Brussels 05/12/23 – Biomethane production in Europe grew by almost 20% in 2022 compared to the previous year, according to data from the new edition of the EBA Statistical Report launched today. Meanwhile, the EU dependency on natural gas imports went from 83% in 2021 to 97% in 2022.
“With gas import dependency on the rise together with the pressing climate emergencies, sustainable biogases production in Europe is of strategic importance: each Euro invested in biogases will remain in the European economy and provide an additional value of 50% before 2030 that will also stay within our economy.” Says Harmen Dekker, EBA’s CEO.
Europe’s biogases production (combined biogas and biomethane) in 2022 amounted to 21 bcm. This is more than Poland’s entire inland natural gas demand and represents 6% of the EU’s natural gas consumption in 2022. Biomethane production alone grew from 3.5 bcm in 2021 to 4.2 bcm in 2022. In the case of Denmark, the share of biomethane in the gas grid was close to 40% and there are plans to increase this production to substitute 100% of the gas demand before 2030.
The versatility of biomethane as a renewable energy source is reflected in its balanced distribution pattern across end-uses, all in urgent need for decarbonisation: 22% was used for buildings in 2022, whereas a further 14% was used in industry, 19% for transport and 15% for power generation.
“It is imperative to think how to clear out our dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports by accelerating deployment of renewable energies made in Europe, rather than locking in other dependencies.” Reminds Giulia Cancian, EBA’s Secretary General.
Europe’s reliance on imports poses risks also for food security, due to our dependence on imported chemical fertilisers. According to EBA data, Europe produced 31 Mt (DM) of digestate in 2022 and could already cover 15% of EU nitrogen-based fertilisers demand[1]. This could save 10 Mt CO2 equivalent and 2 bcm of natural gas consumption.
“Reaching the 35 bcm of biomethane production requires a sustained annual growth rate of around 30% in biomethane production capacity.” Explains to Mieke Decorte, EBA’s Technical and Project Manager. “Such a level of growth is achievable, but needs to be supported by optimal market conditions. Coherent planning of biomethane potential and faster permissions processes are the first steps to encouraging market and project developers to operate at a significantly faster pace.”
[1] Assuming an EU-27 N-fertiliser demand of around 11 Mt/year
Get the EBA Statistical Report 2023
The EBA Statistical Report 2023 is available for free for all EBA members and upon purchase for external parties. If you are a policymaker or a member of the press and would like a copy, please contact Vinciane Perot at perot@europeanbiogas.eu.
- Get the full report for free (EBA members)
- Buy the full report
- Download the slides of the launch webinar
- (Re)watch the recording of the launch webinar
The EBA Statistical Report is the only detailed publication tracking the state of play of biogas and biomethane production and use across Europe every year, and covering the latest updates in multiple national markets. The report has become a reference publication, engaging with policymakers, market developers, investors and consumers in our continent.
The EBA Statistical Report 2023 is available for free for all EBA members and upon purchase for external parties. If you are a policymaker or a member of the press and would like a copy, please contact Vinciane Perot at perot@europeanbiogas.eu.
- Get the full report for free (EBA members)
- Buy the full report
- Download the press release
- Download the slides of the launch webinar
Watch the recording of the launch webinar
The event will bring together leading producers, suppliers, regulators and other engaged organisations over a two-day period. High-level speakers, experts in their field, will address a range of topical issues relating to the biogas sector.
The International Biogas Congress & Expo will cover:
- European and global biogas markets and drivers
- How the EU’s Fit-for-55 package and REPower plan can benefit the biogas sector
- Decarbonisation within road transport through biogas
- Updates on the latest policies and regulations affecting the industry
- How technology can improve performance and plant efficiencies
- Plus much, much more over the two days of the conference.
Brought to you by Bioenergy Insight magazine, the leading international biogas magazine, this year’s conference will be held in Brussels, Belgium and co-located with the new for 2024 SAF Summit and the renowned Biofuels International Conference & Expo, now in its 15th year, making this series of bio events our largest gathering yet of bio related companies, giving participants unrivalled coverage.
Programme and registration here.
Brussels, 27 November 2023
Subject: Invitation to Open Dialogue on Biomethane Targets and Sustainable Practices
The European Biogas Association shares your commitment to advancing the goals of food security, sustainable land use, clean transportation and climate change mitigation. Through this open letter, we would like to reiterate our proposal for an open dialogue addressing your concerns associated with a 35 billion cubic meter (bcm) biomethane target.
Sustainability and circularity are prerequisites of the growth of our sector. For this reason, when calculating the potential of the future, we believe it is paramount to carefully factor in possible competition of uses, societal changes, and the utilisation of feedstocks that are currently creating an environmental cost if not treated (biowaste, urban and industrial wastewaters).
We believe that collaboration and open communication are essential to finding solutions that meet the collective goals of our organisations.
While we acknowledge your interest in the EBA reports, we understand that you may still have lingering concerns and questions. However, we regret that no dialogue has been sought, nor questions were addressed to the authors of such reports. To address these concerns more comprehensively, we invite your coalition and all interested civil society groups to engage in open dialogue with experts in the field. We will be more than happy to facilitate this exchange.
We believe in a fossil free future with an energy system based on complementarity of renewable energy solutions. The report you have been recently disseminating (BIOMETHANE: Setting a target that is fit for food and the climate (feedbackeurope.org), recognizes a niche role for biomethane in the future. However, multiple fact-based and scientific studies show significantly higher sustainable potential for biomethane than what your report mentions, as it does not yet consider biogases production from feedstocks such as industrial wastewaters, sequential cropping, biomass from marginal and contaminated lands[1] and synthetic methane production.
The reference to the JRC study[2] mentioned in your report is misleading, as this report calculates a total sustainable biogases potential of 40 bcm by 2030[3], of which 16 bcm is attributed to biogas-CHPs and 24 bcm to upgrading facilities. The report allocates substrates to different technologies as a simplification of practice: whereas biogas from manure is attributed to biogas cogeneration plants in the JRC study, in practice it is also used in plants that feed biomethane into the gas grid.
As part of our invitation to dialogue we would like to propose a visit to one or more biomethane plants to witness firsthand the agronomic practices that facilitate the transition to more sustainable agriculture, the methane emissions abatement in biowaste management or the current techniques to address methane slip (not only environmentally problematic but also impacting the economic operations). Field visits will provide valuable insights into the processes and technologies involved, such as anaerobic plug-flow reactors or silo fermenters specifically designed for dry feedstocks, allowing for a more informed discussion about the agro-ecological, waste management and climate mitigation role of biomethane production.
Our intention is not only to address your concerns but also to build a collaborative relationship that fosters ongoing communication and knowledge exchange. Together, we can work towards a common understanding and identify the variety of solutions that align with our shared objectives of promoting sustainability and mitigating climate change.
We look forward to the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue with you and are convinced that our combined efforts can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Harmen Dekker, EBA CEO
Giulia Cancian, EBA Secretary General
[1] As put forward in the REPowerEU Biomethane Action Plan
[2] Assistance to assessing options improving market conditions for biomethane and gas market rules. (2021)
[3] And 101 by 2050
We are thrilled to invite you to the three webinars of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership Autumn Webinar Series!
- Webinar 1: “Insights into the current costs of biomethane production”, Thursday 30 November 10.00-10.45 am CET: Registration link
This webinar will focus on the latest report by Task Force 4 on biomethane costs from real industry data. Several findings from this study will be highlighted and discussed during the webinar, including the analysis of biogas production and upgrading costs, insights into capital and operational cost dynamics, observations on the impact of economies of scale on both capital and operational costs, and analysis of feedstock costs.
- Webinar 2: “R&I needs for biomethane production technologies”,Thursday 7 December 14.00 to 15.00 pm CET: Registration link
This webinar will feature the launch of the first report by Task Force 5 on R&I needs for biomethane production technologies.
- Webinar 3: “EU-wide potential assessment for feedstock production on marginal and contaminated lands”, Thursday 14 December 10.00 to 11.00 am CET: Registration link
This webinar will present the latest report by Task Force 3 on the EU-wide potential assessment for feedstock production on marginal and contaminated land.
The 33rd BIOGAS Convention & Trade Fair is back in Nuremberg from 12 – 14 December 2023. More than 220 companies have already registered for the BIOGAS Trade Fair, and more than 30 technical presentations by our exhibitors will wait for you in the BIOGAS Expert Forum in Hall 9. Visit our Substrate, Fuel, Biomethane, Future, Flex or CHP Forum or use the “Open Forum” to gain an overview of important specialist topics in the biogas industry. The lectures in the forum will be held in English or German, the German lectures will be simultaneously translated into English.
The main conference, the BIOGAS Convention, starts on Tuesday, 12 December with three international panels in English on EU policy and international experiences and innovations. From the current developments in EU policy, to the planned EU electricity market design, to the hotly debated topic of biomethane everywhere, as well as practical reports and innovations, the audience will be offered a wide range. The German panels and workshops will follow the next two days. On Wednesday, 13 December, you can attend the evening event and network with the exhibitors and other visitors.
