Journal of Cleaner Production
Volume 129, 15 August 2016, Pages 556–564


  • Georg-August-University Göttingen, Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, Platz der Göttinger Sieben 5, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
Received 10 March 2015, Revised 29 March 2016, Accepted 31 March 2016, Available online 12 April 2016
doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.03.157
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Highlights

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Very few studies exist on the effects of biogas production on the socio-economics.
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Using a system dynamics model, the effects on jobs and added value are projected.
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There is a positive regional effect on employment and added value due to biogas.
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In the majority of the areas there is a potential for further biogas production.
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Future biogas production will not be able to stop agricultural structural change.

Abstract

In recent years, biogas production capacity has been greatly enlarged in Germany. Whereas negative effects of this development, for example in increased land lease prices, have been well documented, very few research studies exist on the positive effects of biogas production on the socio-economics of rural areas. This study of the German state of Lower Saxony provides such information. Using a system dynamics model, the effects of increased biogas production on employment and added value in rural areas are projected for three different scenarios and six regions in Lower Saxony. A further step determines the further potential for enlargement of biogas production and to what extent this potential development would improve the socio-economic position of the regions under analysis. The results show that considerable changes occur regarding the employment level. Additionally, in the majority of areas within the regions there is a significant potential for further development of biogas production, which would likewise be reflected in the effects of added value and employment opportunities. This study reveals a differentiated view on the regional economic effects of biogas production. It also provides valuable information for further considerations about the potential construction of additional biogas plants and enhanced possibilities to switch a region's energy supply towards renewable bio-based energies.

Keywords

  • Biogas production;
  • Input–output analysis;
  • Potential analysis;
  • Employment opportunities;
  • Added value
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