Representatives of the Member States of the European Union (EU) met in Madrid on March 27 and 28 to participate in the first workshop of Working Group 1 of the Biogas Infrastructure Partnership (BIP). This group is made up of policymakers, industry and other stakeholders who have come together to support the achievement of the target of 35000 billion cubic meters per year of sustainable biomethane production and use by 2030, and create the preconditions for greater increasing its potential towards 2050.
The first day of the workshop began with a visit to the Valdemingómez Biogas Treatment Plant. Participants highlighted how innovative technologies can be combined with sustainable practices to turn waste into a valuable resource. Furthermore, the visit served as a strong reminder of how already existing biogas from landfills and urban waste can be integrated into the energy system to decarbonise the national and EU economy.
Subsequently, Mr. Cabo, Deputy Director General of Hydrocarbons and New Fuels of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, began the day by highlighting Spain's commitment to accelerate the development of biomethane, its ambition to support the European objective and the willingness to collaborate with other Member States to achieve collective success.
The first day focused on exploring biomethane support schemes, with fruitful discussions between Member States on their advantages and disadvantages. It was noted that support schemes can help achieve 2030 biomethane targets, provide certainty to investors and grow the market. Additionally, two case studies were presented. The Danish case study showed that by simplifying the process, permitting times can be significantly reduced.
On the second day, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge presented its latest biomethane policies, highlighting Spain's dedication to the advancement of the biomethane sector. Member States took part in a lively discussion on developments in biomethane across the EU. Many of them demonstrated their ambition to increase the use of biomethane and shared their plans to achieve this goal.
The discussion covered a range of topics grouped around accelerating the permitting process, including support schemes for biomethane and new biomethane plant projects. The day ended with a presentation by the co-chair of the second working group on the status of permits in the EU, which complemented the previous day's discussion. Member States shared experiences and identified ways to improve the permitting process.
Overall, the first BIP Working Group 1 workshop held in Madrid was a great improvement opportunity to speed up procedures in the different EU Member States.
More info:
https://bip-europe.eu
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