Scale up EU biomethane: utilities, traders

Biomethane should be "scaled up rapidly across the EU", according to a group of 27 companies and associations — including utilities RWE and Engie, auto manufacturers Volvo and Scania, shipping firm NYK and trading firms STX and ACT.

The organisations are looking to partner with public stakeholders to ensure support for increased biomethane application in Europe and will "seek to mobilise the biomethane supply chain". The group wants to "optimise the role of biomethane in achieving climate targets and to remove regulatory barriers."

The declaration aligns with an industry event this week, where European commissioner for energy Kadri Simson told delegates that EU biomethane expansion requires legislative reform.

There is potential for European biomethane application of 350TWh by 2030, the organisations said. EU biomethane production was 32TWh in 2020, according to consultancy Guidehouse, with supply forecast to grow to 1,008-1,359TWh by 2050.

Biomethane has a "long-term role to play" to help EU countries meet the EU's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55pc by 2030, from 1990 levels, the organisations said.

Biomethane has potential uses in the power sector, for heating and for transport — particularly for heavy transport and maritime.

By Georgia Gratton