Brussels, 11th of September, 2024. The Biomethane Industrial Partnership releases today the report “Optimising the cost of biomethane grid injection”. The report, prepared by Task Force 4.4, was unveiled during the 2nd Forum of the Polish Biomethane Organization + Study Tour, an event hosted by the Polish Biomethane Organization to highlight the status of biomethane development in the EU. The report delves into the technical, regulatory, and economic pathways of integrating biomethane into Europe’s extensive gas network. Addressing these issues is crucial to meeting the EU’s 2030 biomethane production target.
José Catela Pequeno, Head of Renewable Gases – Engineering at Floene Energias and leader of Task Force 4.4, highlighted the importance of this report: “This report is a culmination of extensive collaboration among various stakeholders across Europe. It provides a roadmap for optimising biomethane grid injection, which is crucial for our transition to a sustainable energy system. By addressing the cost and regulatory barriers, we are paving the way for increased biomethane production and usage, which will significantly contribute to the EU’s clean energy objectives.”
The report emphasises the need for a supportive regulatory framework and effective grid capacity allocation and planning to facilitate biomethane injection. It also identifies several technical solutions to enhance reception capacity, such as reverse-flow facilities, meshing networks, and virtual pipelines. The harmonisation of technical solutions and the standardisation of quality control measures are seen as key factors in reducing costs and allow for increased green gas flow in Europe’s gas networks.
Rossella Mimmi, Strategic Marketing Manager at Emerson and rapporteur for Task Force 4.4, added: “Our findings show that with strategic planning and regulatory support, it is possible to significantly reduce the costs associated with biomethane injection. This will not only make biomethane more competitive but also support the EU’s broader climate goals. The case studies of France and Italy illustrate how regulatory frameworks can be effectively utilised to optimise biomethane grid injection.”
The report also includes contributions from numerous Member States, including the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of biomethane production and grid injection across Europe.
With this publication, the Biomethane Industrial Partnership encourages all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing regulatory and technical challenges, facilitating the efficient integration of biomethane into Europe’s gas grid. By embracing the recommendations outlined, stakeholders can help enhance the viability and competitiveness of biomethane projects, supporting sustainable energy development across Europe.