Agricultural methanisation: eco-responsible jobs and training

The emergence of eco-responsible professional practices is developing strongly in three areas: building, agricultural methanisation, freight transport and logistics.

To further investigate the trends in these sectors, Céreq (Center for Studies and Research on Qualifications) carried out a study on best practices in the trade.

The recently published results of the study were concentrated in the emergence of eco-responsible practices with the report also containing three important analyzes on the fields of building, methanisation and transport. Here is an overview.

About the methanisation process

What is methanation?

This is the natural treatment of organic waste, which leads to a combined production of energy-converting gas (biogas), resulting from the biological decomposition of organic matter in an air-depleting medium (called “anaerobic fermentation” because oxygen-free ) And digestate (“digested” waste), usable as raw or after treatment (dehydration and composting, hygienisation) as compost.

The professions of the sector

This sector is in the take-off phase. Targets have been set for the coming years by the national and regional authorities as well as significant employment prospects.

The majority of these jobs are expected to come from operations and maintenance, with jobs related to development and site construction accounting for only a quarter of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) in 2020.

Examples of jobs:

• OEMs for digesters
• Developer of methanization project
• Engineers for methanization studies
• Craftsmen and civil engineering
• Manufacturers of biomethane plants
• Builders of sewage systems
• biologists
• chemists
• Collectors of bio-waste for methanisation
• Operators of methanisers
• Operators of biomethane fuel stations
• Electricity network operators
• Gas distribution or transmission system operators
  etc.

Training in the sector

There are two types of training: initial training and continuing education.

Initial training

Engineers: Information raising awareness and presentation of the stakes and principles of methanization

Farmers: general knowledge on energy and sustainable development

Developers: presentation of the stakes and principles of methanization

There is little continuing training for farmers but frequent exchanges of practices. The training usually has an ecological focus.

It should be noted that there are few agro-ecological formations for farmers-methanizers

In all cases, there are few diplomas specific to methanisation. However, continuing training is developing, especially in the agricultural sector.

Training needs and skills

There are strong training needs for the link in the specific exploitation of the methanisation value chain.

For project developers:

• Information Awareness
• Understand how the digester works
• Knowing the quality criteria of production
• Biology of methanization
• Training on collection

For operators:

• Knowledge of equipment
• Understanding biological mechanisms
• Sampling Exercises
• Meteorology Measurements / Competencies
• In situ experiments
• Management of health and heat risks