NOVATERA closes the gap between biogas production and green heavy-duty transport.
While thousands of biogas plants are looking for new revenue models after the expiry of the EEG compensation, at the same time the pressure from legal requirements on the logistics industry to drastically reduce its emissions is growing. NOVATERA connects both sides operationally, economically, and technologically.
NOVATERA handles the complete processing and micro-liquefaction of biogas on site. The compact technology used for this purpose is installed directly at the biogas plant and converts the raw gas into two high-quality products: Bio-LNG (biogenic liquefied natural gas) as an advanced fuel and Bio-LIC (liquefied biogenic CO₂) for industrial applications. The subsequent marketing of both material flows and the associated greenhouse gas reduction quotas (GHG certificates) is carried out centrally by NOVATERA.
For biogas plant operators, this means an economically attractive prospect under the EEG, without any additional investment or conversion. They sell their raw biogas directly to NOVATERA and participate in the marketing profits. The plant can continue to operate as usual, with additional income and long-term guaranteed sales.
For the transport industry, NOVATERA is creating comprehensive access to an advanced, high-purity biofuel for the first time – directly from the region. The bio-LNG is produced from substrates made from RED II and achieves CO₂ savings of up to -190 g CO₂eq/MJ compared to fossil diesel. With a methane number (MN) of over 98, it also meets the highest requirements for engine performance and combustion efficiency. The high energy density and purity of the fuel enable particularly clean, stable, and powerful application in the heavy-duty sector, while also being eligible for GHG quota trading.
NOVATERA is committed to true energy independence: decentralized biogas plants that produce 365 days a year become local fuel sources—right in the region, without long transport routes.
The technical implementation is carried out by HYSYTECH, a company of the Nippon Gases Group based in Italy. HYSYTECH is a leading European provider of biogas processing and micro-liquefaction and has been developing solutions for renewable gases and hydrogen for many years. The technology used is based on an energy-efficient Stirling refrigeration process that has already been tested in numerous applications in extreme environments.
Christoph Laumen, Vice President Europe Central Eastern at Nippon Gases and Managing Director of NOVATERA GmbH, explains: „For Nippon Gases, this joint venture is a strategic step toward sustainable gas solutions for industry and transportation. NOVATERA combines decentralized technology with reliable marketing – for farmers and freight forwarders alike.“
Holger Pastel, Managing Director of TES Bio-LNG GmbH and Co-Managing Director of NOVATERA GmbH, adds: „We are creating an economically viable model for both sides: biogas plants, which are facing a decision after 20 years of EEG subsidies, and the transport industry, which is dependent on climate-friendly alternatives. NOVATERA brings these interests together: pragmatic, scalable, and immediately implementable.“
About Nippon Gases
Nippon Gases, one of the leading industrial and medical gases companies in Europe, is part of the Nippon Sanso Holdings Corporation, which has over 100 years of experience and also boasts a major presence in Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, the United States and Canada, operating in more than 30 countries with more than 20,000 employees around the world. Our presence in Europe positions us as a leading company with over 3,200 employees of which 27.9% are women, operating today in 13 countries and serving more than 150,000 customers and over 350,000 homecare patients. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, Nippon Gases upholds high safety standards and is recognised by leading industrial gases associations. Our commitment to our customers, employees and associates and to the communities in which we operate is a reflection of our dedication to the environment and to sustainability. Together, we are “The Gas Professionals” and we all have the same goal: “Making life better through gas technology”.
Nippon Gases Germany, headquartered in Düsseldorf, has 16 locations throughout Germany. The gases and related services are used in metalworking companies as well as in wastewater treatment, the chemical industry, food production, and as medical gases in clinics.
About TES BiO-LNG GmbH
TES Bio-LNG GmbH is a pioneer in a market that emerged less than 34 months ago: the decentralized production of high purity bio-LNG for heavy-duty transport from decentralized biogas production through micro-liquefaction. TES Bio-LNG focuses on pragmatic, scalable, and immediately implementable solutions in an emerging future market of the energy transition in transportation. In its overall approach, TES Bio-LNG not only creates a solution for transport, while at the same avoiding methane and CO2 emissions. It also integrates other technologies, to solve the issues of digestate, while at the same time improves soil conditions, creates energy and captures carbon.
TES Bio-LNG is a subsidiary of Tomorrow Energy Solutions GmbH (TES), a forward-thinking energy company founded by a group of strategic investors committed to unbiased, long-term sustainable energy solutions—developed through a "first principles" approach rather than following fleeting trends. Specializing in sustainable energy contracting, TES develops and operates efficient energy infrastructure that helps businesses and communities transition to climate-friendly alternatives.