Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane - a global geospatial assessment

A global geospatial assessment

Biogas and biomethane are seeing new momentum - For many energy policymakers today, there is a premium attached to projects that deliver on energy security objectives while reducing emissions and creating local value; this is a world of opportunity for biogases. Producers of biogases turn organic waste into sustainable, locally produced, low-emissions fuels. Biogas can be used directly in the form of heat by households and industry, and to produce electricity. Biomethane, which is an upgraded form of biogas, is a locally sourced, drop-in substitute for natural gas.

Over 50 new policies have been introduced to support biogases since the IEA’s first special report on biogases, released in 2020. Strong biomethane targets form a core part of the European Union’s efforts to eliminate dependence on Russian energy and develop energy sources that can be produced domestically. Some countries in the bloc are making significant strides. In Denmark, for example, biogases already represent 40% of overall gas demand, and production in France is growing rapidly. Meanwhile, India has introduced a 5% biomethane blending target for compressed natural gas to reduce dependence on imported fuels and improve air quality and waste management. Biomethane features prominently in Brazil’s new Fuels of the Future law. Oil and gas companies have also made large bets on biomethane in recent years, injecting capital and technical expertise into the sector. - The potential benefits of biogases are broad – but still under-utilised.