The ‘European Biomethane Map 2020’ shows a 51% increase of biomethane plants in Europe in two years

  • The analysis of the data collected shows that the number of biomethane plants in Europe has increased from the 483 plants (2018) to 729 units (2020).

  • The information gathered in the document comes from national biogas associations, energy agencies and companies.

  • The European Biomethane Map locates and lists all known biomethane installations in operation in Europe.

  • 18 countries are currently producing biomethane in Europe. Germany has the highest share of biomethane plants (232), followed by France (131) and the UK (80).

The European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) have just released the second edition of the ‘European Biomethane Map’. The analysis of the data collected shows that the number of biomethane plants in Europe has increased by 51% in 2 years, from 483 in 2018 to 729 in 2020. There are currently 18 countries producing biomethane in Europe. Germany has the highest share of biomethane plants (232), followed by France (131) and the UK (80).

This is the second edition of the map. It has been made in cooperation between two organisations promoting the development of renewable gases: the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). The first edition of the map was launched in spring 2018. This comprehensive map locates and lists all known biomethane installations running in Europe. It has been produced with the information gathered from national biogas associations, energy agencies and companies.

The map provides specific details about each biomethane plant, including their connection to the gas grid, feed-in capacity, main substrate used, upgrading process and date of start of operation. Cross-border interconnection points and pipelines are also indicated.

The map brings additional data about the European biomethane market evolution, distribution of plants in European countries, and forecasts of natural gas and biomethane indigenous production in Europe until 2037.

The 2020 edition of the map has been updated with new features such as:

  • The type of connection to the grid: some plants are connected to the transport grid, others to the distribution grid and a few are not connected as they use it for
    their own consumption.
  • The type of gas transported in a specific grid. It depends on national specifications and can be low caloric or high caloric.
  • The map also shows whether there is on site production of Bio-CNG or Bio-LNG, which can be used as a green fuel in the transport sector.

“In recent years, the development of biomethane has experienced a dynamic ascent and this 51% increase in the number of biomethane plants over the past two years confirms this positive trend. Our industry is already producing 23 TWh of this green gas. By 2030, the sector could substantially enlarge the production to 370 TWh and reach 1,170 TWh by 2050. The EU is in need for green gas solutions such as biomethane. Political support is essential to maximise the needed deployment of biomethane and ensure smart sector integration.’’ Susanna Pflüger, EBA Secretary General

“Biomethane has many positive externalities nowadays and we were looking forward to present the recent development of this technology in Europe. It is already showcased by several studies that a fully renewable energy system in which biomethane play a major role in a smart combination with renewable electricity and Europe’s well-developed existing infrastructure offers the best solution to cost-effective and resilient energy system integration. Developing waste to solutions in energy, of which biomethane for example, will provide the flexible energy we look for. It will also create circular and decarbonized local economies and in Europe we already have all the ingredients to make this happen.” Boyana Achovski, GIE Secretary General

Additional information


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