Detailed information about the BIOGAS Convention & Trade Fair 2023 can be found at www.biogas-convention.com/en
Registration for the lectures in the main part of the BIOGAS Convention & Trade Fair 2023 is exclusively online via the ticket store: https://www.biogas-convention.com/en/registration/booking/
Take part in the convention or visit the trade fair! The German Biogas Association is looking forward to meeting you in Nuremberg!
The future will be multi-energy or it won’t be…
OUT with energy abundance, and in with autonomy, efficiency and sobriety!
In all sectors – Transport, Buildings, Manufacturing, Food… – in France and in Europe, massive investments and profound transformations in the modes of energy production and consumption are already taking place and are set to accelerate.
Conceived in 2021, MIX.E, the energy mix event, is moving ahead.
Decarbonising, decentralising and digitalising… From Technology to Use, it will accompany these systemic transformations and pave the way for companies and local authorities looking for operational solutions and strategic partnerships.
Energy specialist, manufacturers, local and regional authorities, researchers, funders & institutions: on the way to systems that are more autonomous, efficient and sustainable, but also – and the word is in everyone’s minds – more virtuous…
It’s time for COLLECTIVE ACTION & COORDINATION!
See you at the 3rd European edition of MIX.E, on 10 & 11 April 2024 in Lyon.
Programme and registration available here.
Brussels, 21 November 2023 – On the 21st of November, the European Parliament adopted its Report on the Revision of Regulation EU 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, a milestone legislation to curb the segment emissions. EBA welcomes the European Parliament recognition of biomethane’ significant contribution to the decarbonization of the sector by introducing a CO2 Neutral Fuel definition in line with the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive. Regrettably, the adopted Report does not include a mechanism to account for the contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Transport operators and vehicle manufacturers should be provided with a legislative framework that encourages them to consider cleaner fuel alternatives to fossil fuels immediately available today. Sustainable biomethane as a transport fuel provides a ready-available, local and cost-competitive renewable alternative to conventional transport fuels, representing a key solution in the transition towards a climate neutral economy and able even to achieve negative emissions necessary to attain the EU climate neutrality targets.
Giulia Laura Cancian – EBA Secretary General said: The biogas and biomethane value chain welcomes the European Parliament recognition of biomethane’s significant contribution to reduce CO2 emissions. On the other hand, legislators missed a chance to provide the biomethane sector with the needed level playing field.
Get ready for an exciting event!
In December, the European Biogas Association (EBA) will publish the 2023 edition of its Statistical Report, a landmark publication on the biogas and biomethane sector in Europe. Join us on December 5th, from 10:00 to 11:15 CET, for an exclusive webinar where we will dive into the latest industry insights and future trends revealed in the Report.
What’s on the Agenda:
- Harmen Dekker, EBA CEO, will introduce the new edition of our Statistical Report.
- Edith Hofer, Deputy Head of Unit DG ENER from the European Commission, will open the session as a keynote speaker.
- Mieke Decorte, EBA’s Technical and Project Manager, will kick things off with a comprehensive overview of 2022 biogases production volumes in Europe, illustrating the growth prospects of the biogases sector.
- Marina Pasteris, EBA’s Technical and Project Officer, will unravel the secrets of biogas consumption by sector and the transformative potential of digestate in replacing synthetic fertilizers.
- Q&A session, led by Giulia Cancian, Secretary General of the EBA.
The European Union spend a record of 316 billion euro on gas imports and in 20 EU Member States, natural gas dependency from external energy suppliers was higher than 90%. These numbers underscore the urgency of transitioning to renewable gases.
Are you curious to learn more? Join our webinar and be part of the renewable energy revolution!
The 4th edition of RENMAD Hidrogeno will take place on January 24-25 in Zaragoza. The program, curated by industry experts, provides a deep dive into the present and future of renewable H2 and biomethane.
Some of the key issues addressed at this event include:
- Get the latest on EU rules on renewable H2: Delegated Acts, the Gas and Hydrogen Package, and the review of RED III
- Examine the European Hydrogen Bank’s role in boosting the European H2 market and how it could serve as a counterbalance to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)
- Learn how financial institutions evaluate renewable H2 projects to secure optimal financing for your renewable H2 projects
- Forecast the demand for renewable H2 up to 2030, given the decarbonization plans for energy intensive industries and transportation under the ‘Fit for 55’ initiative
- Take a close look at H2 projects in the Iberian Peninsula, their current status and expected completion dates
- Dive deep into the supply and demand of electrolyzers, price trends and potential for mass manufacturing
- Get insights into renewable H2 derivatives such as green ammonia and methanol: their unique features, production process and market size
- Discover how to produce biomethane at the lowest possible cost and secure long-term buyers
- Learn how to get the necessary permits to open your biomethane plant and accelerate the project development process
- Identify the most effective strategies to secure a steady, long-term supply of organic waste for biomethane production
- Learn about the latest biogas upgrading and digestate treatment technologies that are turning biomethane into a profitable energy source
- Understand biomethane’s potential as a natural gas substitute in mobility and heating
- Connect with key biomethane professionals, from developers to technology providers, who make up the industry’s vibrant ecosystem
More information and registration here.
If you are interested in taking part in the event and you are an EBA member, you can obtain 20% discount code through the EBA Member Platform.
Brussels 27/10/23 – The inaugural European Biomethane Week “Countdown to 2030: from targets to action!” concludes today with great success. This dedicated week, supported by the European Commission and the Biomethane Industrial Partnership, featured the state-of-the-art of biogases across Europe. The comprehensive programme included a two-day high-level European Biogas Conference in Brussels and ten side events in various European countries. One year after the REPowerEU plan to end reliance on Russian fossil fuels, the biogas industry is accelerating fast to contribute to energy security and climate objectives in the European Union.
650 participants and 49 speakers, including policymakers from EU institutions and Member States, senior companies’ executives, academics and other civil society partners, convened in Brussels on October 24th and 25th to discuss critical aspects of a successful transition to green energy. In her keynote address, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson emphasised the significance of biomethane in achieving climate targets, fostering the circular bioeconomy, and enhancing energy security across Europe. Simson stated: “With biomethane, we have a solution that is available, right now. It can immediately start replacing natural gas, and the large share of imported natural gas. It is a good decarbonisation solution, especially in remote rural areas or sectors that would be difficult to electrify. And it is produced, here in Europe, creating jobs, growth and benefiting local communities.” The European Commissioner for Energy also reiterated the EU long-term commitment to lead the energy transition and decarbonise the gas market by 2050. “An increase in our biomethane production will help us do just that. We have made tremendous progress, but more is needed. It’s crucial that we continue to work together – policymakers and industry, Member States and EU – to turn the opportunity into reality.”, concluded Simson.
The European Biogas Conference served as a platform for insightful discussions on realising the 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) biomethane target and supporting the rapid decarbonisation of electricity, heating, transport, and industry sectors. Currently, biogases provide 21 bcm of renewable gas to Europe and can potentially offset two-thirds of future European gas demand by 2050. During his opening remarks, EBA CEO Harmen Dekker announced that €18 billion in investments have been earmarked to scale up the sector in Europe. Dekker emphasised, “While this progress is encouraging, the industry must take bolder steps.“
The added value of biogases as drivers of the European bioeconomy was another key topic on the agenda. The conference explored the current options for the valorisation of biogenic CO2 from anaerobic digestion, the benefits of innovative agronomic practices and sustainable management of European soils. During his keynote speech, Jorge Pinto Antunes, Deputy Head of Cabinet of European Commissioner for Agriculture Wojciechowski, explained that 15 out of 22 EU Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans support the production of biogas and biomethane.
The European Biomethane Week also marked the launch of the European Biogas Association’s (EBA) “Biogases 8-points plan for a resilient and climate neutral EU”. Ahead of the EU elections in 2024, EBA presented its vision to collectively achieve EU climate neutrality by prioritising biogas and biomethane as essential components of the green circular transition. The 8-points plan touches upon energy security, EU technology leadership, renewable energy, emissions savings, waste valorisation, water resilience, nutrients recycling and internal market for biomethane. “The biogas and biomethane industry stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to realise a vision for a greener and more sustainable Europe. By prioritising biogas and biomethane as essential components of the green circular transition, we can collectively achieve EU climate neutrality, securing a safer and more sustainable future for all.”, highlighted EBA Secretary General Giulia Cancian.
Finally, the EBA Awards ceremony 2023 recognised outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation in energy transition and renewables: Biomethane RNG Channel team (Biogas Booster Award), REGATRACE project (Biogas Groundbreaker Award), Air Liquide (Energy Efficiency Champion), Lucy Hopwood (Women Leading the way to Climate Neutrality Award) and Micropyros biology team (Top Biogas Young Talent Award).
