Wendland-Elbetal Bio-energy Region

Within the framework of the case study on the Wendland-Elbetal Bio-energy Region located in the German federal state of Lower Saxony, the focus is on the biogas value added chain promoted in terms of funding for networking and education-related activities. As one of 25 winning regions of a national competition initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, the study region – encompassing two (partial) administrative districts – has been implementing its regional development concept since 2009, pursuing a sustainable regional development through covering the areas of renewable energy (heating wood, biogas), mobility (biogas fuel), as well as education and research in the thematic field. The case study investigates success factors and challenges related to the initiative by looking at the development of renewable energy in the region in terms of the actor networks related, funding and technological advancements. At this – in line with the scope of the FarmPath project – special emphasis is on the contribution of renewable energy to an overall sustainable regional development, and within that, the role of regional agriculture. The research questions are addressed by making use of the rich body of results from other research already existing (amongst others, the accompanying research associated with the Bio-energy Region), complemented by key stakeholder interviews.

Image: Views of a biogas plant located in the 'circular village' of Puggen, Germany

(Courtesy of Sarah Peter)