The biomethane sector in Europe is increasing
We are pleased to share the latest edition of the Biomethane Map, which shows a 37% increase in biomethane capacity in the EU compared to the previous edition.
According to the recently published European Biomethane Map, Europe has reached an installed capacity of 6.4 billion cubic meters of biomethane per year. Plants located in the European Union generate 81% (5.2 billion cubic meters).
Growth in the EU-27 countries reached 37%, while the capacity of analyzed non-EU countries increased by 20% compared to the 2022-2023 dataset.
- The EBA and GIE map can be found by the link: https://www.gie.eu/publicat…/maps/european-biomethane-map/.
We remind you that the Biomethane Map is the result of ongoing collaboration between the European Biogas Association and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE), which represents the interests of European gas infrastructure operators.
The European Biomethane Map is an annual publication, which this year, for the first time, includes an interactive map with open access. This was made possible with the support of EBA members who provided the necessary data. The sources for each country are indicated on the map. The data covers active facilities in operation, according to information up to June 2024.
Download the biomethane map
Key findings
The total installed capacity of European biomethane is:
- AVOIDANCE of approximately 29 million tons of CO2 emissions per year,
- PRODUCTION of 830,000 tons of organic fertilizers annually,
- PROVIDING renewable energy to 5 million European households during the year or the possibility to refuel 145,000 bio-LNGs year-round.
Thus, the biomethane sector makes a significant contribution to Europe’s long-term goals regarding energy security and climate mitigation (REPowerEU Plan).
What is on the map?
There are marked 1548 biomethane installations. More than 80% of registered biomethane plants are connected to the gas network, with nearly half of them (49%) connected to the distribution network and 14% to the transportation network.
Leading countries
- France is one of the leading countries in biomethane production development, having almost doubled its capacity compared to the previous edition of this map.
- Italy also shows significant growth, increasing the number of plants fourfold and the total capacity by more than three times.
- The United Kingdom and Denmark maintain their positions among the top five biomethane producers in Europe.
- Germany remains the largest producer of biomethane but has halted the construction of new plants.
What is next?
According to a recent analysis by the European Biogas Association (EBA), €25 billion of private investment have been attracted by 2030, which will lead to the installation of 950 new biomethane facilities.
«To sustain this progress, it is crucial for EU member states to set clear targets and pathways. Moreover, for the EU itself very important to support this sector with long-term policies and administrative simplification for operators. This commitment will ensure a reliable and sustainable energy transition across Europe», – emphasizes Giulia Laura Cancian, Secretary General of the EBA.
We are grateful to the European Biogas Association (EBA), to which UABIO is a member, for this important work!
