European Biomethane Week 2024
Published on: 15 November 2024
The European Biomethane Week took place from October 21 to 25, with its flagship event, the EBA Conference, held on October 23 and 24 in Brussels.
Wrap up
As the EU navigates critical challenges to its competitiveness, the shift to sustainable energy and the decarbonization of its economy remain essential. Biogases are emerging as a viable, competitive alternative, but their full potential requires recognition through targeted investments and streamlined regulatory frameworks to maximize their role in the energy transition.
The European Biomethane Week underscored the pivotal role of biogases in bridging key priorities of the Green Deal. Beyond renewable energy, the sector addresses multiple EU objectives:
reducing greenhouse gas emissions across residential, industrial, and transport sectors,
promoting a circular economy,
supporting sustainable farming.
Professor Gemenne of the University of Liège emphasized in his keynote, “The biogas industry exemplifies the circular economy by interlinking diverse sectors, making the energy transition achievable.” However, he warned against pitting solutions against one another, calling for an inclusive approach to decarbonisation.
Paolo Frankl, Head of the IEA Renewable Energy Division, highlighted Europe’s leadership in green gas production and the global potential of biogases. “Biogases are critical for the net-zero transition where electrification alone is insufficient,” he noted. He stressed the need for coordinated waste and energy policies, investment incentives, and end-use demand creation to sustain growth.
Tatiana Márquez Uriarte, from Commissioner Kadri Simson’s cabinet, affirmed the feasibility of producing 35 bcm of biomethane by 2030, aligned with decarbonisation and energy resilience goals. Several Member States are integrating biogas targets into their updated National Energy and Climate Plans, a step EBA Secretary General Giulia Cancian said is vital for market stability and scaling up the sector.
To remain competitive with fossil fuels, biogas producers must embrace market-driven mechanisms like certificates. These tools not only ensure cost competitiveness but also help energy suppliers and consumers meet sustainability goals, as discussed in one of the event’s most attended sessions on biomethane trading.
The European Biomethane Week confirmed the sector’s readiness to lead in the energy transition, provided its benefits are leveraged through effective policies and investments.
Biogas and Biomethane Channel proudly participated as Gold Media Partners. Relive the best moments with us in this video!