Biomethane Taskforce

Biomethane is already making an important contribution to the energy transition. It is renewable, storable, and already in use — and it utilizes the existing gas infrastructure. As a substitute for fossil natural gas, it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and thus contribute to climate protection. In this way, biomethane combines climate protection with security of supply and domestic value creation.

Exactly these potentials are currently at risk. The current draft amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), developed as part of the implementation of the EU Gas and Hydrogen Market Package, for example removes biomethane’s long-term perspective in gas networks. Existing and new biogas plants risk losing access to infrastructure, while distribution networks may be decommissioned prematurely. This could result in rising costs for households and small and medium-sized businesses due to higher transition and system costs—as well as a setback for the energy transition.

What is missing are clear and investment-secure framework conditions for infrastructure, markets and the use of biomethane. This includes a practical mass balance system for new gases such as biomethane and renewable hydrogen, as well as a reliable trading and verification regime for biomethane. Without these foundations, biomethane risks losing its role in Germany’s energy system – even though it is needed now more than ever.

Biomethane can deliver far more than it is currently credited with in policy debates. This requires clear political decisions. We advocate for:

• Pragmatic use of existing gas grid infrastructure – instead of widespread decommissioning
  Focus on potential uses for renewable gases such as biomethane as well as the
  hydrogen transformation process, and continue to utilize infrastructure in a cost-effective manner tailored to demand.
• A resilient energy supply
  Locally produced biomethane strengthens security of supply and reduces import dependencies.
• A liquid and transparent biomethane market
  With clear rules for trading, certification and mass balancing.
• Future prospects for agriculture and the circular economy in Germany
  Safeguarding and expanding local value creation.
• The defossilisation of cities and rural areas
  Biomethane can be used for heating and flexible electricity generation, thereby replacing fossil natural gas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Solutions for hard-to-electrify transport sectors
  In particular road transport and shipping.

The years 2026 to 2030 represent the decisive market, investment and infrastructure window for biomethane. Several developments are converging at the same time, creating – for the first time – the basis for a large-scale market for renewable gases.

The European Emissions Trading System (ETS I and ETS II) provides lasting price signals in favour of renewable energy carriers such as biomethane.

RePowerEU defines a binding target of 35 bcm of biomethane in the EU by 2030, prompting many Member States to develop national expansion pathways.

• The phase-out of EEG support forces existing plants to move towards market-based business models – which requires functioning market rules and secure access to infrastructure.
• If implemented correctly, the EU Gas Market Package establishes the foundation for guarantees of origin, the Union Database and mass balancing – key building blocks for trading and scale-up.
• National frameworks (including GEG/GMG, heat policy, BEHG, GHG quota, CHP Act (KWKG) and the power plant strategy) create concrete demand for renewable molecules.
• This window of opportunity is limited. If it is not used politically, Germany risks plant shutdowns, stalled investments and a lasting loss of value creation and know-how.