New report highlights biomethane ramp-up and pathways for full renewable gas deployment

In Belgium, by 2050, 30% to 40% of Europe’s total gas consumption could be made up of sustainable biomethane, according to the 11th edition of the Statistical Report launched today by the European Biogas Association. The report provides an in-depth analysis on the state of the art and the potential of biogas and its upgraded form, biomethane, and the best pathways to ensure full deployment in the coming years as part of the future energy mix.

The EBA Statistical Report analyses the current availability of renewable gases in Europe, notably biogas and biomethane. Combined biogas and biomethane production in 2020 amounted to 191 TWh or 18.0 bcm of energy and this figure is expected to double in the next 9 years. By 2050, production can be at least fivefold reaching over 1,000 TWh, with some estimates going up to 1,700 TWh. The report also highlights the need for decarbonization of all transportation modes in the coming years and the need for further renewable gas uptake in that sector. According to the report, the sustainable European Bio-LNG (liquified biomethane) production capacity by 2024, considering only confirmed plants, adds up to 10.6 TWh per year. This projected 2024 production capacity could fuel almost 25,000 LNG-powered trucks for the whole year.