The ‘European Biomethane Map 2020’ shows a 51% increase of biomethane plants in Europe in two years

June 18, 2020

• The analysis of the data collected shows that the number of biomethane plants in Europe has increased from the 483 plants (2018) to 729 units (2020).
• The information gathered in the document comes from national biogas associations, energy agencies and companies.
• The European Biomethane Map locates and lists all known biomethane installations in operation in Europe.
• 18 countries are currently producing biomethane in Europe. Germany has the highest share of biomethane plants (232), followed by France (131) and the UK (80).

The European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) have just released the second edition of the ‘European Biomethane Map’. The analysis of the data collected shows that the number of biomethane plants in Europe has increased by 51% in 2 years, from 483 in 2018 to 729 in 2020. There are currently 18 countries producing biomethane in Europe. Germany has the highest share of biomethane plants (232), followed by France (131) and the UK (80).

This is the second edition of the map. It has been made in cooperation between two organisations promoting the development of renewable gases: the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE). The first edition of the map was launched in spring 2018. This comprehensive map locates and lists all known biomethane installations running in Europe. It has been produced with the information gathered from national biogas associations, energy agencies and companies.

The map provides specific details about each biomethane plant, including their connection to the gas grid, feed-in capacity, main substrate used, upgrading process and date of start of operation. Cross-border interconnection points and pipelines are also indicated.

The map brings additional data about the European biomethane market evolution, distribution of plants in European countries, and forecasts of natural gas and biomethane indigenous production in Europe until 2037.

The 2020 edition of the map has been updated with new features such as:

• The type of connection to the grid: some plants are connected to the transport grid, others to the distribution grid and a few are not connected as they use it for their own consumption.
• The type of gas transported in a specific grid. It depends on national specifications and can be low caloric or high caloric.
• The map also shows whether there is on site production of Bio-CNG or Bio-LNG, which can be used as a green fuel in the transport sector.

“In recent years, the development of biomethane has experienced a dynamic ascent and this 51% increase in the number of biomethane plants over the past two years confirms this positive trend. Our industry is already producing 23 TWh of this green gas. By 2030, the sector could substantially enlarge the production to 370 TWh and reach 1,170 TWh by 2050. The EU is in need for green gas solutions such as biomethane. Political support is essential to maximise the needed deployment of biomethane and ensure smart sector integration.’’
Susanna Pflüger, EBA Secretary General

“Biomethane has many positive externalities nowadays and we were looking forward to present the recent development of this technology in Europe. It is already showcased by several studies that a fully renewable energy system in which biomethane play a major role in a smart combination with renewable electricity and Europe’s well-developed existing infrastructure offers the best solution to cost-effective and resilient energy system integration. Developing waste to solutions in energy, of which biomethane for example, will provide the flexible energy we look for. It will also create circular and decarbonized local economies and in Europe we already have all the ingredients to make this happen.”
Boyana Achovski, GIE Secretary General

Additional details

• Download map
• Order print version
• How to read this map
• EBA statistical report 2019 includes updated data and statistics on the biogas and biomethane industries.

Note to editors

Note to editors

The European Biogas Association (EBA) is the voice of renewable gas in Europe since 2009. EBA advocates the recognition of biomethane and other renewable gases as sustainable, on demand and flexible energy sources that provide multiple knock-on socio-economic and environmental benefits. Supported by its members, EBA is committed to work with European institutions, industry, agricultural partners, NGOs and academia to develop policies which can enable the large-scale deployment of renewable gases and organic fertilisers throughout Europe, supported by transparent, well-established sustainability certification bodies to ensure that sustainability remains at the core of the industry. The association counts today on a well-established network of over 100 national organisations, scientific institutes and companies from Europe and beyond.

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) is the association representing the interests of European gas infrastructure operators active in gas transmission, gas storage and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) regasification. GIE is a trusted partner of European institutions, regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. It is based in Brussels, the heart of European policymaking. GIE currently represents 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE’s vision is that by 2050, the gas infrastructure will be the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable energy supply.

Press Contact

Should you require any further information please contact:

European Biogas Association (EBA)
Angela Sainz Arnau
Communication Manager
sainz@europeanbiogas.eu
+32 2 24 00 10 89
www.europeanbiogas.eu

Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE)
GIE Secretariat
gie@gie.eu
+32 2 209 05 00
www.gie.eu