The Biomethane Task Force views biomethane as a long-term pillar of the energy transition and is therefore calling for a national biomethane strategy. Biomethane can drive decarbonisation in the heating sector, industry and transport, security of supply can be strengthened, and existing gas grids can be utilised efficiently.

The years 2026 to 2030 mark a critical decision-making window. The paper outlines the regulatory framework conditions necessary to tap into the biomethane potential of 90 to 102 TWh by 2030, as described in the BDEW’s “Neue Gase” transformation roadmap, the “Neue Gase” transformation path by BDEW, DVGW, and Zukunft Gas (2023), and thereby enable a sustainable and market-driven ramp-up.

The implementation of the EU’s internal market package for gas and hydrogen will set the course for the future of gas infrastructure. The Biomethane Task Force calls for existing gas networks not to be viewed solely from the perspective of decommissioning or the transition to hydrogen, but rather to consistently incorporate biomethane into network planning as a key component on the path toward a climate-neutral and resilient energy system.

This requires a national biomethane strategy, long-term grid connection security for new and existing plants, as well as objective criteria for identifying areas suitable for biomethane. Strategically important network sections must be protected from premature decommissioning, and reliable framework conditions must be created for investment in generation, feed-in and infrastructure.