Record-breaking year for biomethane production shows EBA/GIE Biomethane Map 2021

January 20, 2022

Download the PDF of the Biomethane Map 2021
Order your print version of the Biomethane Map 2021

The biomethane industry smashed all records in 2021: Europe counts now with 1,023 production plants[1]. Considering the decarbonisation potential of biomethane, this figure is a steppingstone for the decarbonisation of the whole EU economy.

2021’s edition of Biomethane Map showcases the most recent and available data of Europe’s biomethane plants.
It was produced by the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

“2021 has witnessed the most exponential deployment of biomethane plants in Europe. Nothing surprising here considering what biomethane brings to the table for decarbonisation: it is the only renewable fuel available and scalable today in Europe which can enable the cost-competitive use of already existing gas infrastructure. The combined amount of biomethane and biogas (raw form of biomethane) available today can cover already the whole gas consumption of Belgium[2]” Boyana Achovski, GIE Secretary General.

“The EBA estimates that 87% of the biomethane plants active in Europe today are connected to the gas grid. To ensure that biomethane will play an increasingly important role as a renewable fuel, and efficient trade of biomethane across Europe should be established. Besides, the future development of gas infrastructure should consider the necessary adaptations to enable the injection of higher shares of biomethane in the distribution grids.” Harmen Dekker, EBA Director.

On its way to meet 1,000 TWh production by 2050

Today, Europe counts around 20,000 units in operation (total number of biogas and biomethane plants). Sustainable biomethane can cover up to 30-40% of the EU gas consumption expected for 2050[3]. Biomethane plants are exponentially growing across Europe: the Biomethane Map shows that almost 300 new units started operation in the past one and a half year. Europe has today 40% more biomethane plants compared to the previous edition released in 2020. The fast implementation of biomethane technologies will speed up the decarbonisation of the EU economy. Yet, the sector will need relevant legislative support in the coming years to harness its full potential.

Biomethane deployment around Europe

France, Italy, and Denmark are the countries with the largest increase in the number of biomethane plants. No less than 91 new units began operation in France in 2020 and 123 plants started operation between January and October 2021. After France, the counties which saw the biggest growth in their number of biomethane plants are Italy (+11 plants in 2020) and Denmark (+ 10 plants in 2020).

Get your free map today

• Download the online version
• On-demand printing and shipping

About this map

The Biomethane Map is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the EBA and GiE. This edition contains consolidated data from October 2021, although a few countries include only 2020 data. Further analysis of the biogas and biomethane markets can be found in the EBA statistical report 2021.

Press contacts

• Ángela Sainz Arnau
  EBA Communications Manager – sainz@europeanbiogas.eu +32 483 07 10 46

• Gabrielle Lelievre
  Communication Advisor – gabrielle.lelievre@gie.eu +32 478 78 34 83

About the EBA

The EBA is the voice of renewable gas in Europe. Founded in February 2009, the association is committed to the active promotion of the deployment of sustainable biogas and biomethane production and use throughout the continent. EBA counts today on a well-established network of over 200 national organisations, scientific institutes and companies from Europe and beyond.

About GIE

GIE is the association of the gas infrastructure operators of Europe active in transmission, underground storage, and LNG terminals. It represents around 70 member companies from 26 countries. GIE members work and innovate to become the backbone of the new innovative energy system, allowing European citizens to benefit from a secure, efficient, and sustainable energy supply.

[1] Of those, 994 plats were located by the EBA and displayed on this map.

[2]  EBA Statistical Report 2021 https://www.europeanbiogas.eu/new-report-highlights-biomethane-ramp-up-and-best-pathways-for-full-renewable-gas-deployment/

[3] Gas Decarbonisation pathways 2020 – 2050, Gas for climate (2020)