The demand for biomethane for all final uses is strong: last year, the growth of the sector was unprecedented, with a 20% increase in biomethane production and a total of 3.5 bcm produced in 2021, according to a new edition of the EBA (European Biogas Association) Statistical Report. An even greater expansion is expected in 2022, as a record number of new biomethane plants (184) started production last year and will become operational within 2022.
“The 2022 edition of the EBA Statistical Report shows that the biogas and biomethane sector is already providing 18.4 bcm of renewable gas to Europe. In the mid-term, our sector is a key pillar of the REPowerEU strategy, including the deployment of 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane a year by 2030 to mitigate climate change and strengthen the EU’s strategic autonomy. By 2050, it could provide up to 167 bcm and cover 62% of the gas demand,” said Harmen Dekker, CEO of the EBA.
The deployment of renewable gases entails a substantial contribution to climate targets, but also to the EU’s independence from natural gas imports. 82% of the natural gas consumed in 2021 came from external supplies (338 bcm), with 15 Member States importing over 90% of their gas. Russia was the main source of supply and represented 33% (137 bcm) of the EU’s natural gas consumption in 2021.
The need for higher energy independence is combined with falling biomethane production costs, which are already significantly below the expected average TTF gas price for 2022 (80 €/MWh as opposed to 134 €/MWh). It is thus clear that speeding up biomethane production and accelerating the clean energy transition are of high importance to stabilize gas prices and ensure energy security.
The deployment of biomethane can also increase the availability and affordability of organic fertilizers for food production. Natural gas is at the moment the main feedstock and energy source to produce synthetic fertilizers. According to the EBA Statistical Report 2022, Europe could already save today 0.6 bcm of natural gas consumption by replacing 5 – 6% of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers with digestate.
The overall expansion of the sector will also boost the deployment of a resilient European bioeconomy.
Source: EBA
