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Biogas as a Transport Fuel—A System Analysis of Value Chain Development in a Swedish Context

Author

Listed:
  • Muhammad Arfan

    (Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Zhao Wang

    (Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Shveta Soam

    (Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

  • Ola Eriksson

    (Department of Building Engineering, Energy Systems and Sustainability Science, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden)

Abstract

Biofuels policy instruments are important in the development and diffusion of biogas as a transport fuel in Sweden. Their effectiveness with links to geodemographic conditions has not been analysed systematically in studying biogas development in a less urbanised regions, with high potential and primitive gas infrastructure. One such region identified is Gävleborg in Sweden. By using value chain statistics, interviews with related actors, and studying biofuels policy instruments and implications for biogas development, it is found that the policy measures have not been as effective in the region as in the rest of Sweden due to different geodemographic characteristics of the region, which has resulted in impeded biogas development. In addition to factors found in previous studies, the less-developed biogas value chain in this region can be attributed particularly to undefined rules of the game, which is lack of consensus on trade-off of resources and services, unnecessary competition among several fuel alternatives, as well as the ambiguity of municipalities’ prioritization, and regional cultural differences. To strengthen the regional biogas sector, system actors need a strategy to eliminate blocking effects of identified local factors, and national policy instruments should provide mechanisms to process geographical conditions in regulatory, economic support, and market formation.

Suggested Citation

  • Muhammad Arfan & Zhao Wang & Shveta Soam & Ola Eriksson, 2021. "Biogas as a Transport Fuel—A System Analysis of Value Chain Development in a Swedish Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:8:p:4560-:d:539662
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Komalsingh Rambaree & Agneta Sundström & Zhao Wang & Sandra Ann Ingela Wright, 2021. "Qualitative Stakeholder Analysis for a Swedish Regional Biogas Development: A Thematic Network Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-20, July.

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