How can renewable energy be generated locally from biomass whilst making the most of the resources available in local areas? How can agricultural waste, organic effluent or even CO₂ biogétechniques for identifying new resources that can be mobilised for the décarbonation?
These issues were at the heart of the latest Bioenergies Club event organised by Capenergies, which focused on a topic central to current regional dynamics: short carbon and energy cycles.
At a time when France is accelerating its energy transition, biomass plays a strategic role. According to the Multi-Annual Energy Plan (PPE), biogas is set to play an increasingly important role in the national energy mix, with a target of several tens of terawatt-hours fed into the grids by 2035. More broadly, bioenergy is now the leading source of renewable energy in France, accounting for nearly 60 % of primary renewable energy production.
Beyond energy production, the sector is rapidly moving towards a circular economy model, in which biomass becomes a raw material capable of simultaneously producing energy, valuable compounds and CO₂ bio-based products and new environmental services.
It was precisely this shift towards more integrated models that was illustrated by the various presentations at this meeting.
Carbon finance: a new tool for local projects
Beyond traditional financing mechanisms, voluntary carbon markets (the trading of credits generated by projects that reduce or avoid emissions) are now opening up new opportunities to support transition projects.
Aurélie Levet and Nadia Trainar, from the Geres, outlined the challenges associated with carbon finance, carbon credits and the growing expectations of financiers regarding biomass recovery projects.
The discussions highlighted the rapid evolution of the voluntary carbon market, where investors are now seeking projects that demonstrate measurable environmental impacts, high methodological quality, robust governance and tangible benefits for local communities.
Beyond simply reducing greenhouse gas emissions, projects are now assessed on their ability to generate co-benefits: resource conservation, local economic development, regional resilience and the creation of value for agricultural sectors.
In this context, carbon finance is increasingly emerging as a complementary tool for accelerating the development of ambitious regional projects and strengthening their business models.
Gaining a better understanding of local potential through data
The development of anaerobic digestion relies on a detailed understanding of the available resources and regional dynamics.
Through the presentation of Métha’Zoom, Sylvain Mercier, from’AtmoSud, demonstrated how mapping tools can now be used to identify the potential for anaerobic digestion, visualise available resources and support decision-makers in their planning choices.
The use of data thus becomes an operational tool to support decision-making, enabling relevant areas to be prioritised and minimising the risks of under-provision or competing uses, thereby optimising project development.
Making the most of agricultural waste: turning the transition into a reality on the ground
Based on feedback from the Alcyon Recycling Centre, Cindy Coq pointed out that the benefits of recycling agricultural waste go far beyond the mere production of renewable energy.
The presentation highlighted an approach grounded in the realities on the ground: starting with the needs of farms and local areas to develop the most appropriate solutions.
A key message emerged from the discussions: returning organic matter to the soil and anaerobic digestion are not mutually exclusive, but are matters to be decided at local level. Each resource must be channelled towards the most appropriate use, whether that be to generate energy, preserve soil fertility or develop a local circular economy.
This vision is based on three key pillars: close collaboration between the various parties involved, in-depth knowledge of local resources and needs, and trust amongst all stakeholders.
Ultimately, the challenge is not to choose between energy production and agricultural performance, but rather to integrate the two in order to develop sustainable regional models that reconcile the energy transition, the optimal use of resources and the resilience of agricultural systems.
The CO₂ Biogenic: a new resource for industry
Long regarded as merely a by-product of anaerobic digestion, CO₂ Biogenic processes are currently attracting growing interest. Madeleine Alphen, from CVE, discussed the opportunities offered by the utilisation of this CO₂ renewable, with a growing range of applications: the agri-food industry, synthetic fuels, low-carbon chemicals and industrial processes.
Against the backdrop of the decarbonisation of industry, this resource could become a key component of future value chains within the circular economy.
Developing the skills of tomorrow
The transition to a sustainable bioeconomy also requires new skills.
Viviane Robert, from’Aix-Marseille University, presented the European AGRIMA project (Erasmus+), which focuses on innovative practices in agri-food waste management.
This project illustrates the importance of training and knowledge-sharing in keeping pace with technological, regulatory and organisational developments within the sector.
Thank you to all the speakers and participants for the high-quality discussions that enriched this latest edition of the Bioenergy Club.
See you at the next Bioenergies club meeting on 15 October 2026
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