Brussels, 9 September 2024
The European Biogas Association (EBA), in collaboration with experts in biogas and methanation technologies, is launching the first assessment of the rollout of e-methane in Europe. This synthetic renewable fuel will play a key role in Europe’s electricity grid, scaling-up biomethane production in the coming years, and enabling innovative synergies between biogases and hydrogen production in the future energy mix.
In the methanation process, renewable hydrogen produced from excess renewable electricity combines with biogenic CO2 from raw biogas to produce e-methane, which can be stored in the gas grid, providing a crucial energy storage solution and boosting the flexibility of the energy system.
According to the white paper Mapping e-methane plants and technologies released today, e-methane production in Europe is expanding rapidly. There are currently 35 operational plants, 33 of which are fully renewable. Germany leads the way with 14 facilities. Additionally, 20 new e-methane plants are either planned or under construction in Europe, signalling further growth in the sector.
Methanation has proven successful in various pilot and demonstration projects, including the EU-funded BIOMETHAVERSE project, which showcases innovative biomethane production pathways. Among those, a case study in Sweden. “Our demonstration plant is showcasing biological syngas methanation to produce 16 kW of methane from forestry residues and renewable hydrogen by 2024 to 2026”, explains Karin Berg, R&D Engineer at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.
Over the past eight years, e-methane production capacity in Europe has increased from 20 GWh per year to 449 GWh per year. Projections indicate that by 2027, this capacity will nearly reach 3,000 GWh per year, equivalent to 0.27 billion cubic meters (bcm). Finland, Germany, and Denmark are pioneering this rollout, with the largest production capacities.
The production of e-methane also holds significant potential to valorise biogenic CO₂. In fact, more than 80% of all identified plants utilise biogenic CO2 in their processes. Additionally, its versatility as a low-carbon fuel source makes it a valuable contributor to the decarbonisation of all economic sectors in Europe, including transport, buildings and industry.
A robust legislative framework is essential to tap into the full potential of e-methane. “To help the EU achieve its energy and climate goals, policymakers should ensure legal certainty and a level playing field for all renewable energy sources, including biomethane and e-methane. This will boost production and support their development and use.“, says Anna Venturini, EBA Policy Manager.
In addition to the white paper, EBA also publishes an interactive map of operational e-methane plants in Europe, accessible only to EBA members.
- Download paper “Mapping e-methane plants and technologies“
- Watch the recording of the launch webinar
- Download the presentations from the launch webinar
Source – European Biogas Association: First assessment of European e-methane roll-out released today