The European Commission communication REPowerEU released on March 8, 2022, is a decisive step towards the rapid development of the biomethane industry in Europe, says the European Biogas Association (EBA).“Europe needs to urgently diversify and reduce its dependence on Russian gas whilst stepping up on the ambition for the climate targets, said Harmen Dekker, CEO of the European Biogas Association (EBA).
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Close cooperation between the European Commission, Members States, and the biomethane (aka renewable natural gas – RNG) value chain will be required to ensure immediate action following the announced proposals.
Europe needs to urgently diversify and reduce its dependence on Russian gas whilst stepping up on the ambition for the climate targets. The sector is ready to deliver the 35 bcm by 2030 proposed by the EU and calls for the inclusion of this target in the recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDIII), currently under development. The biomethane target represents over 20 percent of the current EU gas imports from Russia. By 2050, this potential can triple, growing well over 100 bcm and covering 30-50 percent of the future EU gas demand, said Harmen Dekker, CEO of the European Biogas Association (EBA). Harmen Dekker CEO of EBA.
The EBA has been intensely working to table sustainable biomethane as an essential renewable energy source in the past years. Over the past months, this work has been intensified within the Sustainable Biomethane Initiative, in which the EBA, together with Common Futures and representatives of the biomethane value chain, has started discussions with the European Commission and the different Member States.
Achieving the target presented by the Commission will require close public-private cooperation to attract capital investments. The significant increase in biomethane production will secure affordable and sustainable energy for EU citizens and will support the resilience of the EU economy.
Some countries are already active in the development of biomethane production in Europe. Many others are starting to unlock this potential now. Concerted actions across Member States will be critical to increase energy security with a scalable green gas in the coming months and years, Harmen Dekker said adding that the entire supply chain of biomethane producers and users is ready to continue investing in the sector and deliver renewable gas for Europe with the support of national and EU policymakers.