Did you miss the European Biogas Conference? Check the visual summaries of the plenaries
Some pictures of the European Biogas Conference 2023
Take a glance at the EBA Conference 2023
Brussels, 24 October 2023 – On the 24th of October, the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) voted its Report on the Revision of Regulation EU 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. Unfortunately, the ENVI Committee position does not include a mechanism or definition able to account for the contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, in the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Transport operators and vehicle manufacturers should be provided with a legislative framework that encourages them to consider cleaner fuel alternatives to fossil fuels immediately available today. Sustainable biomethane as a transport fuel provides a ready-available, local and cost-competitive renewable alternative to conventional transport fuels, representing a key solution in the transition towards a climate neutral economy and able even to achieve negative emissions necessary to attain the EU climate neutrality targets.
“The biogas and biomethane value chain regrets the ENVI Committee decision not to recognise the contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, to the decarbonisation of the transport sector, thus risking to significantly delay the green transition of the sector.” Giulia Laura Cancian – EBA Secretary General
The two-day conference will gather industry leaders, policymakers, technology innovators, and experts to discuss critical aspects of the biogas sector. Key topics on the agenda include the European biogas market overview, geographical considerations, policy and regulations, sustainable future promotion, future opportunities and applications of biogas, support schemes and incentive programs, the transportation sector, feedstock challenges and opportunities, and moving away from Russian gas. Attendees can also explore effective plant optimization strategies.
The summit is expected to draw a diverse audience, including biogas production companies, technology suppliers, energy and utility companies, waste-to-energy project developers, policymakers, waste water treatment specialists, biomass producers, waste management experts, technology solution providers, governments, financial and investment firms, research organizations, high-energy users, energy companies, representatives from the food and beverage industry, agricultural sector, regulatory and policy officers, as well as consultants and analysts.
This year’s Future of Biogas Europe Summit promises exceptional networking opportunities, in-depth discussions, and insights into the biogas industry’s future.
EBA CEO Harmen Dekker and EBA Secretary General Giulia Cancian will represent EBA during DAY 1 of the conference.
Details and registration here.
Brussels, 12 October 2023 – On the 12th of October, the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) voted its Opinion on the Revision of Regulation EU 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles. EBA approves the ITRE Committee recognition of the need for the introduction of a Carbon Correction Factor which contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions and climate change mitigation. Nevertheless, the Opinion includes unjustified caps to the Carbon Correction Factor and limits CO2 neutral fuels eligible under the Carbon Correction Factor to advanced biofuels (Annex IX A) and RFNBOs only. This definition is not in line with the one adopted by the TRAN Committee nor coherent with the one included in the Renewable Energy Directive revision.
A definition able to account for the contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, is essential to recognise its decarbonisation impact on the transport sector. Sustainable biomethane as a transport fuel provides a ready-available, local and cost-competitive renewable alternative to conventional transport fuels, representing a key solution in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy and able even to achieve negative emissions necessary to attain the EU climate neutrality targets.
EU’s biogas and biomethane value chain hopes that MEPs will follow a neutral technology approach and include a sound Carbon Correction Factor and a CO2 Neutral Fuel definition in the Plenary vote, supporting the outcome of the TRAN Committee Opinion.
Regatec 2024 will take place as a hybrid event on the 15-16 May at Scandic Star hotel in Lund, Sweden.
The conference is organised in collaboration with the national SynFerm project and the Horizon Europe project, CarbonNeutralLNG. On the first day there will be sessions on methanation and syngas fermentation as part of the SynFerm project and on the second day there will a biomass gasification symposium as part of the CarbonNeutralLNG project.
Visit the event website for more information
Biogases 8-points plan for a resilient and climate neutral EU
The European Green Deal and the REPowerEU plan have charted a visionary course for a sustainable, carbon-neutral Europe by 2050. As representatives of the European biogases sector, we stand firmly committed to these pivotal objectives and highlight the legislative priorities we will need to achieve those objectives.
The European Biogas Association stands ready to collaborate with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to realise a vision for a greener and more sustainable Europe. By prioritising biogas and biomethane as essential components of the green circular transition, we can collectively achieve EU climate neutrality, securing a safer and more sustainable future for all.
Biogases, including biomethane, are EU made renewable energy vectors and have the potential to revolutionise our energy system, drive sustainable practices in agriculture and waste management. Because they can adapt to existing infrastructure, they deliver systemic cost efficiency while leading transformative shift towards a greener and cleaner Europe.
Brussels 25/09/23 – The European Biogas Association (EBA), together with the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition), met last week with Pankaj Bhatia, Global Director of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol at World Resources Institute, during the New York Climate Week. They discussed the growing production and use of biomethane in Europe and North America and explored possibilities for future collaboration to facilitate the accounting and reporting of biomethane certificates under the GHG Protocol. Recognition of sustainable biomethane certificates will be key in delivering the sustainable scale-up of the sector to reach the 35 bcm biomethane production target in Europe by 2030.
The GHG Protocol, jointly created by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, provides a framework for companies to measure their GHG emissions and report on their decarbonisation targets. It has become one of the most widely used frameworks worldwide with more than 2,100 large companies in Europe using it. Yet, the GHG Protocol still does not have accounting rules for biomethane certificates, which contain the certified GHG emissions of the consumption of biomethane and represent the predominant way in which biomethane is purchased.
The meeting was therefore the opportunity for leaders of the biogases value chain and the World Resource Institute to discuss the process to include the treatment of biomethane certificates under the GHG Protocol. They agreed on the urgency to define a reliable and solid methodology for biomethane certificates, as more and more companies using the GHG Protocol framework look to biomethane to decarbonise their activities. They decided to leverage their organisations’ expertise to speed up the process of developing new rules for the accounting of biomethane certificates, such as EU Proofs of sustainability, in the GHG inventory of companies. EBA, along with RNG Coalition, committed to provide in the coming months expertise to the World Resource Institute concerning the certification and documentation of biomethane in the European Union and North America. They specifically agreed on plans for a workshop in 2024.
By providing reliable proof of the renewability and sustainability of purchased biomethane volumes, biomethane certificates are a foundation of growing biomethane market. They create value for producers who inject biomethane into existing gas grids and offer an affordable opportunity for end-users to decarbonise their processes.
EBA CEO Harmen Dekker said: “Looking back at the good cooperation and constructive exchanges, we continue to work with the World Resource Institute to facilitate the uptake of biomethane within the GHG Protocol. GHG emissions reporting frameworks can support EU’s efforts to reach 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane production by 2030, by enabling corporate end-users to report on their biomethane purchases and to measure its climate benefits on their activities.”
RNG Coalition Co-Founder and CFO David Cox said:”Our engagement with the World Resource Institute continues to be constructive. A market-based approach to environmental attributes is a proven catalyst for growth and ensures renewable gases contribute positively to our clean energy present and future.”
Pankaj Bhatia, Global Director of GHG Protocol at World Resources Institute (WRI) said: “Today’s meeting was a productive and positive conversation between WRI, EBA and RNG Coalition. I confirmed that WRI plans to remove the biomethane annex from the final Land Sector and Removals Guidance in order to allow for a full exploration of these options and issues, and that we are committed to working with them to ensure that existing best practices are incorporated in any future guidance on GHG Protocol so that renewable gas transactions are carried out with the highest level of integrity and confidence.”
About the European Biogas Association (EBA)
The EBA is the voice of renewable gas in Europe. Founded in February 2009, the association is committed to the active promotion of the deployment of sustainable biogas and biomethane production and use throughout the continent. The association counts today on a well-established network of over 250 national associations and other organisations representing the whole biogas and biomethane value chain.
About the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas (RNG Coalition)
RNG Coalition is the non-profit association providing public policy advocacy and education for the sustainable development, deployment, and utilisation of renewable natural gas. RNG Coalition membership is comprised of 380+ leading companies, municipalities, ports and airports, colleges, and universities throughout the United States and Canada.
Brussels, 20 September 2023 – On 20 September, the European Parliament’s Committee on Environment (ENVI) adopted its Opinion on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), a milestone legislation to foster EU-based manufacturing of clean technologies tabled last March by the European Commission. The European Biogas Association is deeply concerned by the ENVI Committee’s decision to exclude “sustainable biogas and biomethane technologies” from the scope of the Act.
Such deletion is contrary to the strategic role of biogas and biomethane in a sustainable, secure and resilient energy mix for the coming years and decades, as recognised by the European Commission in the REPowerEU Plan. Biogas and biomethane technologies do meet the requirements for “strategic net-zero technologies” based on the Commission’s proposal:
1. Technological readiness: Biogases main production pathway (anaerobic digestion) is a mature technology (TRL 9). There are more than 18,000 biogas plants and 1,320 biomethane plants operating today. Combined production capacity exceeds 200 TWh, which is the equivalent of gas consumption of Belgium.
