As part of European Biomethane Week, the European Biogas Association (EBA) organised its yearly Conference in Brussels on 23-24 October gathering over 700 participants. Value4Farm project coordinator Inagro attended the conference to obtain the latest information related to biogas and biomethane production while connecting with different types of stakeholders.
In 2024, there has been about 6,4 billion cubic metres (bcm) of biomethane produced, which is an increase of 32% compared to last year. Also, the willingness to invest is increasing sharply over the last year. However, there is still a long way to go if we want to achieve the 35 bcm production by 2030 as mentioned in the REPowerEU plan.
Ticking all the boxes
When talking about the biogas industry, it is abundantly clear that biogases have a substantial role to play in our long-term future, bringing advantages to our environment, agriculture and our own European economy. Firstly, there is of course the production of energy. Moreover, multiple forms of energy can be produced, such as heat, electricity, biomethane (as a replacement for natural gas), bio-LNG, … Biomethane can also serve as a seasonal energy storage, as opposed to batteries that can only store energy for a short period of time. Hence, there is a lot of flexibility.
Furthermore, biogas highly contributes to regenerative agriculture and decarbonisation. Local biomass streams (such as manure or crop residues) can be used as feedstock. As a result, energy and a high-value fertiliser (digestate) is being produced, closing nutrient and energy loops locally.
Connecting dots
Biogas can also connect a lot of elements of the energy transition. The agricultural, waste and water sector can become suppliers for biogas production, while sectors like energy and transport can become end users of biogas and biomethane. Biogases can also build bridges between some of the key pillars of the Green Deal. The sector stands at the crossroads of multiple priorities under the new EU agenda, which reach far beyond renewable energy production: reducing greenhouse gas emissions for EU residential sector, industry and transport, advancing the circular economy, or enabling a more sustainable and competitive farming sector, just to name a few.
Bumps on the road
Although biogases can offer multiple benefits, there are some aspects that might hinder the full uptake, such as the absence of binding targets, rather high investment costs, consistency of feedstocks and the status of digestate. The sector needs a consistent, predictable policy environment to thrive and attract long-term investment and harmonised and clear regulations across Europe to facilitate cross-border trade and a stronger, more cohesive market.
Also, trust is needed: one doesn’t have to try to romanticise biogas production, but it is of upmost importance to build trust. Therefore, good communication is key so that there is clear recognition for this valuable energy source. Furthermore, farmers need to be educated about this. Therefore, projects like Value4Farm are really important to raise awareness.
Value4Farm at the conference
At the conference, there was also a photo exhibition, where the Belgian demonstration case as part of Value4Farm was highlighted. Additionally, project partner Consorzio Italiano Biogas (CIB) won the Green Narrator Award for their excellence in biogas storytelling via the Biogasdoneright® protocol, which is an important part of the Italian demonstration case in the project.
More info on the photo of the Belgian demo case (Inagro): Refuelling agriculture with biomethane – European Biomethane Week 2024
More info on the Green Narrator Award (CIB): Consorzio Italiano Biogas – Finalist Award Green Horizon Narrator – European Biomethane Week 2024
Photo booth at the entrance of the Conference (© EBA)
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