Chief Executive’s Monthly Update for February and March 2026
By Charlotte Morton OBE, Chief Executive of the World Biogas Association
This autumn marks the 10th anniversary of the World Biogas Association (WBA). In the lead up to our anniversary, we will be launching a Corporate Governance Review to ensure the association remains well-positioned and fit for purpose to support the global industry over the next ten years and beyond.
In the last ten years, the outlook for biogas and biomethane has forever changed. Recognition of biogas as a cornerstone of the energy transition and sustainable waste management is accelerating. From the COP30’s Belém 4x Pledge – committing to quadruple the use of sustainable fuels such as biomethane by 2035 – to the COP31 Turkish Presidency’s prioritisation of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector, global alignment on the role of biogas continues to strengthen.
This progress comes against a turbulent global backdrop. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described the recent disruption to the global oil market – triggered by the Iran war and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz – as the largest supply shock in history. With around 20% of the world’s oil and gas, nearly half of globally traded urea – the most widely used fertilizer – and significant volumes of other fertilisers passing through this route, the implications for both energy and food security are profound. The effects of the last month of war will be felt for years to come.
These geopolitical shocks have underscored the vulnerability of countries reliant on imported energy and fertilisers. Even where fertiliser production is domestic, its heavy dependence on natural gas remains a critical weakness. As gas prices rise, fertiliser plants are often forced to scale back or halt production, exposing fragile supply chains.
In this context, increasing domestic production of renewable energy and renewable fertilisers is no longer optional – it is essential. The biogas sector offers a compelling solution: strengthening energy and food security, reducing reliance on volatile imports, and cutting methane emissions from organic waste. Scaling up the industry will not only support the priorities set out at recent COPs, but also form a vital part of the global response to ongoing and future crises.
The World Biogas Association (WBA) will continue to play an active role in this transition. On 2 June, we will participate in the IEA workshop focused on implementing the Belém 4x Pledge. Key priorities include ensuring that signatory governments introduce supportive policies and regulatory frameworks to accelerate biomethane use, alongside promoting robust operational standards for biogas plants.
The focus on increasing demand for biomethane is part of our work on securing the future of Bio-LNG (liquified biomethane) as a key fuel for the decarbonisation of the maritime sector. On 26 March, Giulia Ceccarelli, WBA’s Head of External Affairs, spoke at the Future of Bio-LNG event in Turin, presenting key policy recommendations for scaling up the use of biomethane in this sector.
On 13-14 April, I will be in Paris to participate in the SEA-LNG Members Meeting to meet the demand side of Bio-LNG and prepare for the International Maritime Organization’s April meeting where the Net Zero Framework and its implementation guidelines will be further discussed.
In parallel, we are continuing our efforts to stimulate greater industry demand by seeking interim guidance from the GHG Protocol on the reporting of biomethane certificates under Scope 1 emissions. Discussions are ongoing, and we hope to share positive developments before the summer. We also anticipate the upcoming consultation on the GHG Protocol’s Phase 1 White Paper, during which we will invite members to provide input and feedback – so please keep an eye out for further communications.
We will discuss all of this and more at our annual World Biogas Summit & Expo in Birmingham, UK, on 8-9 July – I hope to see you there!