2. Contribution to decarbonisation and competitiveness: In 2020, combined biogas and biomethane production saved the equivalent to GHG emissions of Portugal (60 Mt CO2eq emissions). Biogases can replace up to 20% of natural gas imports by 2030. The European biogas industry is already a world leader and an exporter to other regions of the world.
3. Security of supply risks: The European biogas industry covers the supply chain of production technologies. The sector does not create new dependencies on third countries, rather it contributes to energy and technological security.
Sustainable biogas and biomethane are a local, made-in Europe and cost-competitive renewable alternative to oil and natural gas, representing a key solution in the low-carbon transition of EU industries.
The vote of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on 25 October is an opportunity to recognise the strategic role of biogases in the NZIA.
Brussels, 19 September 2023 – On the 19th of September, the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) voted its Opinion on the Revision of Regulation EU 2019/1242 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, a milestone legislation to curb the segment emissions. EBA applauds the TRAN Committee for recognising the long-term contribution of renewable fuels, including biomethane, to the decarbonisation of the sector, via the introduction of a sound Carbon Correction Factor and CO2 Neutral Fuel definition. Sustainable biomethane as a transport fuel provides a ready-available, local and cost-competitive renewable alternative to conventional transport fuels, representing a key solution in the transition towards a climate neutral economy and able even to achieve negative emissions necessary to attain the EU climate neutrality targets.
EU’s biogas and biomethane value chain hopes that the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) and European Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) will also recognise the long-term contribution of renewable fuels, such as biomethane, and provide a level playing field for their further production and deployment in their upcoming votes, respectively on the 12th and 23rd of October.
The REA and CNG Services have been running the Green Gas Day since 2012. It is the largest industry gathering in the UK focused on green gases, including hydrogen, with over 300 people attending all previous years.
This year’s Green Gas Day will look at recent and future policy developments to support green gases such as biomethane and clean hydrogen, as well as the latest changes that will impact the green gas market.
UK Green Gas Day 2023 will also highlight the latest technical developments and showcase the industry’s latest innovation on green gas production, connection to the grid, blending, process optimisation, adding value and green gas trading. To see the current agenda you can download the latest programme below.
Come to UK Green Gas Day to meet project developers and operators, financiers, feedstock providers, waste hauliers, technology providers and government officials. Visit exhibition stands from all of the major suppliers to the green gas industry. See our sponsors, supporters, exhibitors below.
Register here.
Exclusive visit for 12 KlimateNet members to an innovative biogas plant in Turkey
KlimateNet biogas community is organising an exclusive biogas event, including the visit of the new built
innovative MSW landfill site where you would be able to see the generation of electricity from biogas and
landfill gas. You will be able to visit this fully functional new unique integrated semi dry and wet fermentation biogas plant that transforms municipal waste into biogas, including discussions on the ground with the practitioners.
Experts from the Turkish and international biogas industry will present their projects and research progress. You will also be able to meet and network with them and the attendees during the roundtable discussions and networking slots.
More detail here.
After 5 well-spent years, Nutri2Cycle comes to an end! The Nutri2Cycle consortium is delighted to invite you to join its final conference, taking place from 19 to 21 September in Ghent and Brussels (BE).
During these three days, Nutri2Cycle partners will showcase best practices, innovations and management changes to increase awareness among farmers communities of the need for integrated approaches to reduce carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) losses. Partners will showcase the lighthouse demos demonstrating the research outcomes at relevant pilot, field, farm scale and will discuss their effect at regional, national and European level, with a special focus on the related Life Cycle Assessment. The Nutri2Cycle White Book for sustainable farmers will be also introduced as well as the practical webtool for farmers. The impact of more sustainable farming systems on changes in consumer behavior will be addressed to bridge the informational gap between producers and consumers.
On the second day, Nutri2Cycle will present the policy perspective on nutrient recycling in the framework of the European Sustainable Nutrient Initiative (ESNI), taking place in Brussels. Nutri2Cycle will introduce its policy recommendations on bio-based fertilisers and how its outcomes can feed nutrient efficient agriculture in Europe and contribute to food security with decreased external inputs.
On the 21th of September, a field visit will close the event and allow all attendees to get a first-hand knowledge on some of the solutions developed by Nutri2Cycle.
Check the programme and register here.
As part of its REPowerEU plan, the European Commission proposes a rapid acceleration of renewable energy including a target of 35 bcm biomethane by 2030 and a new Biomethane Industrial Partnership (BIP) to ‘support the achievement of the target and create the preconditions for a further ramp up towards 2050’. The Commission, EU Member States,the biomethane value chain coordinated by European Biogas Association and a group of twenty companies and academia are forming the BIP. The BIP was formally established in an official launch together with the European Commission last year with Commissioners Timmermans and Simson as well as several CEOs.
We are hiring a (Junior) Consultant to support the coordination and organisation of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership. We offer a 12-month contract with intention for extension.
Tasks description
The successful candidate will coordinate the activities of the BIP and manage the communications of the Partnership. This will include:
- Administratively supporting the BIP working groups (Task Forces) composed of the Commission, EU Member States, industry players and academia
- Ongoing liaising and building strong relationships with all stakeholders, including policymakers at EC and Member State level, the Governing Board and the Support Group of the value chain
- Setting up and monitoring the communications strategy
- Draft and report findings of the work in the various Task Forces
- Drafting newsletters, press releases and articles; managing website and social media; organising webinars and events
- Organise Governing Board and other relevant meetings
- Organise frequent working level meetings to support day-to-day BIP activities
- Implementing other administrative and financial tasks related to the daily management of the BIP
The position will be based at the Renewable Energy House in Brussels at the offices of the EBA.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- Confident networker with excellent verbal and written communication skills with a firm, clear yet friendly communication style
- Ability to convert complex ideas and topics into clear messages
- Excellent organisational skills, ideally with experience in a (student association) board, experience in organising events
- Fluent in English, preferable also with command of French, German, Polish or other major European language
- Experience at or affinity with working with EU institutions, particularly the European Commission
- Experience in Communications/Marketing Communications
- Knowledge of CMS, desktop publishing software and marketing platforms (such as or similar to WordPress, InDesign, Mailchimp) and graphic software (such as Photoshop). Experience with video editing and photography is a plus
- Independent and self-starting professional
- Highly responsive and organised, excellent time-management. The candidate will have to demonstrate that he/she has the right to live and work in Belgium
How to apply?
Please send your CV (no Europass format) and cover letter (max. 2 pages) to Harmen Dekker (dekker@europeanbiogas.eu) with the subject ‘YOUR NAME – (Junior) Consultant‘ by 10.09.23. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. Please consider that only the selected CVs will be notified for further process and interview.
On Tuesday 3 October, Biogas-E and ODE Bio-Energieplatform organize the first Vlaams Bio-Energieforum (Flemish Bio-Energy Platform). Topics linked to anaerobic digestion as well as the latest developments and innovations in energy generation from solid biomass are discussed.
Ready to take your bio-energy knowledge to the next level?
As the largest forum in Flanders for this topic, this event is the perfect opportunity to network with professionals, exchange ideas and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. The event takes place in the historic and authentic setting of the Oude Abdij Drongen, which offers a unique background for fascinating discussions.
In addition to informative lectures, you can visit sponsor booths where you can learn more about the latest products and services in the bioenergy sector. The lunch and reception provide the ideal opportunity to network and make valuable contacts with industry professionals.
More information and registrations via this link.
Ecomondo Mexico is the international exhibition on green technologies and circular economy for Latin America, organised by Italian Exhibition Group and Deutsche Messe, two leading trade show organizers worldwide. It covers all sectors from waste treatment and management, integrated water cycle and environmental monitoring, protection of the seas, regeneration of soil, bioenergy and biofuels, smart cities projects.
The 3rd edition will take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from April 17th to 19th, 2024 in contemporary with Solar + Storage Mexico, event dedicated to the solar energy whose partners are top-level American and Chinese trade fair organizers.
Ecomondo Mexico is the gateway to the markets of Latin America and North America thanks to the free trade agreement with the United States and Canada (TMEC).
Visit the event website for more information
Brussels 11/07/23 – Today, the European Parliament adopted the final agreement on both the Regulation on the deployment of Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (AFIR) – setting the framework for the deployment of alternative fuel refuelling and recharging infrastructure across the EU and Member States – and the FuelEU Maritime Regulation – aimed at increasing the demand for and consistent use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the maritime sector.
EBA praises the recognition of biomethane potential to replace fossil transport fuels in AFIR and applauds the increased ambitions of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation. Nevertheless, EU policy makers missed an opportunity to give a strong positive signal to the biomethane value chain by setting maximum distance-based targets also for the biomethane compatible refuelling infrastructure, and strengthening the FuelEU Maritime Regulation on advanced biofuels, while betting only on renewable fuels of non-biological origin.
