Sector
Biogas/Biomethane
Country
Italy
Situation
In portfolio
Investment date
2023
Contact
info@sumacapital.com
CH4T is a platform dedicated to the transformation of biogas plants into biomethane plants in Northern Italy. Suma Capital acquired 100% of CH4T, a company based in Verona (Italy) specialised in the management of biogas and biomethane plants, with a staff of professionals with more than 20 years of experience in the energy and agriculture sector in Italy.
This first investment by the SCCIF III fund in Italy reflects Suma Capital’s commitment to initiatives that promote energy transition by investing in the production of renewable energy through the recovery of agricultural waste, generating not only positive financial returns, but also generating a positive impact on the environment and promoting local economic development.
Biomethane plays an important role in achieving the European Union’s goals of decarbonisation and reducing the EU’s dependence on fossil fuel imports, while reducing exposure to volatile natural gas prices. In addition, the use of digestate as a fertiliser closes the nutrient cycle in local ecosystems and avoids CO2 emissions that would be released due to the production of mineral fertilisers. At the national level, the Italian government has set a target of producing 2.3 billion cubic metres (2.3 bcm) of biomethane annually by 2026, being seven times the volume produced by the end of 2023.
The main advantage of biogas is its potential to decarbonise demand, which is often linked to thermal uses in industry and is difficult to decarbonise with other renewable sources. CH4T is positioned as a key player in the transition to renewable fuels, contributing significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, fostering the local economy, and strengthening the agricultural sector through the valorisation of agricultural waste.
This investment contributes to the benefit of society through the reduction of CO2 emissions, reducing the negative effects on the environment, through a sustainable management of agricultural waste in the territory. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels, which is an advantage for natural gas consumers, thus helping them in the transition to the use of energy from renewable sources. This investment also boosts the local economy, in particular the agricultural sector, which will make it possible to valorise its organic waste. In addition, the communities of the territory will benefit from job creation and economic growth.
The project foresees an annual reduction of approximately 80,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions and a production of more than ~300,000 MWh/year of biomethane. By processing ~400,000 tonnes of organic waste annually, it will not only generate biomethane, but also mitigate the environmental impact associated with the application of this waste without first being directly stabilised in the field. The decarbonisation of sectors that are difficult to electrify, the promotion of rural employment, and the promotion of the circular economy are other benefits provided by CH4T.
The management and procurement of the waste needed for biogas production and the conversion of plants to biomethane can compromise the viability of projects.
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