SUEZ is acquiring a 51% controlling stake in ARA Cursus (ARA), a Polish developer and operator of biogas plants. This move strengthens SUEZ’s position in the European market for anaerobic digestion of waste and renewable energy production.
EIFFEL, through its fund EIFFEL GAZ VERT, which previously financed ARA projects, is acquiring a 24.5% stake in ARA, while BOURGOGNE, ARA’s former majority owner, retains the remaining 24.5% stake.
Marc-Etienne Mercadier, fund manager of Eiffel Gaz Vert, expressed enthusiasm: “We are pleased to become shareholders of the platform that we began financing three years ago. The combined expertise of SUEZ, Eiffel, and Bourgogne will position ARA Cursus as a leading player in the Polish biogas market.”
ARA has developed a portfolio of nine agricultural biogas projects in Poland, supported by key technology and project partners. Each project is designed to generate approximately 1 MW of electrical renewable energy, with one project currently operational. Construction of the next set of projects is scheduled to commence this year, involving the production of digestate as agricultural fertilizer and wood drying for commercial customers.
SUEZ, along with EIFFEL, financial partners, and BOURGOGNE, plans to invest nearly €70 million in constructing the initial group of biogas plants and developing additional biomethane production facilities.
Yves Rannou, SUEZ’s Chief Operating Officer Recycling & Recovery, Executive Vice-President, stated, “Together with our partners, we are committed to supporting our customers in Poland in their ecological transition by increasing waste recovery and local renewable energy production.”
ARA, with its expertise and portfolio, is well-positioned to capitalize on Poland’s promising biomethane market. The growth in biogas production is supported by a scheme established by the Polish government in 2023, aiming for national biogas production to reach 30 TWh by 2030, leveraging abundant local agricultural waste feedstock.
Through the production of renewable energy and biofertilizers, ARA’s biogas plants will contribute to Poland’s low-carbon energy transition and circular economy. Each plant is expected to annually reduce GHG emissions by at least 4,600 tons and create local direct jobs, contributing to sustainable community development.
At the European level, local biogas and biomethane production contribute significantly to decarbonization and energy supply security goals. The EU’s targets for 2030 include reducing waste to landfill and increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as biogas and biomethane. Anaerobic digestion of Europe’s organic waste fraction is pivotal in achieving these objectives.