Contact
Fanny Lamon – EBA Communications Officer lamon@europeanbiogas.eu
Anna Venturini – EBA Policy Officer venturini@europeanbiogas.eu
Brussels 14/06/23 – The European Biogas Association, in collaboration with biogas experts, is launching a white paper on the sustainability, affordability and accessibility of biohydrogen to support its production and use in Europe. Alongside biogas and biomethane, biohydrogen will be key to fully reach the energy needs of various sectors and support Europe’s climate mitigation strategies. “Because of its unique ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere, biohydrogen is well placed to help sectors with limited decarbonisation options achieve carbon neutrality. Besides, biogas producers are keen to diversify their outputs and further increase the flexibility of anaerobic digestion plants.” highlights Marina Pasteris, EBA Technical and Project Officer.
Hydrogen is expected to play an important role in the effort to reach climate neutrality by 2050, as recognised by the 2020 Hydrogen Strategy. Yet, one of the main challenges facing the hydrogen sector is to decarbonise its production. Over 95% of European hydrogen production capacity in 2020 was derived from fossil fuels whilst green hydrogen production represented less than 1%.
Biohydrogen, a type of green hydrogen derived or produced from biogases and biomass, can support the decarbonisation of Europe’s hydrogen production. In contrast to the other forms of hydrogen, biohydrogen can be zero or even carbon negative if it is obtained from feedstocks such as wastes and manure. In addition, depending on the biohydrogen technology, biohydrogen production can generate co-products such as pure biogenic carbon dioxide, digestate or biochar. This process further supports the decarbonisation of industries, contributing to the circular economy and helping to permanently store carbon in the soil.
Biohydrogen can be generated from domestically produced biogases, reducing the need to import gas and directly improving both Europe’s security of supply and energy independence. For instance, in rural areas where there could be a future need for hydrogen, biohydrogen can be produced from raw biogas or biomethane to provide a local source of green energy. This also helps to reduce exposure to volatile natural gas prices.
In addition to its environmental benefits, biohydrogen can be obtained at a lower production cost than other types of green hydrogen. Biohydrogen production cost today ranges from EUR 1.15 to EUR 9.65/kg H2, whilst the production cost of green hydrogen from electrolysis fluctuates between EUR 2.51 and EUR 11.94/kg H2.
According to Giulia Cancian, EBA Secretary General, “As the European Union moves toward the establishment of a single market for energy, it is at a critical point in the development of laws governing the future of biohydrogen. Biohydrogen is an innovative product, and the regulatory framework lacks drivers to reach commercial maturity. The targets set under REDIII for industry and transport focus on hydrogen from RFNBOs, actively discriminating against biohydrogen. The directive does not feature to date an inclusive definition of renewable hydrogen covering all possible production pathways, such as raw biogas and biomethane steam reforming. “
- Download press release
- Download white paper “Decarbonising Europe’s hydrogen production with biohydrogen”
Watch EBA video series “Decarbonising Europe’s hydrogen production with biohydrogen”
Contact
- Fanny Lamon – EBA Communications Officer lamon@europeanbiogas.eu
- Mieke Decorte – EBA Technical and Projects Manager decorte@europeanbiogas.eu
The European Biogas Association, in collaboration with biogas experts, is launching a white paper on the sustainability, affordability and accessibility of biohydrogen to support its production and use in Europe. Insights are provided as to the place of biohydrogen within total hydrogen production (Chapter 1), the technologies available to produce biohydrogen (Chapter 2), the ways in which biohydrogen contributes to the decarbonising of Europe’s hydrogen production (Chapter 3), the economics of biohydrogen production (Chapter 4) and the readiness of the markets to facilitate its commercialisation (Chapter 5). Taking into consideration the current policy context as well as the technical background, the paper concludes by making recommendations for an EU regulatory framework to support the production and use of biohydrogen (Chapter 6).
Watch EBA video series “Decarbonising Europe’s hydrogen production with biohydrogen”
The European Parliament and the Council have recently reached a provisional agreement to reinforce the Renewable Energy Directive, including by raising the general renewables target to 42.5% by 2030 with an indicative top up of 2.5%.
A sufficient and adequately skilled workforce will be critical to ensure this accelerated deployment of renewable energy solutions, with the number of people employed in the EU’s renewable energy sector that will have to grow massively to meet the targets of the Renewable Energy Directive.
Lack of skills and an insufficient number of workers in the various segments of renewable energy technologies’ value chains is already perceived as a barrier to investments and is becoming one of the most serious concerns by the industry.
On 21 March 2023, the relevant trade associations and representatives of installers of clean technologies involved in the work of the Clean Energy Industrial Forum responded to this call, with the support of the European Commission, by launching a partnership which aims to provide workers with the skills needed for the manufacturing, installation and management of renewable energy technologies to achieve the EU’s energy and climate objectives.
It is against this background that this session is being organised. It will serve as a platform to present the skills partnership and attract new members to it and to discuss skills needs in the EU renewable energy sector and actions needed to ensure that adequate and sufficiently trained professionals are available for a fast, steady and equitable deployment of clean energy solutions. It will focus on the risks associated with skills shortages in the renewable energy sectors and the impact that this could have for the energy transition, highlighting what the industry is doing to address this challenge and calling on public authorities to adopt the necessary policies to avoid skills shortages.
Programme and registration here.
EBA is pleased to present its first investment outlook for biomethane, based on a partial response from the investors and project developers within the association. Their feedback shows that €18 billion has already been earmarked for investment in biomethane production, helping to deliver Europe’s energy security and climate mitigation ambitions. One year ago, the REPowerEU target of 35bcm of sustainable biomethane production by 2030 was announced; the investment needed to reach this target is €83 billion, depending on the size and location of plants built or expanded, and the types of sustainable feedstock used.
This first edition of the Biomethane Investment Outlook shows investment is on its way. €4.1 billion is due to be invested between 2023 and 2025, while a further €12.4 billion will be unlocked in 2026-2030 (Table 1). For a further €1 billion the timeframe is yet to be specified. This outlook will be updated regularly, integrating more data and highlighting additional investment.
Brussels 05/06/23 – The 1st EBA Investment Outlook on Biomethane launched today shows that a first tranche of €18 billion has been set aside by the industry up to 2030 to ensure the scale-up of biomethane production and support both Europe’s energy security and climate mitigation ambitions. These investments make additional whole-system benefits available to our society, worth up to 7.9 billion euro[1] per year. Matching policies, stable framework conditions and pathways for long term end-use is critical to secure the announced capital injection.
Following the announcement of the REPowerEU target 1 year ago, the EBA estimated that reaching 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane production will require an investment effort of €83 billion by 2030 depending on plant size, location, and type of sustainable feedstock. “The first edition of the EBA Investment Outlook on Biomethane shows these efforts are taking shape: €4.1 billion will be invested in the coming 2 years, €12.4 billion by 2030 and €1 extra billion has been allocated with no specific timeframe. The EBA outlook will be regularly updated as investments ramp-up.” Explains Mieke Decorte, EBA’s Technical and Project Manager.
Investments are mostly located in France (€1.4 billion) and Italy (€1.1 billion) thanks to favourable conditions in those Member States. They are followed by the Netherlands (€951 million), Spain (€948 million), Germany (€658 million), Sweden (€635 million) and Poland (€429 million). Additionally, €5.5 billion of capital injection will stay in the EU with final destination still open and €3.3 billion will target non-EU territories, including the UK and Ukraine.
Tuning in the EU Taxonomy with the REPowerEU objectives for biomethane will steer capital flows into the sector, as investors indicate compliance with the specific EU regulation on sustainable finance is key to leverage green investments. A harmonized EU-wide cross-border trading system is of great importance as well, especially for unsubsidised projects.
The use of biogenic CO2 to replace products based on CO2 of fossil origin is included in the majority of business plans analysed. The importance of biogenic CO2 in offsetting CO2 of fossil origin is often underestimated, however; efforts should be made to assess its value fairly. One of the highlighted uses of biogenic CO2 is the production of green synthetic methane (using green hydrogen), which could add substantial volumes of sustainable green gas into the energy system.
[1] Calculated with results from the report “Beyond energy – monetizing biomethane’s whole-system benefits” (February 2023)
Contact
Mieke Decorte – EBA Technical and Project Manager decorte@europeanbiogas.eu
Ecomondo: six macro thematic areas outline a single ecosystem for the ecological transition
With a new payoff: The Ecosystem of the Ecological Transition, Ecomondo confirms its role as the European leader in technologies for the circular and green economy.
It will cover everything from the valorisation of waste to the regeneration of soil, agro-forestry and food ecosystems, energy obtained from biomass, and the use of waste as a secondary raw material. As well as the entire integrated water cycle and environmental monitoring, the protection of the seas and water environments. With a 58% increase in foreign visitation compared to 2021, the involvement of profiled operators from abroad will continue for this year edition.
All these features and news have met with the approval of multinationals, companies, associations and organisations that have already confirmed their presence in November.
