#MakingBiogasHappen
UNLOCKING THE GLOBAL POTENTIAL OF BIOGAS
As the world breaches the 1.5°C warming threshold and races to meet 2030 climate goals, urgent action is needed to cut methane emissions and unlock the potential of organic waste. The Paris Agreement and Global Methane Pledge call for transformative solutions. The World Biogas Association’s #MakingBiogasHappen programme meets this need – delivering practical tools to fast-track biogas deployment, reduce emissions, and build resilient circular economies worldwide.
Treating and recycling the 105bn tonnes of organic wastes generated by humans every year, of which 98% remain untreated and emitting methane as they break down, can:
The #MakingBiogasHappen Programme
The World Biogas Association’s world first, radical #MakingBiogasHappen (MBH) programme aims to cut years from the normal time it takes to develop the necessary policies, regulations and standards needed to support any industry.
In January 2024, WBA – with support from the Global Methane Hub, TotalEnergies and GHD – launched the development phase of the first two flagship MBH projects:
Stakeholder Workshops
In September 2024, the WBA conducted a series of stakeholder consultation workshops as part of MBH. These workshops, engaging participants from over 36 countries, facilitated an exchange of technical and policy expertise across 20 sessions, addressing critical themes central to the MBH projects.
The open consultation process was essential for ensuring that the Global Framework and ADCS International reflect the diverse perspectives and priorities of stakeholders worldwide. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, the workshops aimed to gather the most insightful and actionable outcomes to drive the development of effective, impactful solutions for the biogas sector.
Partners
Global Biogas Regulatory Framework
The Global Biogas Regulatory Framework (GBRF) will provide the suite of policies, regulations and standards needed in every country to develop successful projects and speed up the permitting process.
By outlining the regulations and policies required to support, implement, standardise, monitor, and control a high-performing biogas industry, the GBRF aims to deliver a comprehensive and standardised policy template. This template, grounded in best practice examples from around the world, is designed to be readily adapted for deployment in specific countries and made accessible for policymakers and regulators to download on demand. In addition, it introduces innovative solutions to streamline permitting processes, enabling them to be completed within weeks.
GBRF is framed around nine pillars:
- Pillar 1: International and National Policy
- Pillar 2: Feedstock Policy
- Pillar 3: Biogas Utilisation
- Pillar 4: Digestate Policy
- Pillar 5: Gas Quality Regulations
- Pillar 6: Technical and Operational Standards
- Pillar 7: Regulation
- Pillar 8: Planning Policy
- Pillar 9: Health, Safety and Environment Protection Regulation
Project phase 1: A global framework
During the research and development phase of the GBRF, WBA collaborated with and consulted leading global experts in biogas policies, regulations, and standards, whose in-depth knowledge of local conditions was essential in creating a truly global framework. We are deeply grateful for the engagement of sector experts, who shared best practice examples, as well as insights into barriers to growth, from around the world.
Project phase 2: Rollout
This second phase will focus on the framework adaptation and rollout on a country-by-country basis. It will be developed in the context of a country-specific biogas roadmap.
Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme International
The Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme International (ADCS International) will be the first global certification scheme dedicated specifically to biogas.
ADCS International will provide an independently audited certification system, tailored to the biogas sector, aimed at enhancing the health, safety, environmental, and operational performance of biogas plants. It will also ensure that plant operators and managers are fully competent in their roles.
The scheme delivers excellence across 11 modules:
- Module 1: Site information and understanding
- Module 2: Managing health and safety risks
- Module 3: Staff training and competence
- Module 4: Process monitoring
- Module 5: Maintenance of plant, equipment and infrastructure
- Module 6: Procuring services (e.g. servicing and maintenance)
- Module 7: Managing environmental risks
- Module 8: Animal by-products and preventing cross-contamination
- Module 9: Digestate management
- Module 10: Biomethane upgrading process
- Module 11: Life Cycle Assessment
Project phase 1: Developing a standardised international certification scheme
The development phase of ADCS International brought together a diverse range of technical and policy experts to establish core global best practice operating standards and create a standardised life-cycle assessment framework for biogas plants. We engaged industry professionals from around the world – including from research institutions, biogas plant operators, and farmers – all united in the shared mission to develop the highest quality standards and practices and to unlock the global potential of biogas.
Phase 2: Implementation at national/local level
This phase will focus on aligning ADCS International with country-specific standards and existing legislation.