According to data released at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) held in Brazil, global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion continue to rise. This underscores the significant challenges the world still faces in achieving its committed greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. At the same time, it reinforces the view that biogas must play a pivotal role in the global decarbonization transition.
Although the 2025 figures are still preliminary estimates, if carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from fossil fuel combustion and cement production reach the projected 38.1 billion tonnes, as forecast by the Global Carbon Budget, they will represent a 1.1% increase compared with 2024.
Early Positive Indicators
However, several encouraging signs suggest that the growth in fossil fuel emissions may be beginning to plateau. Earlier this year, the energy think tank Ember reported that renewable energy had, for the first time, surpassed fossil fuels as the world's largest source of electricity generation.
In addition, data from the Global Carbon Budget indicates that total greenhouse gas emissions from all human activities are projected to reach 42.2 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) in 2025, a slight decrease from 42.4 billion tonnes recorded in 2024.
The Role of Biogas from Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Technology
HRS Heat Exchangers is a member of the World Biogas Association (WBA), which was represented at COP30 by its Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Morton OBE.
Speaking at the workshop on implementing the Carbon Accounting Acceleration Action Plan, Ms. Morton emphasized the critical role of biogas produced through Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technology in the future energy mix.
It is the only renewable or low-carbon energy source capable of providing multiple forms of energy with operational flexibility:
- Heat
- Electricity
- Fuel Gas
- Transportation Fuel
In addition, this technology also:
- Supplying CO₂ for high-tech industries and agriculture
- Organic waste treatment
- Recycling valuable nutrients back into agriculture and gardening
Ms. Morton also pointed out that the current guidance of the GHG Protocol does not fully support biomethane through market mechanisms, which is being emphasized by the Let Green Gas Count campaign. This is a barrier that has prevented many projects worldwide from being implemented, even though these projects have the potential to prevent methane emissions from organic waste and landfills.
Optimizing energy efficiency in AD plants
Completely agreeing with the viewpoint of WBA, HRS Heat Exchangers continues to assert that anaerobic digestion (AD) plants need to optimize energy efficiency at every stage in order to:
- Maximizing environmental benefits
- Increase economic attractiveness for investors and operators
Therefore, HRS provides various equipment and systems to enhance the performance of the AD plant, including:
- Digester heating system (digester heaters)
- Biogas dehumidification systems
- Sterilization system
- System for supporting the processing and management of post-digestion waste (digestate)
Source: HRS Heat Exchangers.
