Assessing sustainable potentials for innovative biomass sources to produce biomethane

Task Force 3

A significant effort is required to collect sustainable biomass feedstock 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. This Task Force is mainly composed of companies active in the biomethane value chain.

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 analyzing 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 land

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 emphasizes that their full potential alone cannot fulfill biofuel targets. Therefore, the cultivation of biomass on marginal and contaminated lands becomes crucial. This approach presents multiple advantages, including preservation of nature, carbon stock increase, and collection of sustainable non-food feedstock. However, challenges persist in defining and quantifying such lands, and the report aims to address them by reviewing existing definitions and giving recommendations.