Hessisch Oldendorf, 12 February 2026
In Hessisch Oldendorf, several plants have been reliably producing biogas for many years - locally, with a secure supply and as part of a well-functioning agricultural infrastructure. Yet these plants lack long-term prospects. Many are approaching the end of their funding period, with no viable plans in place for their subsequent or continued operation.Current calculations clearly demonstrate the potential that already exists today.
The existing biogas plants in Hessisch Oldendorf and its surrounding districts alone produce a combined total of around 3,000 cubic metres of biogas per hour, based on conservative assumptions. With a methane content of 55 per cent, this equates to approximately 1,650 cubic metres of methane per hour.
Extrapolated over the period from October to March, which is crucial for households, this amounts to around 72 gigawatt-hours of gas. In theory, this could fully meet the gas needs of approximately 6,300 households during the heating season.
For comparison: Hessisch Oldendorf has around 18,000 residents, corresponding to approximately 5,000 gas-heated households.
This means: The existing biogas plants could meet the vast majority of household gas demand locally during the winter half of the year - in theory, even more than the total demand.
"We are not talking about distant possibilities or theoretical concepts here", says Dipl.-Ing. Oliver Nacke of ARCHEA New Energy, a company that has been designing, building and operating biogas plants worldwide and in the region for over 25 years. "The infrastructure is in place and the plants are operating reliably - but there is no clear long-term political or regulatory framework."
Biogas plants are about more than maize
Another frequently underestimated aspect: Modern biogas plants have long had the technical capability to process a wide variety of alternative feedstocks, particularly those that arise anyway or offer environmental benefits.Large areas of the Weserbergland are already planted with cup plant - a perennial energy crop whose abundant flowers make it an insect hotspot, while also providing a reliable source of biomass. Wildflower mixtures specifically designed for energy production can also make an important contribution to biodiversity.
In addition, horse manure, cattle manure, roadside vegetation and organic waste from households and businesses are suitable feedstocks for existing biogas plants. These materials need to be put to use in any case - using them to generate energy would close resource loops, avoid emissions and strengthen regional value creation.
"All these materials could already be used in the existing plants today", says Oliver Nacke. "Provided there is political and public support for doing so."
Existing infrastructure instead of new fossil fuel dependencies
Against this backdrop, it seems contradictory that new fossil gas-fired power stations are being planned, with the public expected to help cover their costs through levies, while existing, decentralised biogas plants are left without long-term prospects. Particularly at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and strained energy markets, the obvious approach would be to rely on what already works - and what has already been built.Biogas plants do not need to be built from scratch. They are already there, approved, operational and integrated into regional agriculture. They supply electricity, heat and gas - offering flexibility, storage potential and support for the energy system.
ARCHEA New Energy therefore calls for a fresh approach to the debate on security of supply: regional, realistic and open to all technologies. The biogas plants in Hessisch Oldendorf already make a vital contribution to heat supply, grid stability, the circular economy and regional resilience.
The path towards regional security of supply is already being followed. The biogas plants are in place, they are operating and they make their contribution every day. The task now is to build consistently on these existing structures and recognise their potential. They are a key component of the regional energy supply and therefore of local energy security.
ARCHEA New Energy GmbH
Hoher Kamp 7
31840 Hessisch Oldendorf
www.archea-biogas.de
Dipl. Ing. Oliver Nacke