met?

According to EBA, the growth of the biogas sector in Europe could result in 460,000 jobs by 2030 (linked to a doubling in production up to 35-45 bcm) and over 1 million jobs by 2050 (linked to at least an expected five-fold increase in production levels, up to 167 bcm). 

The table below was developed to illustrate the potential growth trends in the biogas (including biomethane) sector up to 2030 and 2050. The starting point is the information available for the year 2019 on the production (EBA), number of plants (Bioenergy Europe and EBA) and number of employees in the sector (REN21). From this information, it is possible to calculate: 

1. The average number of plants per bcm produced (i.e.: plants/production): 1,056 plants/bcm
2. The average number of employees per plant (i.e.: employees/plant): 3.84 employees/plant 

The same ratios can be applied to the expected production levels for 2030 and 2050 and derive the expected number of new employees and cumulative employees. It is worth stressing that this exercise is purely indicative, and that in reality employment trends in the sector might be affected by many other factors, and hence may not develop linearly.

As reported by EBA, biogas production could double by 2030, reaching 35-45 bcm. This would result in several plants ranging from around 36 to around 47 thousand. By multiplying the number of plants, by an average of 3.84 employees per plant, we obtain that new jobs in the sector could range from 141 to 182 thousand approximately. These, added to the 71,000 employees estimated in 2019, would yield a total of 212 to 253 thousand jobs in the sector by 2030. Our estimate is lower than that of 460 thousand provided by EBA.

The same exercise was conducted for 2050, starting from the production estimates provided by EBA. The cumulative number of employees expected for 2050 ranges from close to 600 thousand, to almost a million, in line with what was indicated by EBA. 

Source: authors based on EBA, Bionergy Europe and REN21 data

Overall, based on the information available, the foreseen employment growth in the sector up to 2030 and 2050, as reported by EBA, seems reasonable. To meet this high demand, it will be crucial to anticipate skills requirements and build capacity in the sector.  Expert opinion indicated that it is difficult to recruit biogas technicians in their respective countries. Furthermore, biogas plants are mainly installed in rural areas, where the shortage of skilled employees is much greater than in the cities. Mitigation measures implemented to face such shortages reportedly consist in resorting to hiring consultants or placing the responsibility to run multiple sites on one experienced technician. Should this skills shortage continue, experts foresee a delay in the delivery of the green transition, specifically vis-à-vis the achievement of the 2030 targets set for the biogas sector.

This points to the need for training opportunities, with special focus on rural areas. Existing operators could train new ones, among those interested and living close to the plants. Their geographical proximity to the installed plants would be a key advantage, as people living in rural areas would not have to relocate.

As the sector evolves, training initiatives emerge across EU Member States. These are often the result of public-private partnerships, or the effort of national/regional biogas associations (Table 5).

Source: Biogas Action and expert interviews

To further promote capacity building in the biogas sector, and specifically to train biogas technicians, public-private partnerships should be further explored for the development of biogas dedicated courses. In order to develop targeted courses, Biogas Action also recommends consulting farmers and plant operators, to directly collect their training needs  and suggestions for training delivery. 

The key role of VET

Biogas technicians play a vital role in advancing the use of renewable gases and achieving carbon-neutrality goals. The increased demand for these job profiles can lead to shortages, particularly in rural areas. Up- and reskilling is important to provide them with the mix of technical and soft skills necessary. Vocational Education and Training (VET) plays a crucial role in preparing and upskilling individuals to become competent biogas technicians. Targeted VET programmes, including apprenticeships, should focus on providing a strong foundation in biogas technology, biomethane production, waste management, and safety protocols. VET institutions should collaborate with the biogas industry, public authorities, and biogas plant operators to understand the sector's evolving needs and tailor training programmes accordingly. Hands-on training and on-the-job learning opportunities are also essential for aspiring biogas technicians to gain practical experience. 

Addressing the looming skills shortages also relies on the availability of high-quality jobs. Health and safety provisions, professional development opportunities and appealing wages need also be part of policy actions. Limited awareness of the potential of the sector among learners and job seekers is another area of improvement. As an evolving sector, many individuals may lack knowledge of career opportunities offered. Targeted information campaigns, also as part of VET offerings, can make a difference. Building VET programmes on public-private partnerships and a comprehensive skills anticipation approach at local level, broadens the opportunities for reaching out to more potential recruits and learners that could be interested in a job as a skilled biogas technician
 

References

Biogas Action (2021). Biogas: Renewable Energy for your Region. https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Biogas-Action-Final-booklet-FINAL.pdf 

European Biogas Association. (2022). EBA Statistical Report 2021. https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/eba-statistical-report-2021/

European Commission. (2018). Directive (EU) 2018/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources (recast). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32018L2001 

European Commission. (2018). Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 amending Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32018L0851 

European Commission. (2019). COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION on speeding up permit-granting procedures for renewable energy projects and facilitating Power Purchase Agreements. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=PI_COM%3AC%282022%293219&qid=1653033569832 

European Commission. (2019). Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and amending Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32019R1009 

European Commission. (2022). Commission Staff Working Document: Implementing The Repower Eu Action Plan: Investment Needs, Hydrogen Accelerator And Achieving The Bio-Methane Targets Accompanying The Document Communication From The Commission To The European Parliament, The European Council, The Council, The European Economic And Social Committee And The Committee Of The Regions - Repowereu Plan https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52022SC0230&from=EN 

International Energy Agency. (2020). An introduction to biogas and biomethane. https://www.iea.org/reports/outlook-for-biogas-and-biomethane-prospects-for-organic-growth/an-introduction-to-biogas-and-biomethane 
 

Online resources
European Biogas Association. (n.d.a). Biogas trends for this year. https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/biogas-trends-for-this-year/ 

European Biogas Association. (n.d.b.). About biogas and biomethane. https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/about-biogas-and-biomethane/ 

European Biogas Association. (n.d.c.). Biogas and biomethane in a nutshell. https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/benefits/ 

European Commission. (n.d.a.). Biomethane. https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/renewable-energy/bioenergy/biomethane_en 

European Commission. (n.d.a.). ESCO classification. https://esco.ec.europa.eu/en/classification/occupation_main 
The Biomethane Industrial Partnership - BIP Europe. (n.d.a.). Teaming up to achieve 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane by 2030. https://bip-europe.eu/