As part of a two-billion-forint project, a biogas plant has been built in the city of Pécs. The project uses the sewage generated at the city’s sewerage plant for the production of energy.
The plant was built from a budget of HUF 2.1 billion (EUR 6.8 million), with EU funding amounting to HUF 925 million (EUR 3 million). Test operations will be launched at the end of October.
Eszter Vitályos, State Secretary for EU Developments of the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted at the inauguration ceremony that the project is a priority investment also from the viewpoint of environmental protection, the economy and sustainability, and contributes to the use of renewable energy sources in a larger proportion.
The State Secretary stressed that the green energy produced in the plant is used locally in its entirety, which will result in savings. The project will also have a beneficial effect on the environment as energy may also be produced from other biological waste generated in the vicinity of Pécs.
The Mayor said that it is the objective of the municipality to turn Pécs into one of the five cheapest cities in Hungary. He additionally reiterated that Pécs will apply for the 2017 Green Capital of Europe title, and the existence of the plant may contribute to the attainment of this goal.
He added that, by virtue of the project, the city disposes of organic waste with the most advanced, cutting-edge technology. The biogas plant will start its operation in a fully sealed system; in other words, no further hazardous substances may escape into the environment.