New Biomethane Map Shows 37% Increase in Biomethane Capacity in the EU

Brussels 05/07/24 – Europe has reached an installed capacity of 6.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of biomethane per year, according to the European Biomethane Map released today. 81% of the capacity corresponds to plants located in the European Union (5.2 bcm). The EU-27 countries’ growth has reached 37%, while the capacity of the non-EU countries analysed grew by 20% compared to the 2022-2023 dataset.

The total installed capacity of European biomethane can contribute to avoid nearly 29 million tons of CO2 emissions annually and produce 830,000 tons of organic fertiliser per year. These plants can also provide renewable energy to 5 million European households throughout the year, or fuel 145,000 bio-LNG year-round, delivering Europe’s long-term energy security and climate mitigation objectives.

The map features 1,548 biomethane plants. This represents a 32% growth in the number of plants in Europe compared to the previous edition, which featured 1,174 units. Over 80% of the reported biomethane plants are now connected to the gas grid, with nearly half of them (49%) connected to the distribution grid and 14% to the transportation grid.

France is one of the countries leading the biomethane scaleup pathway and has nearly doubled its capacity compared to the previous edition of this map. Italy has also shown significant growth, increasing its number of plants fourfold and its total plant capacity more than threefold, while the United Kingdom and Denmark maintain their positions among the top five biomethane producers in Europe. Germany remains the biggest biomethane producer but has paused the construction of new plants.

The momentum in the biomethane sector aligns closely with the 2030 objectives set forth in the REPowerEU plan. €25 billion in private investments have been so far secured by 2030 and this will result in the installation of 950 new biomethane plants, as reported in recent analysis by the European Biogas Association.

“The 2024 Biomethane Map highlights the significant growth of the biomethane sector, demonstrating the industry’s determination to achieve the REPowerEU targets. To sustain this progress, it is crucial for EU member states to identify clear targets and pathways and for the EU itself to support the sector with long-term policies and administrative simplification for operators. This commitment will ensure a robust and resilient energy transition across Europe.” – Giulia Cancian, EBA Secretary General

The European Biomethane Map is an annual publication by the European Biogas Association (EBA), which this year includes for the first time an open-access interactive map, built with the support of EBA members, who have provided the necessary data. Additionally, the digital and print versions of the European Biomethane Map result from an ongoing collaboration between the EBA and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). Sources of each country are listed on the map. According to the available EBA dataset, data covers active facilities under operation by June 2024.

“This 5^th edition illustrates that biomethane is today’s green solution. Gas infrastructure operators welcome this 37% increase and will keep bolstering its development.  Natural gas and biomethane’s synergies are invaluable at technical, economic and policy levels. This makes this renewable gas fit for today’s gas infrastructure and our clients. With supportive policies and collective efforts, we can help sectors decarbonize quickly and cost-effectively while avoiding stranded assets.’’ – Pierre Duvieusart, GIE Biomethane Area Sponsor & GIE Board Member.