The European biomethane sector will receive an injection of 24.5 billion euros in private investments by 2030, not counting additional investments of 2.1 billion euros, which are still to be allocated. This is the main conclusion of the 2nd edition of the Biomethane Investments Outlook published by the European Biogas Association (EBA). EBA monitors biomethane investments on an annual basis to forecast the growth of the sector and better identify trends, drivers and gaps in the market.
The figures presented in this report are based on responses from 26 EBA investors and project developers, 2 more than in the previous edition. The forecast figure for 2030 points to an increase in investment of 30%, with EUR 9 billion more than last year’s estimates, highlighting the industry’s growing commitment to renewable gases. This increase is underpinned by the installation of 950 new biomethane plants across Europe to add to the 1,300 plants already in operation.
Focusing on biomethane production capacity, Europe will generate 6.3 billion cubic metres (bcm) per year, which could help avoid almost 29 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, supply five million European households with renewable energy throughout the year and produce 830,000 tonnes of fertiliser per year.
Investments will be mainly located in Denmark (3.6 billion euros), Poland (3.4 billion euros) and Italy (2.4 billion euros). In the case of Denmark, the share of biomethane in the gas network is close to 40% and there are plans to increase this production until it replaces 100% of gas demand by 2030.
Two years after the launch of the REPowerEU plan, European industry is rapidly mobilising to reach the target of 35 bcm of biomethane production by 2030.
Investments are crucial to fully unlock the biomethane production potential and accelerate the development of new plants across Europe. It is also essential to implement aligned policies, maintain stable regulatory frameworks and facilitate the long-term end-use of biomethane and its co-products.
