BRUSSELS: As the European Union advances toward its 2040 climate goals, the European Biogas Association (EBA) is pushing for biogases to play a central role in the bloc’s energy transition.
The industry group has proposed a binding target of 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) of biogas and biomethane production by 2040, positioning the sector as a key driver of energy security, emissions reductions and circular economic growth.
The call comes days after the European Commission’s REPowerEU Roadmap highlighted the strategic importance of biogases in diversifying Europe’s energy mix. The EBA, representing the full biogases value chain, argues that scaling up production could significantly cut fossil fuel reliance while supporting agriculture and industrial decarbonization.
A Trio of Circular Benefits
Biogases — including biogas, biomethane and their byproducts — offer three major pathways for sustainability, according to the EBA:
1. Renewable Energy – With a projected sustainable production capacity of 101 bcm by 2040 and 151 bcm by 2050, biogases could replace fossil gas in heating, industry and transport while stabilizing power grids alongside intermittent renewables like wind and solar.
2. Organic Fertilizers – Digestate, a byproduct of biogas production, can restore soil health and reduce dependence on carbon-intensive synthetic fertilizers, aligning with EU agricultural and environmental policies.
3. Biogenic CO₂ – The sector could capture and repurpose up to 89 million tons of biogenic CO₂ annually by 2040, helping decarbonize industries such as food processing, beverages and manufacturing that rely on fossil-based CO₂.
Despite this potential, the EBA warns that biogases remain undervalued in EU energy policy. To accelerate development, the group is proposing a European Biogases Charter by 2025 — a collaborative blueprint with the European Commission and member states to streamline permitting, incentivize investment and coordinate cross-border efforts.
A Roadmap for Expansion
The proposed charter would include:
– National pledges for biogas deployment with clear targets.
– Faster permitting and harmonized regulations.
– Market reforms to ensure stable investment and reward environmental benefits.
– Infrastructure expansion to scale production capacity.
– Recognition of circular economy contributions, from fertilizers to CO₂ reuse.
– Appointment of national coordinators to oversee implementation.
Growth Potential and Economic Impact
The sector already supplies 22 bcm annually — about 7% of the EU’s 2023 natural gas consumption — and has attracted over €27 billion in private biomethane investments by 2030. However, the EBA says current growth is insufficient to meet Europe’s full sustainable capacity.
Achieving the 100 bcm target by 2040 could:
– Cut 483 million tons of CO₂ emissions per year.
– Provide enough energy to power 90 million households annually.
– Supply 13.8 million tons of organic fertilizer, reducing synthetic use.
“The biogases value chain stands ready to deliver circular, affordable and secure energy for Europe,” said Harmen Dekker, CEO of the EBA. “A binding 2040 target, backed by political vision and coordination across member states, is key to unlocking Europe’s own sizeable circular opportunities.”
The EBA is urging the European Commission to formally adopt the 100 bcm goal and endorse the charter initiative, framing biogases as a strategic asset in the EU’s push for energy independence and decarbonization.