Latvian waste management company SIA “ZAAO” has ordered BIOupgradeCH4 biogas upgrading unit and BIOparkCH4 biomethane filling station from Biovoima. The project is executed together with the construction company SIA Rubate. Basic design work has started by the Biovoima project team and the installation at the site is scheduled for December 2025.
Chief of development at ZAAO, Mārtiņš Niklass is satisfied for the project with Biovoima so far. “Collaboration with Biovoima has begun in a positive and effective atmosphere. We trust Biovoima´s expertise in biogas upgrading technology and professional project execution. We look forward to continuing this partnership throughout the implementation and operation phases.”
Green biomethane used for SIA ZAAO waste collection trucks for lower emissions
ZAAO is investing in non-fossil fuel production solutions in their operations and will use the produced biomethane in their waste collection trucks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for better climate. Mārtiņš Niklass from ZAAO sees several reasons for the investment.
“ZAAO’s investment in biogas upgrading and biomethane refueling technology reflects its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and energy independence. The shift to locally produced biomethane allows ZAAO to reduce GHG emissions, lower transportation fuel costs, and minimize reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
Biomethane is a much cleaner fuel compared to fossil fuels. It produces fewer CO2 emissions, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of waste collection activities. In some cases, biomethane can cut CO2 emissions by 80-90% compared to conventional fossil fuels. By using green fuel ZAAO is pioneering company in waste management sector in Latvia. “This initiative aligns with the company’s goal to lead by example in the green transition within Latvia’s waste management sector”, says Mārtiņš Niklass.
Cutting transportation costs with own biomethane production and filling station
With its own biomethane production and BIOpark filling station ZAAO will also significally cut their costs in waste collection transportation. After the new equipment is in use, the trucks no longer need to drive faraway for refueling. Instead, the refueling can be done on their own facility. ZAAO can also reduce their reliance on imported fossil fuels, which are subject to price fluctuations.
Upgrading unit with membrane technology
The BIOupgrade biogas upgrading unit by Biovoima is using membrane technology, where carbon dioxide and biomethane are separated based on their different permeabilities. Purification occurs in three stages, meaning the gas is recycled within the process. This achieves high product quality and minimal methane loss. The BIOupgradeCH4 biogas upgrading system is an automatic, easily monitored and remotely controlled refining system to produce high-quality biomethane out of raw biogas.
SIA ZAAO provides quality waste management services – waste collection, sorting, transportation, treatment and disposal in an environmentally friendly manner, as well as public information and education. SIA ZAAO is a public-private company of 11 municipalities – Alūksne, Balvi, Cēsis, Gulbene, Limbaži, Madona, Saulkrasti, Sigulda, Smiltene, Valka and Valmiera.
More information:
Jani Kangasaho | Sales Director, Partner
jani.kangasaho@biovoima.fi | +358 50 468 7907
Evald Pärni | Sales Manager, Baltics
evald.parni@biovoima.fi | +372 501 2238