Agricultural cooperative biogas plant in Theuma, Germany

The Theuma biogas plant in Germany converts agricultural residues and manure from a 1,970-hectare cooperative into biogas, generating 10,000 MWh of electricity and 10,000 MWh of heat annually. Using combined-heat-and-power units, the energy supplies 115 households, public buildings, and small businesses. Biogas is produced via anaerobic digestion and used on-demand, with digestate recycled as fertilizer. The system provides reliable, CO2-neutral, base-load energy and is scalable, though high costs and lack of sustainability incentives remain challenges. Developed by Forrest Kluson of UFZ, the project supports rural energy independence and sustainable bioeconomy practices.