8 powerful reasons to choose biogases

Growth potential

The production of biogases in Europe in 2023 amounted to 234 TWh or 22 bcm. This is more than to the entire inland natural gas demand of Belgium, Denmark and Ireland combined, and represents 7% of the natural gas consumption of the European Union (EU) in 2023.

By 2030, the sector is expected to produce 35 bcm of biomethane and provide 500,000 jobs. €27 billion has already been earmarked for investments in biomethane production to support such growth.

In 2040, Europe could produce 111 bcm biogases, of which 101 bcm relates to the EU-27. This last figure represents 80% of forecasted EU gas demand in 2040.

Defossilisation

Buildings

We can replace natural gas with biomethane for the decarbonisation of buildings, for example with hybrid heat pumps.

The possibility to use existing infrastructure provides comfortable adaptation of households to sustainable choices and is financially attractive for users.

Industry

Biomethane is well suited for industrial applications requiring high temperatures and it can deliver climate neutral carbon for industrial processes.

There is increasing interest from industry users on the deployment of biomethane right now as a means to decarbonise their industries.

Mobility

Biomethane is a cost-efficient renewable fuel, especially in the heavy-duty transport and maritime sector. Biomethane can even reduce emissions below zero levels. Vehicles running on biomethane significantly reduce noise and air pollution compared to diesel, helping us develop more sustainable, healthier urban areas.

Power system

The future power system requires dispatchable power. Biomethane provides storage capacity and flexibility helping balance electricity supply from intermittent energy sources of renewable origin, such as solar or wind. Power from biomethane can be produced during periods of low solar and wind electricity supply or can be stored for later use during periods of high supplies.

Strategic autonomy and infrastructure

There is an urgent need to strengthen EU’s independence on natural gas and fertiliser imports.

62.5% of all fuels consumed in 2022 were imported. While some countries have reduced their imports significantly in the recent past years, an increase in imports was observed in various other Member States. Biogases can be produced and traded within Europe, ensuring the EU’s security of supply, and avoiding dependence on external providers.

The deployment of biogases to replace fossil fuels do not require the large investments to develop new infrastructure. The existing gas infrastructure is biomethane-ready. This is key to ramping up decarbonisation and providing affordable renewable energy for consumers.

Likewise the EU’s reliance on imported fertilisers and exposure to price volatility poses a number of risks to food security: there is a clear need for more sustainable alternative fertilisers within the EU to ensure both strategic autonomy and global food security. Digestate obtained from the production of biogases has the potential to replace a portion of the N-, P- and K- synthetic fertilisers used within the EU.

Cost-competitive renewable gas

Biomethane is the most competitive and scalable renewable gas available today. Biomethane can be produced starting from €55/MWh, without considering CO2 prices.

GHG emissions savings

There is an urgent need to strengthen EU’s dependence on natural gas and fertiliser imports.

Biogas and biomethane prevent emissions across the whole value chain, with a three-fold emissions mitigation effect.

62.5% of all fuels consumed in 2022 were imported. While some countries have reduced their imports significantly in the recent past years, an increase in imports was observed in various other Member States. Biogases can be produced and traded within Europe, ensuring the EU’s security of supply, and avoiding dependence on external providers.

The deployment of biogases to replace fossil fuels do not require the large investments to develop new infrastructure. The existing gas infrastructure is biomethane-ready. This is key to ramping up decarbonisation and providing affordable renewable energy for consumers.

Likewise the EU’s reliance on imported fertilisers and exposure to price volatility poses a number of risks to food security: there is a clear need for more sustainable alternative fertilisers within the EU to ensure both strategic autonomy and global food security. Digestate obtained from the production of biogases has the potential to replace a portion of the N-, P- and K- synthetic fertilisers used within the EU.

Sustainable feedstock

There will be enough sustainable feedstock to produce biogas and biomethane in Europe.

Waste Management & Circularity

Biogas and biomethane production can enable cities and regions to develop integrated circular city concepts and make optimal use of their resources. Biogas is a true enabler of circular economy: we can produce biogas by recycling separately collected local bio-waste and wastewater from our households and industries.

Combining waste management with renewable energy production through biogas brings two main benefits. Firstly, it reduces methane emissions from open manure storage and landfill, which are among the biggest sources of methane emissions in the EU. Secondly, it can make treatment less expensive and more energy efficient.

There is a big potential expected for waste feedstocks, including food waste and industrial wastewater.

Agroecological transition

Biogases strengthen agroecological practices that do not impose any harm to environment and preserves biodiversity. This means treating the farm like an ecosystem; caring for and regenerating soil, air and water. This approach encourages soil health and biodiversity and looks at how the farm and, more generally, our society, functions as a whole.

This means treating the farm like an ecosystem; caring for and regenerating soil, air and water. This approach encourages soil health and biodiversity and looks at how the farm and, more generally, our society, functions as a whole.

Circular farming with biogas

The innovative model of circular farming with biogas production is based on:

  • managing agricultural residues and manure;
  • reducing GHG emissions, such as CO2 and methane;
  • increasing soil organic matter and biodiversity with sequential crops;
  • using digestate as organic fertilizer;
  • generating renewable energy as an additional income for farmers.