Ahead of the start of the tripartite dialogue on the gas decarbonisation package, the main entities representing the biomethane value chain in Europe, from producers to operators and suppliers, as well as the main end-use sectors, such as steel, heating , food and transport, have urged by letter Member State representatives to support an ambitious and binding biomethane target at EU level of 35 bcm in 2030 in gas.
An objective that is fundamental to support strategic energy autonomy and climate objectives and in line with the REPowerEU Plan.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 would significantly contribute to security of supply by replacing 20% of natural gas imported from Russia before the war. Biomethane is a manageable and versatile energy source that can be used directly with current infrastructure in all sectors. Their production and use depend on Europe, as they are mature technologies and do not create new dependencies on critical raw materials.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 would provide valuable GHG emissions reduction. The acquisition of biomethane can be carried out reliably through robust instruments based on the regulated market such as Guarantees of Origin and Sustainability Tests.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 could also support the energy competitiveness of intensive industries exposed to very high electricity and natural gas prices, as they transition to more sustainable energy sources.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 would reduce the short-term carbon intensity of maritime and road transport, building heating and agri-food production, contributing to faster and more affordable decarbonization.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 would be a strong incentive to develop the production capacity necessary to process biowaste, which must be collected separately by law by January 1, 2024.
- 35 bcm/year of biomethane by 2030 can be produced sustainably as this target is consistent with assessments of available sustainable feedstocks. The European Commission recognized this by including this objective in the REPowerEU Plan published in May 2022.
- A binding biomethane target of 35 bcm by 2030 will contribute to the predictability and confidence that is necessary for the biomethane value chain to deliver its full potential and achieve significant economies of scale.
All signatory entities propose the introduction of a new article that establishes a binding biomethane target for the EU of 35 bcm/year, leaving flexibility to Member States to define national strategies for its achievement.