Visit the event website for more details
On December 14-15 2023, the 8th edition of the Biogas Congress will be held at the Airport Hotel Okęcie in Warsaw. This year’s meeting of representatives of European biogas sector will be held under the slogan: “Biogas – an answer to the deepening energy crisis”.
During this year’s Congress, key issues will be discussed regarding new opportunities for the domestic biogas market and the use of biogas, biomethane and bioLNG in agriculture, heating, industry and transport.
Visit the event website for more information
Nearly 30% more biomethane plants compared to the 2021’s edition
“Biomethane production has enjoyed a remarkable growth in the last decade and this upwards trend goes on with a nearly 30% increase in the number of biomethane plants compared to the previous edition of this map. This is a strong signal on the efforts of the industry to scale up production and push for further acceleration to reach the 35 bcm target by 2030 proposed by the European Commission in the REPowerEU plan.” Highlights Harmen Dekker, EBA’s CEO.
“Gas infrastructure operators are determined to support the European Commission’s vision to upscale the biomethane economy. We acknowledge our mission to connect producers to consumers and will ensure that biomethane’s exponential growth keeps thriving. Already today, we store and transport biomethane. It’s good to open the door for more renewable molecules to integrate Europe’s energy system. More biomethane produced at the European level is also good news for EU’s energy independence.” Complemented Boyana Achovski, GIE Secretary General.
Zoom in on the facts & figures:
- Europe reached a total of 1,322 biomethane-producing facilities by April 2023.
- These 299 new plants represent nearly 30% more than the ones reported in the previous edition of this map in 2021.
- Compared to the previous editions of the map, the number of plants in Europe has steeply increased: 483 plants in the 2018 edition, 729 in the 2020 edition and 1,023 in the 2021 edition.
- 1,174 plants out of the total reported were located by the EBA and displayed on the map launched today.
Europe is already producing over 3.5 bcm of biomethane. This represents a production increase rate of 20% in 2021. An even bigger increase is expected for 2022 where, despite consolidated data not being disclosed, estimations confirm a significant rise in the number of plants and production shares.
Additionally, the data collected for the preparation of this map shows that over 75% of the current plants are already connected to the transport or distribution grids. Regarding feedstock use, a clear trend towards agricultural residues, organic municipal solid waste, and sewage sludge is visible. From 2017, almost no new plants were established to run on monocrops.
Biomethane deployment around Europe
The countries with the strongest growth in their biomethane production in 2021 were France (+ 2,130 GWh), Denmark (+ 1,642 GWh) and Germany (+ 1,553 GWh). In absolute numbers, the largest producers of biomethane in 2021 were Germany (12,753 GWh), the United Kingdom (6,183 GWh), Denmark (5,683 GWh), France (4,337 GWh), the Netherlands (2,374 GWh) and Italy (2,246 GWh).
Get your free map today!
About this map
The Biomethane Map is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the EBA and GIE. The map has been built with the support of EBA members, who have provided the necessary data, and the EBA Secretariat. Sources of each country are listed on the map. Data covers active facilities under operation, according to the available data by October 2022. Availability depends on the country. Many more plants are planned or under construction. Further analysis of the biogas and biomethane markets can be found in the EBA statistical report 2022.
Contact
- Mieke Decorte, EBA Technical and Project Manager – decorte@europeanbiogas.eu +32 484 63 44 61
- Gabrielle Lelievre, Communication Advisor – gabrielle.lelievre@gie.eu +32 478 78 34 83
The 2022-23’s edition of the Biomethane Map showcases the most recent and available data on Europe’s biomethane plants. It was produced by the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). The map has been built with the support of EBA members, who have provided the necessary data, and the EBA Secretariat. Sources of each country are listed on the map. Data covers active facilities under operation, according to the available data by October 2022. Availability depends on the country. Many more plants are planned or under construction. Further analysis of the biogas and biomethane markets can be found in the EBA statistical report 2022.
Zoom in on the facts & figures:
- Europe reached a total of 1,322 biomethane-producing facilities by April 2023.
- These 299 new plants represent nearly 30% more than the ones reported in the previous edition of this map in 2021.
- Compared to the previous editions of the map, the number of plants in Europe has steeply increased: 483 plants in the 2018 edition, 729 in the 2020 edition and 1,023 in the 2021 edition.
- 1,174 plants out of the total reported were located by the EBA and displayed on the map launched today.
On 4 and 5 July 2023, the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) is jointly organising with the Directorate-General Climate for Action (DG CLIMA) a two-day event to help applicants submit a successful application for the third small-scale call. To achieve this goal, CINEA is proposing a twofold approach:
- On the morning of 4 July, an online event where CINEA, DG CLIMA and a couple of successful small-scale projects from previous calls will provide valuable tips on successfully preparing an application for the Innovation Fund. Participants will learn about the main challenges, most common mistakes and how to avoid them. There will be an opportunity for questions and answers (Q&A) using slido.
- On the afternoon of 4 July and the full day of 5 July, CINEA and DG CLIMA will host online orientation sessions that will be webstreamed. Selected projects will have the occasion to present their project idea at a public event and ask questions to CINEA and DG CLIMA representatives. Project presenters are recommended to note the public nature of this event and refrain from disclosing any confidential information.
Register here.
More information can be found here.
2023 marks 55 years since MARCOGAZ creation in 1968.
Over 55 years, MARCOGAZ has been adapted to cope with the new priorities in the energy sector, as well as to all technical innovations. MARCOGAZ’s activities have been grounded on the role of gas infrastructure, utilisation, sustainability and the emergence of renewable and low carbon gases towards the decarbonisation of gas systems.
MARCOGAZ takes this opportunity of celebration to invite you to its 55th Anniversary Conference & Gala Dinner, taking place on Thursday 22 June 2023 at the Hotel Le Louise in Brussels, Belgium.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join MARCOGAZ’s community on the specific discussion around ‘The role of gas infrastructure in decarbonising the energy system’.
Check full programme and speakers here.
Register here.
EBA representative at 55th MARCOGAZ Anniversary Conference: Harmen Dekker, EBA CEO
Are you looking to establish longlasting and reliable relationships for your project or company in the field of biomethanisation? Then be sure to attend our TAGGRendez- vous event!
About RENDEZ-VOUS | TAGG
This event, proposed by gas.be as part of the Libramont Fair, aims to promote networking between operators and project leaders (agricultural, industrial or territorial) and suppliers of solutions in biomethanisation.
During the Libramont Fair
The agricultural, forestry and agri-food fair of Libramont is the largest outdoor fair in Europe. Libramont is a welcoming space to meet and network, a real living laboratory where you can touch, feel, taste, hear and see the world of tomorrow.
The fair welcomes nearly 200,000 visitors, 700 exhibitors and 4,000 brands every year on a 200,000 m² site.
Visit event website for more information.
Pietro Fiorentini’s virtual event dedicated to the European biomethane industry, 25 May 2023
Pietro Fiorentini is pleased to announce the launch of the virtual event Net-Zero: the biomethane journey – Paving the way to a greener future, that will be held on Clevercast platform on Thursday 25th of May 2023 at 3PM.
The purpose of the event is to address the biomethane situation at a European level, involving experts and stakeholders from the energy sector to share their visions on biomethane generation, its different applications and the current and future challenges to reach the full potential of this essential green energy source.
The event will feature among the speakers some of the leading international experts from energy companies, associations and institutions involved in the biomethane field.
The event live streaming will be available in English, Italian and French. Participation is free: we invite all those who wish to register at this link.
More information about the agenda here.
Brussels 19/04/23 – The European Biogas Association (EBA), in collaboration with international biogas experts, is launching a white paper on methane emissions originating from anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to support and advise the industry, European policymakers, and AD operators. “The biogas and biomethane industry is a large net reducer of methane emissions, but a minimal share of fugitive emissions can occur during the biogas production process. The sustainable scale-up of the sector to support the energy transition and reach the 35 bcm biomethane production target by 2030 represents an opportunity for the value chain to achieve efficient plant design and implement leak mitigation strategies.” highlights Giulia Cancian, EBA’s Secretary General.
Biogases have a pivotal role in reducing EU methane emissions in the agricultural, energy and waste sectors, as recognised by the 2020 EU Methane Strategy. Methane emissions are avoided when methane emitted from organic matter, such as manure and biowaste, are brought to the closed and controlled environment of an AD plant, instead of being released into the atmosphere.
However, methane emissions can also occur accidentally along the biogas production process. The white paper ‘Design, build, and monitor biogas and biomethane plants to slash methane emissions’ concludes that the biogas industry is well advanced in developing strategies to mitigate those emissions. According to data from voluntary and mandatory measurements analysed in the paper, these remain minimal when appropriate measures are taken. Current plants are planned, built, and operated specifically to prevent methane losses. The state of the art of biogas plants and affected plant components has significantly advanced and AD plant developers and equipment manufacturers are continuously working on further improvements.
