Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. If you don't find what you're looking for, please contact us!
General questions
Organisation and experience
Nature Energy started in Denmark in 1979 as a municipal gas distribution company, supplying households with gas. In 2015, Nature Energy established its first green gas plant in Denmark. Today, it is Denmark’s largest green gas producer. The Danish experience and expertise enable Nature Energy to develop installations that function well and fit within the environment. Nature Energy aims to contribute to the energy transition in more locations and has therefore expanded to other countries, including the Netherlands. Currently, Nature Energy has around 500 employees and operates fifteen green gas plants across Europe.
The employees of Nature Energy Netherlands live and work in the Netherlands. The local team has many years of experience in energy projects and agriculture in the Netherlands. This background has led to an extensive network and in-depth knowledge of the Dutch market.
Green gas
Green gas is gas made from biomass and processed to the same quality as natural gas. Biomass consists of materials like plant residues or manure. Green gas can be blended into the regular gas network. It can also be used as fuel for heavy road transport and shipping.
Biogas is produced from renewable sources such as organic waste, manure, or sewage sludge. In the Netherlands, we are developing a co-digestion plant (with multiple sources) in Den Helder and a mono-digestion plant (100% manure) in Coevorden. The biogas is then purified and upgraded to the same quality as natural gas. After these processes, it is called “green gas” or “biomethane” and serves as a sustainable alternative to fossil natural gas. Green gas and biomethane are the same and originate from biogas.
Green gas is just as safe as fossil-based natural gas. Grid operators impose strict quality requirements on the gas entering the network and frequently conduct quality checks to ensure green gas is safe and clean. For safety, an odorant is added to green gas, giving it the same distinctive smell as natural gas. The installations that upgrade biogas to green gas are frequently and thoroughly inspected. Green gas plants, like natural gas plants, have limited risks.
Green gas can be fed into the regular gas network and is usable by anyone with a gas connection. Since green gas has the same properties as natural gas, appliances do not need to be adjusted. Only a connection to the existing gas network is required.
In cases of mono-digestion and sometimes co-digestion, there is even a positive effect on the greenhouse effect. This is because pollutants such as methane and CO₂ are captured in a green gas plant and used to produce green gas. In livestock barns, these gases would otherwise be released directly into the air, contributing to the greenhouse effect. It’s a win-win: sustainable energy to replace fossil fuels and reduced methane emissions at the source.
The digester
Digestion is a process commonly used in food production, such as brewing beer or making cheese and bread. During digestion, bacteria break down organic material. For green gas production, residual streams are converted into methane gas (CH₄).
- Mono-digestion: 100% manure is digested.
- Co-digestion: At least 50% manure is required, with the possibility of adding crop residues or industrial food by-products. The materials entering a digester are called “feedstock.”
- In the Netherlands, we are developing a co-digestion plant (various sources) in Den Helder and a mono-digestion plant (100% manure) in Coevorden.
Manure and organic residual streams are combined, and at a temperature of approximately 50°C, bacteria begin breaking down the materials, producing green gas after purification. The remaining material, called digestate, contains valuable nutrients essential for healthy soil and can be used on farmland. Additionally, Bio-CO₂ is released as a byproduct, which can be used in greenhouse farming. Unlike fossil-based CO₂, Bio-CO₂ comes from a sustainable source.
No, digestion occurs naturally without additives. The biomass (manure and industrial residual products) already contains bacteria that produce methane and CO₂, so no additional substances are necessary.
No, only residual streams are used. We follow the European Union’s sustainability regulations, which exclude food products from digestion.
Feedstock refers to the raw materials used in the digester to produce green gas, such as manure and straw.
Bio-CO₂ is carbon dioxide released during the digestion of green gas. It is a byproduct. Regular CO₂ comes from fossil fuels, such as coal combustion.
We work closely with the agricultural sector. One possibility is to collect all manure from farmers, digest it, and return the digestate to them. We have learned valuable lessons from Denmark, where this has been practiced for years. This method significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions from manure storage. Additionally, we welcome other ideas from the agricultural sector.
Odor, Noise, and Safety
If odor is released, it will be an exception. It will have an organic smell, a mix of manure and other organic materials.
Nature Energy installations use modern technologies and cause little to no odor nuisance during operation. Several measures are taken to limit odor emissions as much as possible, such as:
- Indoor processing: Trucks unloading and loading materials do so indoors, preventing odors from escaping.
- Closed processes: All processes occur in sealed buildings, maintained under negative pressure to prevent odor leakage.
- Odor treatment: Air from buildings and processes is purified through a multi-stage odor filter and biofilters, effectively neutralizing odors.
- High chimney: The purified air is discharged via a high chimney, dispersing any remaining odor at a high altitude to minimize disturbance.
