SUEZ recently acquired a 51% majority stake in ARA Cursus (ARA), a Polish developer and operator of methanization units. This strategic operation is designed to strengthen SUEZ ‘s presence in the European market for anaerobic digestion of waste and renewable energy production.
EIFFEL Investment Group, via its EIFFEL Gaz Vert fund, and BOURGOGNE are joining SUEZ in this initiative. EIFFEL now holds 24.5% of the capital, while BOURGOGNE also retains 24.5%. Total investment in new biogas and biomethane plants amounts to around 70 million euros. Moreover, biogas production is accelerating worldwide, as demonstrated by Chinese investment in the field.
Development of biogas projects in Poland
ARA Cursus has developed a portfolio of nine agricultural biogas projects in Poland. Each anaerobic digestion unit is designed to produce around 1 MW of renewable electrical energy. One project is already operational, and construction of the others will begin in 2024. These projects also include digestate production for agriculture and wood drying for commercial customers.
The support of the Polish government, which has introduced an aid scheme for biogas production in 2023, is a key factor in the development of these projects. National biogas production in Poland is set to reach 30 TWh by 2030, by exploiting the large volumes of agricultural waste available.
Environmental and economic impact
ARA’s methanization projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, estimated at at least 4,600 tonnes per year for each plant. In addition, they promote the sustainable development of local communities by creating direct jobs.
On a European scale, biogas and biomethane production is essential for decarbonization and energy security. The European Union aims to reduce the landfilling of waste and increase the use of renewable energies, including biogas, by 2030.
Yves Rannou, Executive Vice-President of SUEZ, stated that this acquisition of a majority stake in ARA is a key step in SUEZ’s international growth strategy. He underlined the partners’ commitment to supporting the ecological transition by recovering waste and producing renewable energy locally in Poland.
Marc-Etienne Mercadier, head of the Eiffel Gaz Vert fund, expressed his satisfaction with the partners’ combined expertise in positioning ARA Cursus as a key player in the Polish biogas market.
Jean-Luc Zbirou, President of Bourgogne, confirmed his enthusiasm to see these projects in operation and to continue developing the portfolio with strategic partners.
ARA Cursus is therefore well positioned to play a central role in the development of the biomethane market in Poland, thanks to its expertise and strategic partnerships.
