Brussels,

Biomethane

Biomethane is a sustainable alternative to fossil gas that can be used in existing gas infrastructure and appliances. Because it can be stored and dispatched on demand, it can support the EU’s clean energy goals, help diversify gas supplies, and contribute to phasing out dependence on Russian fossil fuels while reducing exposure to volatile gas prices.

To scale it up by 2030, the REPowerEU Plan (18 May 2022) set an EU objective of 35 bcm/year biomethane production by 2030, with an estimated €37 billion investment need over the period. Biomethane is produced from organic waste and residues (e.g., manure, food waste, damaged crops), making it also a tool for modern waste management.

The Commission also addressed public misconceptions with the October 2025 article “5 things you should know about biogas and biomethane”.

Key actions highlighted by the Commission

• Action plan: a Commission Staff Working Document accompanying REPowerEU outlines measures to unlock sustainable biogas/biomethane—prioritising waste/residues over food/feed crops, and enabling safe upgrading and grid injection.
• Feedstock opportunity: separate collection of organic waste under the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) supports scaling sustainable biomethane and can create income opportunities in rural areas.
• Industrial coordination: the Biomethane Industrial Partnership (launched 28 Sept 2022) supports delivery of the 35 bcm target and conditions for further ramp-up to 2050; its deliverables are published for download.
• Next phase: the Commission foresees a shift towards a biogas “tripartite” contract/network approach to better reflect differing regional needs (building on lessons from AggregateEU), while continuing to simplify rules and reduce costs.
• Investment acceleration: the revised Renewable Energy Directive broadens certain obligations affecting biomethane use, and the Commission’s Recommendation on speeding up permitting for renewables is intended to help accelerate new biogas/biomethane projects.

Useful links

• REPowerEU – Biomethane targets (SWD(2022) 230): Investment needs, hydrogen accelerator and achieving the bio-methane targets
  
• BIP launch announcement (28 Sept 2022): Commission and industry leaders launch the Biomethane Industrial Partnership
• Myths/FAQ article (9 Oct 2025): 5 things you should know about biogas and biomethane
• Biomethane country fiches (published 19 Sept 2023): 2023 biomethane country fiches
• BIP flyer (11 Dec 2025): available under “Documents” on the biomethane page: Biomethane – Documents