Assessing potentials for sustainable feedstocks to produce biomethane

Task Force 3

A significant effort is required to collect sustainable biomass feedstocks to feed additional biomethane production installations. To achieve this objective, Task Force 3 works to identify the EU-wide potential for innovative (additional) biomass sources that help to achieve the 2030 target. Task Force 3 unites companies, business associations, research centres, JRC and DG AGRI.

The subgroups of Task Force 3

Task Force 3 is composed of four subgroups:

• TF 3.1, which aims to assess the EU-wide potential for sustainable rotational/sequential cropping to produce biomethane feedstock by improving sustainable farming practices and reducing food and biogas carbon intensity;
• TF 3.2, which focuses on evaluating the potential for feedstock production on marginal and contaminated land across the European Union;
• TF 3.3, which concentrates on analysing the implications on carbon budget, soil nutrient, water, and biodiversity resulting from rotational/sequential cropping;
• TF 3.4, which is tasked with identifying additional innovative sustainable biomethane feedstocks, including wastes and residues.

The first published report of Task Force 3.2: An EU-wide potential assessment of feedstock production on marginal and contaminated lands

Task Force 3.2 of the BIP researched the untapped potential of cultivating biomass on marginal lands and contaminated lands across Europe. A dedicated webinar served as the platform for presenting the findings outlined in the report.

While several biowaste streams remain untapped, the report emphasises that their full potential alone cannot fulfil biofuel targets. Therefore, the cultivation of biomass on marginal and contaminated lands becomes crucial. This approach presents multiple advantages, including preservation of nature and carbon stock increase, while helping to avoid risks of Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC). However, challenges persist in defining and quantifying such lands, and the report aims to address them by reviewing existing definitions and giving recommendations.