A digestion plant produces limited noise, mainly from:
- A gas engine with a generator (usually housed in a soundproof container).
- Compressors (for green gas injection into the grid), pumps, and mixers.
- Ventilation systems (for cooling gas engines or extracting air from air scrubbers).
- Trucks and wheel loaders.
Noise levels are regulated in environmental permits, which may also include restrictions on transport times.
The facilities for upgrading biogas to green gas are regularly and thoroughly inspected. Green gas plants have limited risks, similar to natural gas plants. Green gas is just as safe as fossil-based natural gas. Grid operators impose strict quality standards on the gas entering the network and frequently conduct quality checks. For safety, an odorant is added to green gas, giving it the same distinctive smell as natural gas.
Den Helder
Location Den Helder
Several developments and transitions are taking place in Den Helder where green gas can play a role:
- The heating transition in the (built) environment – Not all homes can be heated using (green) electricity. A form of gas, such as green gas, will remain necessary for heating homes. Nature Energy wants to invest in the energy transition and support the sustainability of the built environment with green gas.
- Closing regional cycles in collaboration with farmers – Due to the availability of feedstock and the possibilities for digestate disposal, Den Helder has potential for green gas development.
- Sustainability of the port area – The port area in Den Helder also plays an important role. Green gas can contribute here, for example, by producing methanol using BioCO2 (a byproduct of the digester).
The location in Den Helder can contribute to achieving these ambitions. Additionally, there are few houses in the vicinity, and the location is easily accessible without passing through built-up areas. We also see great opportunities to strengthen the local circularity of the agricultural sector by obtaining organic residual flows and supplying digestate (fertilizer product).
During construction, approximately 100 to 200 people will work on-site. Once the location is operational, 10 to 15 people will be directly employed in the facility, for example, unloading trucks. About 60 additional people will be indirectly involved as suppliers.
Planning
Currently, the plans for the project in Den Helder are being further developed. As part of this process, permit applications are being prepared, and a detailed design is being made. In this phase, involving the local community plays an important role.
Construction will start at the earliest in 2027, with the facility becoming operational no sooner than 2029. The start of construction depends on the progress of studies that will be conducted in the coming period. After that, the permit process must take place.
During construction, you may experience some inconvenience. We aim to minimize this as much as possible and will develop a management plan in collaboration with the community. This plan will include details such as work start times and the best times for traffic movements to reduce disruption.
Participation, Community Engagement, and Local Opportunities
We keep the community informed through updates on our website. Additionally, we maintain ongoing discussions with local residents. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas about the green gas facility.
One possibility is that the gas will be sold to energy suppliers (such as Eneco) to meet blending obligations, which means that households in Den Helder could indirectly use green gas. This option will be further explored.
We aim to collaborate with educational institutions, for example, by facilitating internships or raising awareness about the energy transition and green gas through educational materials.
Bio-CO2 can be used in greenhouse horticulture, where plants absorb the CO2 and grow better. Another application is in the packaging or beverage industry for producing carbonated drinks like soda. Additionally, Bio-CO2 can be used to produce methanol.
Traffic
To transport raw materials such as manure and other necessary supplies, we expect up to 60-80 truck movements per day.
Trucks will arrive at staggered times throughout the day. There is also space on-site for trucks to wait, so under normal circumstances, waiting outside the gate will not be necessary. If unforeseen circumstances do arise, we will work to minimize any inconvenience.
Permits and procedures
Several permits are required for the project, including a Wabo permit (construction) and a Wnb permit (nitrogen emissions).
The province of North Holland is the responsible authority for granting the permits required for the construction of Nature Energy’s digester facility in Den Helder. This includes an environmental permit for building and operation. The Omgevingsdienst Noord-Holland Noord/Noordzeekanaalgebied has been designated to issue such permits in Den Helder on behalf of the Provincial Executive of North Holland. Additionally, a Nature Conservation Act (Wnb) permit must be obtained, for which the province of North Holland is also the competent authority.
Various studies are required for a green gas facility. These are mandated by law and necessary for obtaining permits. Examples include studies on soil conditions, odor, noise, emissions, safety, and the effects on the living environment.
Nature Energy selects locations based on several criteria, such as the number of available hectares, the presence of manure and other organic residual flows nearby, the feasibility of digestate return, and whether the provincial and municipal zoning plans allow for such a facility. We also examine local and provincial energy plans to ensure alignment with sustainability goals. If the plans match, we initiate discussions with the municipality and the province before starting the project development process.
Coevorden
Location Coevorden
Nature Energy wants to invest in the energy transition and contribute to the sustainability of the built environment. Not all homes can be heated with (green) electricity. A form of gas, such as green gas, will still be needed. That is why we are exploring ways to contribute to this.
