Our vision
We’re making the green transition profitable
We believe that the future of circular energy is powered by biogas — because of its ability to improve business and the climate alike. We’re here to turn green commitments into profitable realities.
The Bigadan timeline
1982
Already in 1978, Bigadan began developing farm-scale biogas plants. This development resulted in 1982, Bigadan were founded as a formal company. Bigadan is an abbreviation of Biogas Danmark (Danmark is “Denmark” in Danish).
1984
After two years, Bigadan has now grown to 10 employees and operates two farm-scale AD plants, 1 large-scale AD plant (40 tonnes per day). This is also when Karsten Buchhave (current Chairman) is employed.
1986-1989
Karsten Buchhave takes over as CEO and changes the strategic focus in Bigadan from farm-based plants to large-scale biogas plants. The first overseas EPC contract is also secured.
1989
Bigadan is now recognised as the Danish world leader in biogas technology. This leads to Krüger (a large Danish waste water engineering and EPC firm) acquiring Bigadan to form the company: Krüger-Bigadan.
1990-1998
Krüger-Bigadan now spans 30 employees and continues to work on the Bigadan platform and philosophy. The focus on large-scale co-digestion plants as well as Source-Separated Municipal Solid Waste and export leads to success — in Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
1999
Krüger is now a subsidiary in the French company; Violia Group. This marks a shift away from biogas as a core business and leads to the entire biogas team getting dismissed.
2000
Staying ambitious on behalf of biogas, Karsten Buchhave buys the Bigadan brand from its French owners and establishes a new and rejuvenated Bigadan. Farmatic enters as 51% shareholder.
2001
Bigadan acquires Fangel Bioenergi ApS to expand its operations and coverage.
2004
The majority stake shareholder, Farmatic, goes bankrupt. Karsten Buchhave buys their shares and is now the sole owner of Bigadan.
2005-2008
Bigadan thrives in its new structure and experiences steady growth in EPC contracts, mainly in export markets.
2009
Bigadan buys Herning Bioenergi containing two biogas plants in Denmark. This marks a major boost to owning and operating plants.
2010-2014
Until now, the ownership and operation business has focused on acquiring existing biogas plants. But Horsens Bioenergi ApS marks a new milestone, where Bigadan is now developing, constructing, and commissioning biogas plants from greenfield projects.
2014-2017
Development, construction and commissioning of Kalundborg Bioenergi A/S, are done in collaboration with worldleaders; Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, and Ørsted.
2020
Bigadan exceeds 1TWh p.a. of energy production — a major milestone in the journey towards circular energy.
2021
Arjun Infrastructure Partners joins as a large minority shareholder in Bigadan, offering new opportunities for expansion and development in ownership nationally as well as abroad.
2022
Bigadan commissions a biogas plant for SBS Aabenraa K/S – capable of treating 1 million tonnes of waste and a biogas production of more than 450 GWh p.a.
2023
We’re currently constructing and commissioning cryogen plants that liquefies methane and CO2, primarily for heavy transportation and the food sector.
2024
As the first in Denmark, Bigadan will store CO2 in the ground. By capturing the readily accessible CO2 from the biogas plant in Kalundborg, a reduction of 25,000 tons of CO2 annually is expected.
We’re employing the vision in three distinct concepts
Agriculture
We’re working directly with farmers and associates in the agricultural field to create circular biogas ecosystems and improved utilisation of nutrients-rich fertiliser.
Metropolis
Our metropolis concept is directed at large cities and helps them create, ensure and nurture efficient waste treatment for the local production of circular energy for the entire power grid.
Industry
We create local ecosystems in close partnership with leading companies on a global scale. The aim is to make use of biowaste, deliver renewable energy and lower carbon footprints – to enable everyone to take part in the green transition.
We’re driven by our values
We’re relentless problem-solvers
We don’t break for nothing. We embrace a dynamic, innovative and opportunity-driven nature and are always looking for solutions to solve new ways of circular energy.
We’re entrepreneurs by heart
We embrace opportunity. Being entrepreneurial is embedded in our DNA. Our models and ways of operating are purposely always evolving, so we can stay at the forefront of biogas.
We believe in the entire team
We support and grow each other. From truck drivers to engineers, office staff and local partners, everyone is part of a familial culture where mutual respect is paramount.
We take ownership
We are accountable and leave things better than we found them. Responsibility and ownership resonate in everything we do, always aiming to enhance, improve and stay accountable.
“For a green future to take hold, it must make commercial sense. That's our motivation at Bigadan: Profit and planet, hand in hand.”
Henrik Laursen
CEO, Bigadan
Our commitments
A partner with solutions for a lower carbon footprint
Whether replacing fossil energy with green solutions, or providing measurable CO₂ reductions through Carbon Removal Credits (CDR) from CO₂ storage, we work to help our partners become more sustainable.
Unlocking challenging biowaste streams
We believe in the potential of every biowaste stream, no matter how complex – as long as it’s organic. Through tailored biogas solutions, we will harness and activate the most challenging streams to create sustainable energy.
Supporting a greener footprint across sectors
Whether it is within agriculture, metropolises or various industries our goal is to contribute to a lower CO2 footprint by building circular systems for the common benefit of a healthier planet.
Creating local green transitions
We work directly with local communities to create lasting, local green transitions by recirculating nutrients from city to countryside and energy (as biomethane, electricity or heat) from countryside to city.
ESG
Discover moreWe see biogas as an innovative driver of the green transition. It holds the potential to reduce carbon footprints across multiple sectors from heavy transportation or agriculture to the global food industry.
Do you want to learn more?
Our dedicated team of sourcing experts are ready to inform you or help you move further in your journey. Reach out today and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.