15 years of on-site experience show that the most cost-effective manner to reduce methane emissions at AD plants is the combination of regular self-inspections, periodic reporting of methane emissions as part of monitoring programmes and training courses for plant operators.
Minimising methane emissions at AD facilities has several additional beneficial effects. Reducing methane emissions is cost-efficient, as small losses of the energy contained in methane gas can lead to considerable financial losses. Moreover, avoiding methane leakages is important for safety, environmental aspects and odour avoidance.
According to Mieke Decorte, EBA’s Technical and Project Manager, “Methane emission mitigation can be further strengthened with sound research improving the understanding of methane emissions at technical level. Additionally, policies should acknowledge and incentivize mitigation measures undertaken by individual plants. For example, an update of the default values for methane emissions included in the Renewable Energy Directive Annex VI should accommodate mitigation measures in place in existing plants and acknowledge the improvements in design and operations from the past decade”.
- Download press release
- Download white paper “Design, build, and monitor biogas and biomethane plants to slash methane emissions”
Watch EBA video series “Tackling methane emissions at biogas plants”
Contact
- Angela Sainz – EBA Communications Manager, +32 483071046 sainz@europeanbiogas.eu
- Mieke Decorte – EBA Technical and Projects Manager decorte@europeanbiogas.eu
The European Biogas Association (EBA), in collaboration with biogas experts, has conducted a review of methane emissions originating from anaerobic digestion (AD) plants to support and advise the industry, European policymakers, and AD operators. This paper provides a solid technical review of occurring emissions (Chapter 1), leakage detection and emissions measurement (quantification) (Chapter 2), mitigation strategies (Chapter 3) and results from measurement campaigns (Chapter 4). Taking into consideration the current policy context and technical background, the EBA has formulated a set of actionable-policy recommendations (Chapter 5).
Watch EBA video series “Tackling methane emissions at biogas plants”
The European Biogas Association (EBA) is the voice of sustainable biogases in Europe and is committed to the expansion of sustainable biogas and biomethane production and use throughout the continent. We are a growing association representing over 200 members including national associations, corporate members, and research institutes, spanning 34 countries.
As part of our continuous growth, we are seeking to employ an enthusiastic and motivated Events Assistant with some experience in the organisation of events to support the ongoing outreach activities of the organization on a full-time basis.
Tasks & Responsibilities
The candidate will assist the communications team on the implementation of EBA internal and external meetings, events and conferences or other dissemination actions.
His/her main responsibilities will be:
- Support the organisation of the European Biomethane Week to be held on 24-26 October Brussels (EBA’s flagship annual event with 500 expected attendees);
- Assistance with the organization of other events and internal meetings (workshops, webinars, working group meetings and General Assembly);
- Support to dissemination activities in EU projects;
Profile
- Degree in Public Relations or Events Management;
- Proven experience in the organisation of events and meetings is a must;
- IT-savvy with knowledge of CMS and project management tools will be highly desired;
- Good command of English, any other European language will be considered an asset;
- Highly organised individual with a flair for teamwork;
- Proactive and good communicator;
- Ability to prioritise and work in a fast-paced environment;
- Eligibility to work in the EU is required.
We offer
- A 6-month paid internship for a junior profile offering valuable work experience in a stimulating international environment;
- A position within the renewable energy sector to impact the shift towards a cleaner world and higher EU energy independence;
- Public Transport allowance;
- Hybrid working environment (3 days working at the office in Brussels and 2 days working from home office);
How to apply?
Please send your CV (no Europass format) and cover letter (1 page) to Angela Sainz Arnau (sainz@europeanbiogas.eu) with the subject ‘YOUR NAME – EBA Events Assistant’ by 30 April at the latest. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis and the successful candidate will be expected to join EBA’s team in Brussels as soon as possible. Please consider that only the selected candidates will be notified for further process and interview.
Over the next five years, 22 partners from nine European countries will join forces in the EU-funded project BIOMETHAVERSE meant to diversify the technology basis for biomethane production in Europe, to reduce production costs, and to contribute to the uptake of biomethane technologies. The project will support the scale-up of biomethane production to 35 bcm by 2030 proposed by the REPowerEU.
Biomethane is a renewable and environmentally sustainable substitute of natural gas able to provide energy storage capacity and perform as a flexible renewable energy carrier and fuel. As such, biomethane is well placed to contribute to the achievement of climate goals and energy security alike.
BIOMETHAVERSE sets out to increase the biomethane production potential in Europe. Over the past decade, biomethane production has been steadily growing. Europe’s total biomethane production in 2021 amounted to 3.5 bcm and is expected to increase in the coming years reaching 35 bcm by 2030 (EBA Statistical Report 2022). By then, BIOMETHAVERSE is expected to boost the current biomethane production by 66%. This upscaling of biomethane production could enable 113 Mt CO2eq GHG savings in Europe, which is similar to the current GHG emissions of Belgium.
To this aim five innovative biomethane production pathways will be demonstrated in five European countries: France, Greece, Italy, Sweden, and Ukraine. The project’s production routes cover one or a combination of the following production methodologies: thermochemical, electro-biochemical, and biological. As a starting point, four demonstration plants use conventional anaerobic digestion (AD), and one uses conventional gasification.
The project enables and encourages different energy sectors to work together. In BIOMETHAVERSE’s demonstrators, CO2 effluents from AD or gasification and other intermediate products are combined with renewable hydrogen or renewable electricity to increase the overall biomethane production. BIOMETHAVERSE therefore contributes to energy system integration by optimising and modernising the function of the energy system as a whole (Biogases: Beyond Energy, Energy System Integration).
BIOMETHAVERSE’s innovations also aim to ensure that biomethane reaches gas grid quality standards at affordable production prices allowing the scale-up of biomethane production in Europe. Today, the production cost of biomethane ranges from €55/MWh to €110/MWh, depending on feedstock, technology and plant scale. The project is expecting to reduce biomethane production costs by 44%. In order to maximise the impact of the innovations, all partners are committed to ensuring the replicability and upscaling of the demonstrated production pathways while guaranteeing swift market access to the technologies.
In addition to the environmental benefits, BIOMETHAVERSE will also contribute to support the renewable energy sector in reaching the necessary workforce. By 2030, the project is expected to create 294,000 additional jobs. The biogas and biomethane industries are already responsible for 220,000 jobs today.
“All project partners are determined to steer BIOMETHAVERSE towards meeting its full innovation potential in biomethane production. Biomethane is a cornerstone of the present and future energy system, and BIOMETHAVERSE will strongly contribute to shape it.”, states Stefano Proietti, Project Coordinator of BIOMETHAVERSE.
Contact
- Project Coordinator: Stefano Proietti (ISINNOVA) sproietti@isinnova.org
- EBA Communications Officer: Fanny Lamon (European Biogas Association) lamon@europeanbiogas.eu
About BIOMETHAVERSE
BIOMETHAVERSE aims to diversify the technology basis for biomethane production in Europe, to increase its cost-effectiveness, and to contribute to the uptake of biomethane technologies. Project website: https://www.biomethaverse.eu/
Partners
Istituto di Studi per L’Integrazione dei Sistemi, European Biogas Association, Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l’energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile, Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, Bioaerio Lagada Anonymi Etaireia, Ethniko Kentro Erevnas Kai Technologikis Anaptyxis, Research Institutes of Sweden AB, Cortus Energy AB, WARTSILA Sweden AB, ENGIE, Aeris Tecnologías Ambientales S.L., Acondicionamiento Tarrasense Associacion, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Friedrich Alexander-Universitaet Erlangennuernberg, Cap Holding Spa, Energigas Sverige Service AB, PrJSC “MHP EKO ENERGY, Politecnico di Milano, Consorzio Italiano Compostatori, Società Italiana Acetilene e Derivati SpA, DBFZ Deutsches Biomasseforschungszentrum gemeinnüetzige GmbH, Ellmann Engineering GMBH.
In 2023, the III Renewable Gas Trade Fair will be held again after the magnificent reception that the second edition of the event had by professionals in the sector last October. The Spanish Biogas Association (AEBIG), as a technical partner, and the Spanish Biomass Association (AVEBIOM), as the organizing entity, launch this new edition with the aim of continuing to accompany the sector in its definitive drive to become a fundamental engine of the decarbonization and competitiveness of our economy. In the third edition, which is held on October 3 and 4, 2023 at Feria de Valladolid, exhibitors will show the latest technological innovations that will allow them to take advantage of the business opportunities that are opening up in the coming years on the peninsula.
Why participate?
The demand for gas is very high in Spain and throughout Europe, the renewable gas sector should only worry about producing with guarantees and quality. The current situation of the fossil gas market, with prices constantly rising, uncertainty regarding the stability of supply and skyrocketing emission rights, is forcing the energy transition to be accelerated.
