November 4, 2021. The European Biogas Conference 2021 was held last week with great success. Over 200 participants and more than 40 speakers gathered in Brussels on 26 to 27 October the latest developments of renewable gases in Europe. The European Union (EU) is at the forefront of the low carbon agenda setting the global pace and with the ‘Fit for 55’ package it has provided the regulatory context to move forward. Inspiring interventions and discussions tackled the availability, sustainability and scalability of biogas and its upgraded form, biomethane, in Europe, and how these green gases are making the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe a reality. The conference was also the official launch of the new visual identity of the European Biogas Association (EBA).

Alexandra Tomczak member of the cabinet of the European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans, stressed during the opening the need to “move away from fossil gas and bring in renewable and low carbon gases, such as hydrogen, biogas and biomethane.”

The figures from the EBA Statistical Report, with the 2021 edition foreseen end of this month, are encouraging: there is a massive growth of biomethane from 2019 to 2020 and the future forecasts are equally promising, as highlighted by Harmen Dekker, EBA Director, during his keynote intervention. The combined production of biogas and biomethane could cover today 4.6% of the whole EU gas demand. This is already higher than the overall natural gas consumption in Belgium. By 2050, about 30-40% of gas needs can be met by biogas/biomethane. Fostered collaboration and a supportive regulatory framework, will be crucial in ensuring the scale-up of the sector. One of the areas where biomethane can play an important role is transport. The forecasted production of bio-LNG for 2024 could fuel more than 25,000 long haul heavy-duty trucks, decreasing emissions from those vehicles below zero levels.

This conference brilliantly showcased from multiple perspectives on how biogas and biomethane are a solution for the decarbonisation of many sectors (industry, transport, buildings). It also demonstrated how biogas and biomethane are contributing to shape the circular bioeconomy. As summarised by one of the conference speakers, “Waste from 1,000 citizens can power biogas for a bus for 1 year and create 1-3 jobs”, delivering renewable energy, clean transport, waste reduction and green employment.

（Quoted from:www.gnvmagazine.com）