Europe commits to boosting biomethane production in the wake of the Middle East crisis
Biomethane production in existing anaerobic digestion plants in the EU could be increased by between 10% to 30%, according to the European Commission (EC).
The recommendation is contained in the new AccelerateEU policy document, which aims to fast track affordable and secure energy on the continent in the wake of the Middle East crisis.
Biomethane’s Strategic Role
The report states: “Biogas and biomethane can also play a more strategic role in replacing imported fossil fuels, particularly in sectors where electrification is more difficult. Biomethane production in existing plants could be increased by about 10% to 30%.
“On-farm and cooperative biomethane projects can reduce fossil fuel dependency while providing additional income for farmers and creating local value, particularly in rural areas, by converting waste, residues and manure into energy and fertilisers. Finally, circular solutions for biogas, biomethane and recycled nutrients can strengthen resilience, help competitiveness and reduce exposure to global price shocks.”
Immediate Action on Biomethane
Addressing “Immediate action from the Commission to support Member States” the policy document says: “[2026 onwards] On biomethane, the Commission will continue supporting initiatives to advance the production of gaseous molecules of non-fossil origin, including sustainable biogas and biomethane in line with REPowerEU42including on-farm and cooperative biogas and biomethane projects taking careful consideration to the scaling up of existing plants, reducing permitting bottlenecks and improving the transport of sustainable feedstock across regions.”
Europe’s Energy Vulnerability Exposed
The document says both the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Middle East crisis represent a wake-up call that “is a strong reminder of the need to accelerate electrification, the roll out of additional domestic clean energy production and the energy transition.”
Over half (57%) of the energy consumed in Europe currently relies on imported fossil fuels, costing around €340 billion annually. Since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East in March rising oil and gas prices have cost a further €24 billion ‘without a single molecule of additional energy’.
Funding Bridge
This vulnerability brings both economic and social risks from household inflation to making businesses uncompetitive.
“The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow,” Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission’s President, said in a statement.
As part of the package the EC has launched a Clean Energy Investment Strategy to ‘make the most of our own energy sources’ and help bridge the gap between the private capital currently available and the investments needed to make a ‘step change in its energy system and infrastructure.’