NOVATERA – A joint venture between Nippon Gases and TES Bio-LNG GmbH

Nippon Gases Germany and TES Bio-LNG GmbH have jointly founded NOVATERA GmbH – a joint venture that converts biogas from industrial fertilizers and organic waste directly into high-purity fuel where it is needed: on site, at the biogas producer's location, in close proximity to transport logistics.

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.“