Biogas-based systems: An opportunity towards a post-fossil and circular economy perspective in Italy

This study adopts a life cycle approach to analyse the principal critical elements, opportunities and limits of biogas production's socio-economic aspects and environmental implications. From this perspective, the biogas supply chain sustainability and the opportunity for a closed-loop approach have been assessed starting from existing studies. The analysis revealed that the biogas sector could play a strategic role in making energy systems more resilient in a context characterised by sudden changes, such as the current scenario. In particular, the research is focused on this sector's potential to support the energy transition in Italy, which presents a structural vulnerability related to fossil resource scarcity. The paper contributes to the literature on the sustainable assessment of the biogas supply chain and paves the way for future researchers to understand the complex issues involved in the biogas sector sustainable development process. Furthermore, it provides policy, managerial and social implications, showing that the complete diffusion of biogas – a renewable, scalable and flexible resource – can foster security and decarbonisation of the energy system. It can also create new business opportunities at the local level, promoting a circular and bio-based economy. •The biogas sector may be a crucial contributor in shift towards a “closed cycle” economy.•The biogas sector can improve resource use and waste management.•The increase in installed biogas plants is a key factor in the transition to a low-carbon economy.•The biogas-based systems can support post-COVID-19 economic recovery.