Biogases will play a pivotal role in delivering Europe’s long-term energy security and climate mitigation objectives, as part of a forward-looking and balanced renewable energy mix. Besides, their benefits go far beyond the reduction of greenhouse emissions.

Biogases are the cheapest and most scalable form of renewable gas available today. They are a dispatchable energy carrier and as such can be deployed to balance intermittent renewable energy generation. Moreover, biomethane (upgraded biogas) can directly substitute natural gas and it can be stored and deployed across the whole energy system, using existing gas infrastructure and end-use technologies.

Additionally, biogases are well placed to deliver significant, long-term socio-economic benefits, thereby supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.

During 2023, “Biogases: beyond energy” will explore the multiple solutions that biogases are already providing in the development of a European bioeconomy through 6 factsheets.


DISCOVER THE FACTSHEETS…

1. Energy system integration

In this factsheet you will find a handy explainer on energy system integration. You will discover the role that biogases play in ensuring a fully flexible energy system of the future. The factsheet also showcases two biogas plants already contributing to the energy system flexibility and presents recommendations how to facilitate system integration.

2. Regenerative agriculture

This factsheet showcases the positive environmental impact of biogas production when combined to regenerative agriculture, including mitigate GHG emissions, convert feedstock into renewable energy and digestate, and providing consumers with quality food. The factsheet also includes 2 practical examples of how biogas is already contributing to regenerative agriculture and 6 recommendations on how to fully harness the benefits of biogas production in the farming sector.

3. Transport

Biomethane provides a sustainable and cost-competitive substitute for fossil fuels, representing one of the few readily available fossil fuel alternatives for long distance and energy intensive transport segments. The role of biomethane in reducing GHG emissions in transport is summarised in the 3rd factsheet of the Biogases Beyond Energy series, together with 2 examples of European plants where bio-LNG is produced to be used as transport fuel.

4. Heating

In the 4th factsheet of the Biogases Beyond Energy series, we explore the different applications of biogases in the heating sector. Biogases can provide households and tertiary buildings with renewable and cost competitive heat, which is essential to support the transition to a carbon neutral building stock. In the factsheet you will also find two examples from France and Germany showcasing the use of biogases for heating.

5. Industrial uses

Biogas and biomethane are a cost-effective solution for the decarbonisation of EU industries. In 2022, 18% of upgraded biogas was used in industry, and this figure is set to increase. The use of biogases in industries is summarised in this factsheet, together with 2 examples from Belgium and France already contributing to the transition to a low-carbon industry in Europe.

6. Sustainability

Biogases play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability in Europe by increasing the share of renewable energy, mitigating climate change effects, improving waste management, and fostering sustainable job creation. The factsheet provides insights into how biogases contribute to sustainable economic growth and greenhouse gas emission reductions. It also offers policy recommendations to support the sustainability of the sector and showcases two compelling examples from Europe that demonstrate the sustainability of biogases.