France Sets Ambitious Biomethane Targets in New Energy Roadmap

France has unveiled new production targets for biomethane in its third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), a long-awaited policy framework setting out the strategic direction of the country’s energy system for the period 2023–2035.

Under PPE 3, biomethane production is set to rise from around 9 TWh today to between 47 and 82 TWh by 2035. A key intermediate milestone has been established for 2030, with 44 TWh of biomethane injection targeted, almost three times current operational capacity. At present, France has an injection capacity of 15.7 TWh from more than 800 active injection sites nationwide.

Industry body France Gaz, however, has expressed reservations about the wide target range for 2035. The organisation argues that the upper limit should have been adopted as the official objective from the outset, stating that a clear target of 85 TWh would better reflect the sector’s true potential and provide stronger investment signals for project developers.

Looking ahead, a formal review clause has been scheduled for 2027, at which point stakeholders will seek to revise the post-2028 trajectory and secure projects currently awaiting approval. This review is expected to play a crucial role in determining whether France accelerates its biomethane ambitions in line with industry expectations.