The province of Drenthe, including the Coevorden area, has historically played a key role as an energy supplier for the Netherlands. This was primarily through fossil fuels (oil and gas), but the province and municipality have ambitious plans for sustainable energy. We share this vision for the energy transition in this area. Additionally, we see local opportunities for collaboration with manure suppliers (availability of manure from the region), which contributed to the choice of Coevorden.
If the installation is built, around 100 to 150 people will be employed during the construction phase. Once operational, 15 to 20 people will be directly employed at the plant, for example, to unload trucks. Around 50 additional people will work indirectly as suppliers.
The digester
The Coevorden facility will be a mono-digestion plant (100% manure).
Approximately 16.5 million Nm³ of gas. This is enough to supply gas to more than 10,000 households.
The installation consists of various components spread over the site. The total area of the site is 6.5 hectares. The digesters will be 26 meters high, making them the tallest production units. The chimney will be 36 meters high.
100% manure. The digestion process takes place without the use of additives. The biomass (manure and industrial residues) naturally contains the bacteria needed to form methane and CO₂. Therefore, no additives are required.
Planning
We are currently working on obtaining the necessary permits and formally purchasing the land; at present, we have an option on the land. We hope to complete this in the first half of 2025. The goal is to start construction of the installation in 2026. The plant is expected to be ready for production in early 2028.
Meanwhile, we will keep the community informed through our newsletter whenever there are new developments. Additionally, we will organize another community meeting in 2025. During this meeting, we will discuss progress and the construction phase, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas about the green gas installation.
Construction will start at the earliest in (the first quarter of) 2026. We will provide timely updates on the exact schedule and activities via a letter. This letter will outline what will take place, what impact it may have, and how to contact us.
Participation, Community Involvement, and Local Opportunities
As a resident, you can be involved in these projects in various ways. We believe collaboration with the local community is essential to ensure a smooth transition to green gas production. That is why we engage in early discussions about questions, concerns, and ideas. We do this by organizing community meetings and continuously communicating developments through our online channels (website).
We also strive to answer frequently asked questions as thoroughly as possible on our website. Additionally, you can contact us via the web form on our website or by emailing contact-coevorden@nature-energy.com.
We keep the community informed through our newsletter about new developments. Additionally, we organize meetings for residents and surrounding businesses every six months to a year, where people can ask questions and exchange ideas about the green gas installation.
The green gas installation in Coevorden will create 15-20 direct jobs in operations, 50 indirect jobs at suppliers (which we aim to source locally), and 100-150 jobs during the construction phase. We are committed to a regional circular economy by collaborating with local manure suppliers.
Additionally, the installation contributes to national and regional sustainability goals, such as the national blending obligation and the ambitions of RES-Drenthe. We are exploring collaborations with educational institutions for internships and awareness activities, such as guest lectures and site tours. We are also investigating ways to utilize residual heat locally.
We are interested in working with local businesses and will be launching local tenders. If interested, please contact us via contact-coevorden@nature-energy.com.
Green gas
Green gas can be injected into the regular gas network and is usable by anyone with a gas connection. Since green gas has the same properties as natural gas, no modifications to appliances are needed—only a connection to the existing gas network is required.
The produced green gas will be sold by our trading department. One option is to sell it to energy suppliers for the blending obligation, allowing households in Coevorden to use green gas. This possibility will be further explored.
We produce digestate that fits well within the agricultural sector. This means that nitrogen and phosphate levels are suitable for Dutch agriculture. We will not create customized digestate for individual farmers, but we do offer different liquid digestate streams (raw and separated), allowing farmers to create their own mix.
We will collaborate with a local manure supplier who will transport liquid manure to our installation. This supplier primarily operates in the province of Drenthe and its surroundings. The manure will mostly come from the Coevorden municipality area.
Permits and Procedures for Nature Energy Coevorden
Various permits are needed to realize the project, including a Wabo permit (construction) and a Wnb permit (nitrogen emissions).
The province of Drenthe is responsible for granting permits for the realization of the Nature Energy Coevorden digestion plant. This includes an environmental permit for construction and operations. The Environmental Service Groningen is responsible for granting such permits in Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland on behalf of the Provincial Executive of Drenthe.
Additionally, a Nature Protection Act (Wnb) permit must be applied for, which also falls under the jurisdiction of the province of Drenthe.
Once the competent authority publishes the permit announcement, anyone can submit an objection. The objection period depends on the processing authority.
Various legally required studies are conducted for a green gas installation. If these studies are not done correctly or if results are unfavorable, permits will not be granted. These studies include assessments of soil, odor, noise, emissions, safety, and environmental impact.
Nature Energy considers several factors when selecting a location, such as available land area, the presence of manure in the region, and compliance with provincial and municipal zoning plans.
Contact
You can contact us via the web form on our website or email contact-coevorden@nature-energy.com.