Leading European biomethane consumers, including Iveco, Suez and RWE, issued a declaration in February calling for greater support for the production and use of biomethane across the European market. The main motive behind the declaration, which was initiated by the European Biogas Association (EBA), is to highlight the key role of biomethane in meeting Europe’s climate goals while strengthening its global competitiveness.
Biogas and biomethane are seen as key tools for decarbonisation as they represent cost-effective and scalable renewable energy sources. The Declaration was signed by major European companies from various sectors, including road transport, shipping, retail and construction materials. They advocate accelerating the production and use of biomethane through long-term production targets for this green gas by 2040 and 2050, supported by European regulations and financial incentives for new projects and long-term contracts.
They also call for market-based solutions, including the recognition of guarantees of origin and sustainability certificates in greenhouse gas emissions reporting, the removal of barriers to corporate purchases of biomethane, and improved cross-border trade within the EU. The Declaration also highlights the need for political and institutional support, including the creation of a comprehensive European Biomethane Market Review and the strengthening of staffing in the European Commission to prioritise biomethane initiatives.
They build on the 2021 Biomethane Declaration, which contributed to the ambitious REPowerEU target of achieving 35 bcm of biomethane production per year by 2030. The current declaration shifts the focus towards boosting biomethane demand.
Currently, the biogas and biomethane sector in Europe produces 22 billion m3 of green gas per year, equivalent to 7% of total EU gas consumption, with an expected investment of €27 billion by 2030. The production potential could reach 101 bcm by 2040, covering more than 80% of the EU’s projected gas consumption.
At current production levels, biogas could save Europe 106 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year, provide renewable energy for 19 million European households or power 533,000 LNG trucks. Accelerating the development of this sector is therefore key to achieving climate neutrality.
