In 2020, 18 bcm of biogas and biomethane were produced in the EU. Biomethane production amounted to three bcm (approx. 32 TWh). Increasing biomethane production would help to reduce consumption of Russian gas. In addition, digestate can be used to replace chemical fertilisers, which are also mainly based on fossil fuels.
Some of the measures proposed by the EBA are as follows:
- Include the 35 bcm biomethane target in the renewable energy directive and the gas regulation
- Enable fast an affordable grid connection for biomethane projects and prioritise the injection of renewable gases
- Speed up the authorisation procedures for biomethane projects
- Establish an EU-wide GO system to renewable gases
- maximise energy production potential in the waste and waste water sectors
- Foster agroecology
- Promote public-private partnerships
The proposal of EBA can be found here https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/REPowerEU-with-biomethane-FINAL-1.pdf