The European Biogas Association (EBA), in collaboration with experts in biogas and methanation technologies, has launched the first assessment of the rollout of electro-methane (e-methane) in Europe. According to EBA, this synthetic renewable fuel will play a key role in Europe’s electricity grid, scaling up biomethane production in the coming years, and enabling innovative synergies between biogases and hydrogen production in the future energy mix.
In the Power-to-Gas (PtG), renewable hydrogen produced from excess renewable electricity is reacted with biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), for instance from raw biogas. This methanation process produces electro-methane (e-methane), which can be stored in the gas grid, providing a crucial energy storage solution and boosting the flexibility of the energy system.
According to the EBA white paper “Mapping e-methane plants and technologies“ released on September 9, 2024, e-methane production in Europe is expanding rapidly.
There are currently 35 operational plants, 33 of which are fully renewable. Germany leads the way with 14 facilities.
Additionally, 20 new e-methane plants are either in planning or under construction in Europe, signaling further growth in the sector.
Numerous pilot and demo success stories
Methanation has proven successful in various pilot and demonstration projects, including the EU-funded BIOMETHAVERSE project, which showcases innovative biomethane production pathways.
Among those is a case study in Sweden in which biological methanation intended for demonstration converts biomass-derived syngas (CO, H2, CO2, and some CH4) from thermal gasification and/or pyrolysis via biological methanation to biomethane in a Trickle Bed Reactor (TBR).
This TBR is fed by syngas and a nutrient solution which can be in the form of digestate from a co-located conventional biogas plant or reject water from municipal wastewater sludge dewatering.
Our demonstration plant is showcasing biological syngas methanation to produce 16 kW of methane from forestry residues and renewable hydrogen by 2024 to 2026, explained Karin Berg, R&D Engineer at RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, one of the partners in the project.
Poised for rapid rollout
Over the past eight years, e-methane production capacity in Europe has increased from 20 GWh per year to 449 GWh per year.
Projections indicate that by 2027, this capacity will nearly reach 3 TWh per year, equivalent to 0.27 billion cubic meters (bcm).
Finland, Germany, and Denmark are pioneering this rollout, with the largest production capacities.
The production of e-methane also holds significant potential to valorize biogenic CO₂.
Over 80 percent of all identified plants utilize biogenic CO2 in their processes.
Additionally, its versatility as a low-carbon fuel source makes it a valuable contributor to the decarbonization of all economic sectors in Europe, including transport, buildings, and industry.
A robust legislative framework is essential to tap into the full potential of e-methane.
To help the EU achieve its energy and climate goals, policymakers should ensure legal certainty and a level playing field for all renewable energy sources, including biomethane and e-methane. This will boost production and support their development and use, said Anna Venturini, EBA Policy Manager.
