A revolution rooted in the circular economy: thanks to separate waste collection, organic waste is fed into an anaerobic digestion process to produce biogas.
Biomethane: a clean resource of biological origin
So, what makes this source of methane “bio”? Quite simply, it’s how it is produced: not by drilling into deep underground deposits, but by fermenting organic waste in dedicated facilities. Biomethane can be produced continuously, it is inexhaustible, and production can be increased simply by building more plants. This makes it one of the clearest examples of a circular economy.
In Spilamberto, a biodigester converted into a biomethane plant
An innovative plant for the production of biomethane is in operation in Spilamberto, in the province of Modena. It was developed by the NewCo Biorg, a joint venture between the Hera Group and Inalca (Cremonini Group), through a total investment of around €28 million and the use of the best available technologies.
Starting from separately collected organic waste and agri-food effluents, the plant – the result of converting an old biodigester – produces, at full capacity, 3.7 million cubic metres of biomethane per year, a 100% renewable fuel intended for transport, and around 18,000 tonnes of compost.
A cutting-edge plant for the energy transition and the circular economy
The 100% renewable natural gas is produced through anaerobic digestion of organic waste from separate collection carried out mainly in Modena and the province, along with waste from local agri-food processing and meat production by Inalca. Once refined, it becomes biomethane and can be fed into the gas network.
Significant environmental benefits: around 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ avoided
Thanks to the injection of biomethane into the network and its use in transport, significant environmental benefits are expected. Every year, around 3,000 tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) in fossil fuels are saved, and approximately 7,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions are avoided. Absorbing such an amount of CO₂ would require, on average, 280,000 trees.
What happens in our plant in Sant'Agata
Organic waste, collected through separate waste collection, undergoes anaerobic digestion to produce biogas. This is how the process works: the waste is shredded and screened, then remains for about 21 days in four horizontal digesters, where suitable microorganisms carry out the digestion process and produce biogas (composed of methane and carbon dioxide). After this, the biogas undergoes an upgrading, or purification, phase using pressurised water: the carbon dioxide dissolves and separates from the methane. The result is biomethane, a gas with a methane content above 95%, and a completely renewable source of energy. Not only that: at the end of the digestion process, lignocellulosic material is added to the outgoing solid fraction, producing a compact mass that then undergoes composting to create high-quality compost, which can be used as potting soil or agricultural fertiliser.
Biomethane is therefore another revolution rooted in the circular economy, one that we at Hera Group are committed to advancing. We do all this with the goal of creating shared value, as Andrea Ramonda, CEO of Herambiente, emphasises: “The direction we have taken looks towards the industrial sector with an increasing focus to creating shared value and partnerships. We are aware that sustainable waste management, focused on recovery and in full compliance with regulations, is essential in today’s world and generates benefits for the entire community.”
Working together for a circular city
At Hera Group, we have joined forces with Bologna Airport and Tper to launch a circular economy project that contributes to decarbonising urban mobility and improving air quality.
What does this partnership involve? The Airport delivers its organic waste to Hera, which collects it at the Sant'Agata Bolognese plant together with similar waste produced by citizens and transforms it into biomethane that Tper purchases to feed the fuel tanks of a significant part of its bus fleet.
This is an important step forward for our Group and for two major organisations in our area, which, like us, serve hundreds of thousands of people. We share a commitment to improvement and sustainability, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda.
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Technological innovation in materials and processes to strengthen network resilience
Boosting risk prevention and the resilience of distribution infrastructure improves efficiency and service quality, and helps to enable the energy transition.
The Hera Group’s investments made to equip the gas and electricity distribution infrastructure with new predictive management models increase the reliability and flexibility of network performance. They also reinforce continuity of supply and raise the safety, quality and environmental sustainability of operations.
Advanced simulations to improve risk management and safety
To monitor gas pipelines in areas with high hydrogeological risk, Hera uses the Clapi system, which integrates satellite data with geographic information systems (GIS). Using machine learning algorithms, the system estimates pipeline break risk as landslide fronts move and suggests targeted mitigation actions.
In addition, through the Siris system (Intelligent and simple real-time integrated service), we have introduced a digital twin in gas distribution management, enabling real-time simulation of infrastructure behaviour and improving demand forecasting and network flow at the most critical points.
Remote control and automation
Nexaction is the first self-powered system, developed and patented by INRETE Distribuzione Energia in partnership with ISIF for the remote automation of network valves for the distribution of gas, water, district heating and fluids.
The system comprises an electromechanical unit, a remote unit equipped with solar panels housing the control electronics, and a remotely-monitored gas detection sensor. Solar power supplies the entire system, allowing each remote unit to operate autonomously in any condition without a grid connection, so it can be installed even in areas without access to the power grid.
The Hera Group’s approach multiplies the benefits of new technological solutions by leveraging synergies across different operational areas.
HERAtech has developed a process for controlling and managing analysers and the associated data flows, in compliance with UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring reliable, accurate and impartial results through a quality management system and the competence of laboratory staff and technical resources.
As for material innovation, trials are underway for the use of negative CO2 PE (polyethylene) gas pipes for network expansion. The polyethylene is produced from non-fossil raw materials.