European biogas production reaches 22 bcm; 6.4 bcm capacity installed in Q1 2024

The 14th Statistical Report by the European Biogas Association (EBA) has reported that the biogas and biomethane production in Europe has reached 22 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023. Biomethane production alone grew to 4.9 bcm, supported by an installed capacity of 6.4 bcm/year by the first quarter of 2024, marking the largest annual increase to date.

The EBA report also said that the EU region accounted for a significant 21% year-on-year rise in biomethane production.

This annual production exceeds the combined inland natural gas demand of Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland, equating to 7% of the EU’s total natural gas consumption in 2022. At current production rates, biogas and biomethane could help Europe avoid 106 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, supply renewable energy to 19 million households year-round, and fuel 533,000 LNG trucks.

The expansion of biogas is critical for strengthening the EU’s leadership in clean technologies and enhancing the resilience of its energy system. In 2022, 98% of the EU’s natural gas demand was met through imports, highlighting the region’s dependency on external suppliers. Investing in biogases is therefore vital for energy security.

However, sustained growth will require improved market and regulatory conditions, including streamlined permitting processes and strategic planning for biomethane potential. EBA CEO Harmen Dekker emphasized the flexibility of biogases, which enable energy storage, generate dispatchable power, and support the expansion of other renewable sources.

In 2023, biomethane usage was concentrated in energy-intensive sectors, aiding their decarbonization: 23% was used for transport, 17% for buildings, 15% for power generation, and 13% for industry. The biogas and biomethane sectors also produce biogenic CO2 as a co-product, which can be harnessed for sustainable e-fuels, chemical products, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), though this potential remains underutilized.

Based on 2023 production volumes, Europe could have generated 29 Mt of biogenic CO2, equivalent to 71% of the EU’s 2022 CO2 demand, showcasing an untapped opportunity for sustainable innovation.

A recent report from Guidehouse held that Europe – that includes EU-27, UK, Norway and Switzerland – could generate 111 bcm of biomethane by 2040. This estimate surpasses 30% of the EU’s gas consumption in 2022.