Take the opportunity
At present, there is a clear political commitment in Spain for these technologies that had not been manifested to date. Spain is already working to define a stable framework to make biomethane development a reality, as required by the European Green Deal , the National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan and the draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition.
Visit the event website for more information
PACE is a major EU project unlocking the large-scale European deployment of the state of the art smart energy solution for private homes: Fuel Cell micro-cogeneration.
By the end of the project, PACE will see over 2,500 householders across Europe reaping the benefits of this home energy system. The project will enable manufacturers to move towards product industrialisation and will foster market development at the national level by working together with building professionals and the wider energy community. The project uses modern fuel cell technology to produce efficient heat and electricity at home, empowering consumers in their energy choices.
The Final Event of the PACE project is free of charge, and you are welcome to attend either in person or online. For those attending in person, a light lunch will be provided and there will also be a networking reception at the end of the day.
Agenda and registration form available here.
You are invited to a two-part seminar addressing the decarbonization power that biomethane/renewable natural gas (RNG) brings to the transportation sector. The seminar will be held on Thursday, 23 March at Hexagon Composites’ offices in Oslo, as both an in-person and digital event.
More information and registration form available here
EBA representative: Harmen Dekker, EBA CEO
Brussels 14/02/23 – On the 14th of March, the European Parliament adopted in Plenary sitting the ITRE Report on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, a milestone in the decarbonization of the buildings sector.
EBA praises the European Parliament for clearly recognizing the decarbonization potential of heating technologies certified to run on renewable gases, such as biogas and biomethane.
Buildings are the EU’s single largest source of energy consumption, accounting for 36% of CO2 emissions and 40% of total energy consumption, of which 60% is taken up by heating.
Renewable energy sources in the heating and cooling sector are lagging behind and cover only 23% of energy consumption. In order to ensure that EU buildings are ready to positively contribute towards a carbon neutral, resilient and cost-effective energy system, all clean heating technologies will be needed.
Hybrid heat pumps and boilers running on renewable fuels are affordable, mature, and scalable solutions that can as of now complement electrification and play a fundamental role in phasing out fossil gas by 2050 and achieving the EU’s climate objectives.
The upcoming interinstitutional negotiations within European Parliament and Council will be a precious opportunity to provide a level playing field for the further deployment of heating technologies running on renewable fuels.
Contact
Angela Sainz – EBA Communications Manager, +32 483 07 10 46 sainz@europeanbiogas.eu
Green Gas Mobility Summit is the reference event on sustainable transport in the Iberian Peninsula . Over two days, world-class experts will discuss the present and future of technological solutions already available to meet climate goals and improve air quality , such as biomethane, synthetic gas, and hydrogen.
Why do you have to go to the Green Gas Mobility Summit?
Green Gas Mobility Summit is a meeting point for companies and administrations committed to the development of sustainable transport. During two days, the possibilities offered by already available technological solutions, such as biomethane, hydrogen and synthetic gas, will be analyzed to achieve climate objectives in a fair, profitable and competitive way.
What will you find at the Green Gas Mobility Summit?
Green Gas Mobility Summit has become an essential meeting for the sustainable transport sector in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a two-day face-to-face event, with an indoor and outdoor exhibition, which will feature high-level thematic sessions, presentations of projects and innovative solutions , as well as bringing together representatives of the main players in the sector for top-level networking.
Visit the event website for more information
EBA representative: Anna Venturini, EBA Policy Officer
4th week of October across Europe | 24-26 October: Flagship event in Brussels
A must event for producers, users, investors and legislators involved in the deployment of biogases across Europe.
- High-level European Biogas Conference with 500 participants and 40 speakers
- Expo area
- Networking opportunities
- Side-events
Why do you need to be there?
Europe must deploy 35 bcm of biomethane by 2030. This will slash greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and strengthen the EU’s strategic energy and technological autonomy. Biogas and biomethane impact reaches much further than their contribution to renewable energy.
Biomethane is the cheapest and most scalable form of renewable gas available today and provides long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits, supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.
The biogas value chain is actively working on the development of the sector to contribute to energy security in the EU. Sound policies and coherent planning are paramount to securing investments in the growth of the sector.
The European Biomethane Week will offer multiple opportunities to engage, get insights and explore the most relevant topics for the biogases industry:
- What role will biogases play in a Net-Zero Era?
- What is the added-value of biogases as drivers of the European Bioeconomy?
- How will member states bring the 35 bcm target into reality?
- How to ensure the contribution of biogases is fully recognized and ramped up in every sector?
- Sustainability and security as key pillars of a forward-looking sector.
- What trends will drive the biogases industry of tomorrow?
Who else will join?
- High-level stakeholders from the renewable gas industry;
- Representatives from key areas for the development of the biogas industry, including the transport and agrobusiness sectors, as well as financers and end-users;
- Researchers and academia working on innovative renewable gas technologies to develop our industry;
- Influential policy-makers for the biogas sector in Europe;
- Media experts.
Events and actions of the European Biomethane Week
The 1st edition of the European Biomethane Week builds on the European Biogas Conference, the flagship event of the European Biogas Association. This new concept will count on the support of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership and the European Commission, and will showcase the development of biogases across Europe.
Highlighted events in Brussels
- A 2-day high-level European Biogas Conference (24-25 October) at The EGG Centre in Brussels, with top-notch speakers to stir up stimulating discussions. Programme available here
- A photo exhibition and unmatched networking opportunities in the exhibition area (24-25 October)
- The EBA Awards ceremony, cocktail and gala dinner showcasing biogas frontrunners (24 October)
- Side-events, including a visit to a environmentally friendly brewery (25 October)
- Boots on the ground: a visit to a biomethane facility in a biomethane bus (26 October)
Highlighted events across Europe
- In addition to the flagship event in Brussels, a large variety of activities will be deployed in many European countries, discover them.
- Organise your awareness-raising activity during the Week. Get involved!
Our sponsors and media partners
Get social with us!
Get the latest updates and share your impressions about the European Biomethane Week using #EUBW #EBAConference.
Due to the growing interest in biomethane in the world, also caused to a large extent by the current geopolitical situation and Russian aggression against Ukraine, biomethane is also becoming a hot topic in Poland. Especially recently, legislators seem to see its great potential. During the 6th Biomethane Congress, we will look at the biomethane sector and try to answer the question of whether a breakthrough awaits us.
The 6th Biomethane Congress is an industry meeting for:
- investors planning to build a biomethane plant,
- owners of existing biogas plants,
- managers of treatment and municipal biogas plants,
- representatives of the energy, gas and transport industries,
- government administration and local governments
- technology and equipment suppliers
- Polish and European industry associations
Visit event website for more information
EBA representative at the 6th Biomethane Congress & Expo: Natalia Walczak, EBA Communications Officer
The European Biogas Association (EBA) represents the sustainable biogas and biomethane sector in Europe. EBA aims to ensure our sector grows to offer a concrete solution to decarbonize the European energy system in a smart and cost-efficient way. We are a growing association representing over 200 members including national associations, corporate members, and research institutes, spanning 34 countries. We are seeking to recruit a Policy Assistant to support our advocacy work and help push our decarbonatization and agroecological transition agenda in Brussels.
As part of EBA’s policy team you will work closely with the Secretary General and policy officers; you will participate to internal and external meetings and help to outreach to policy makers. We offer an energetic working environment within a multicultural team in Brussels. The position is great occasion for a motivated individual to start a career in renewable energy, developing knowledge on renewable gases, sustainability and public affairs. As our organization is growing, the internship might develop into a longer-term employment opportunity.
Responsibilities
You will support the work of the policy team, the organisation of working groups, task forces and the outreach efforts. Your main responsibilities will include:
• Contributing to the organization of Working Groups and task forces
• Monitor policy developments and activities relevant to EBA’s advocacy (energy, circular economy dossiers)
• Contribute to strategic discussions within Policy Team
• Support in policy analysis and drafting policy positions
• Drafting reports and/or briefs on policy developments
Profile
• Masters level education in Political Science, International Relations, European Affairs, Economics or Law
• Keen interest in renewable energy, climate mitigation and adaptation, and circular economy
• Dynamic, self-starter, organised, attentive to detail, eager to learn
• Ability to produce content tailored to different audiences (e.g. members, decision-makers)
• Excellent written and spoken English, other EU languages will be considered as an asset
We offer
• A 6-month CIP (Convention d’Immersion Professionelle)
• Public Transport allowance
• Hybrid work environment
• Mentorship and exposure to enriching debates, contact with stakeholders and policy makers
Application
Please send your CV (no Europass format) and cover letter (1 page) to advocacy@europeanbiogas.eu with the subject ‘YOUR NAME – EBA POLICY ASSISTANT by 17 March at the latest. Interviews will take place on a rolling basis. To determine your eligibility, in your email, please confirm that: you have not been employed on a ‘convention d’immersion professionnelle’ (CIP) contract in the past; you are not currently enrolled in a university and you are eligible to work in the EU.