Unique Biogas Equipment in Finland – Novia Upgrades Its Test Lab at Technobothnia

8.12.2025
Research Sustainable Technology News Vaasa
andreaswillfors

After ten years of work, Novia University of Applied Sciences has installed biogas equipment that likely has no equivalent in Finland. With support from the Just Transition Fund, the university has received €150,000 to build an advanced research laboratory at Technobothnia.

The investment project Biogas Test Plant for Technobothnia, financed by the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia via the JTF, marks a milestone for biogas research in the region. Three identical biogas reactors, each with an effective volume of 15 liters, were installed a few weeks ago.

“Here we will conduct research in renewable energy, to gradually move away from the use of fossil fuels,” says project manager Andreas Willfors.

Ten Years of Work Behind the Initiative

Novia’s biogas research began back in 2007. The first part of the current lab equipment was purchased in 2014 to measure the methane potential of different materials and was later expanded. The AMPTS II units are still in frequent use.

The investment project was one of the first approved via the Regional Council of Ostrobothnia through the Just Transition Fund. The new equipment will initially be used in the Interreg Aurora-funded projects Boost Nordic Biogas and Nature Refines.

In autumn 2024, the procurement process was launched and won by a German supplier. Last autumn, the new equipment – BTP2-control from Umwelt- und Ingenieurtechnik GmbH Dresden – was delivered.

The reactors function as a miniature version of a real biogas plant but with excellent opportunities for various measurements. They are currently being tested and have been filled with sludge from the waste management company Stormossen, Novia’s partner. The reactors are kept at 53 degrees – the same temperature as Stormossen’s full-scale facility. Gas production is measured with a gas meter and analyzed via a gas analyzer. Everything is digitally controlled, with detailed information on heating, stirring, and gas volume.

“We fill and empty material just like in a real plant. With three reactors we can vary temperatures, monitor pH and redox, and analyze data. All information can be exported to Excel for further calculations,” explains Willfors.

Unique Equipment in Finland

According to Willfors, the same biogas equipment does not exist elsewhere in Finland – only abroad. This makes the investment unique and gives Novia a stronger position in international research.

“Novia has long been engaged in biogas research, but this enables a significant increase in capacity and allows us to participate in international projects. We have previously collaborated extensively with, for example, Umeå, but now we can take part in even larger contexts. It also strengthens cooperation with local actors such as Stormossen and Jeppo Biogas, as well as new partners,” says Willfors.
With the new equipment, Novia hopes to contribute to the development of renewable energy, nutrient recycling, and to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels such as peat.

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