Major European industry associations are urging EU leaders to accelerate biomethane production as a solution to high energy costs and carbon reduction goals.
The Joint Biomethane Declaration frames the renewable gas as essential for industrial competitiveness. Europe currently produces 22 billion cubic meters of biogas and biomethane annually. The coalition argues this could scale quickly using existing infrastructure.
Energy-intensive sectors are facing serious pressure. Some have already announced production cuts and closures. The EU still imports roughly 90% of its gas, leaving industries vulnerable to price volatility.
Biomethane offers domestic production advantages. It integrates directly into current gas systems without requiring new infrastructure. Sectors like chemicals, metals, and fertilizers are already using it to reduce emissions while maintaining operations.
The fuel also supports circular economy goals. Biogas production generates about 25 million tons of digestate yearly, which can replace synthetic fertilizers. The EU imported 24.2 million tons of synthetic fertilizers in 2024. Additionally, the sector captures 1.17 million tons of biogenic COâ‚‚, meeting 14% of Europe’s merchant carbon dioxide demand.
Industry groups warn that regulatory gaps are slowing deployment. Their declaration outlines ten priority actions, including streamlining certification processes and harmonizing national support schemes across borders.
The coalition specifically calls for achieving the EU’s REPowerEU target of 35 billion cubic meters by 2030. They want long-term purchasing agreements prioritized for hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
Signatories emphasize that infrastructure access needs improvement. They recommend integrated grid planning and faster permitting.
The declaration positions biomethane as both an immediate solution and long-term opportunity. Industry representatives say they’re ready to collaborate with policymakers to scale production, viewing it as crucial for maintaining European manufacturing while meeting climate commitments.
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