The European Biogas Association (EBA) strongly welcomes the European Commission’s updated REPowerEU Roadmap, published on May 6, 2025, as a "timely and strategic framework to phase out the EU’s remaining dependence on Russian fossil fuels.
First launched by the European Commission in May 20222 in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the original REPowerEU Plan aimed to end Europe’s reliance on Russian energy through improved energy efficiency, accelerated deployment of renewables, and diversification of supply.
However, despite progress, the EU still imported 52 bcm of Russian gas, 13 million tonnes of crude oil, and over 2,800 tonnes of uranium in 2024.
The updated roadmap, released by the Commission on May 6, 2025, outlines the EU’s strategy to fully phase out these imports, while fostering a coordinated and solidarity-based approach to securing affordable and sustainable energy across the EU.
“Major step toward energy independence”
The European Biogas Association (EBA) welcomes the updated REPowerEU Roadmap as a “major step toward energy independence and renewable gas expansion.”
The REPowerEU Roadmap outlines nine targeted actions to reduce and ultimately eliminate the Union’s reliance on Russian gas, oil, and nuclear fuel, an objective fully aligned with the EBA’s mission to accelerate the deployment of sustainable biogases across Europe.
Today’s announcement sends a clear signal: renewable gases will be indispensable to Europe’s energy future. The Roadmap confirms the long-term role of biogases in the EU’s energy mix. However, the sector needs a strong and tangible step forward. Therefore, EBA calls on the Commission to be bold, setting up concrete actions in the upcoming legislative proposals that will follow this Roadmap to fast-track the production and integration of biogases across Member States. Instruments such as a dedicated target for biogases ahead of 2040 and a European Charter for Biogases would provide the clarity and stability needed to support the sector’s growth and investments, said Harmen Dekker, CEO of the EBA adding that the asscociation will release a more detailed communication tackling those aspects in the coming days.
Unlocking the potential of renewable gases
The European Commission forecasts that gaseous fuels, including biomethane and biogas, will remain essential to the EU energy mix through 2040 and 2050, particularly for hard-to-electrify sectors and as industrial feedstock.
In this context, sustained investment in the deployment of biogases, improved grid access, and harmonised regulatory frameworks will be pivotal to unlock the full potential of renewable gases and their expected contribution to the future energy mix.
According to Commission estimates, total gas consumption in the EU is expected to range between 105 and 155 Mtoe by 2040, and between 70 and 80 Mtoe by 2050.
EBA forecasts that biogases production in the EU could reach 101 bcm by 2040 and 150 bcm by 2050, representing a significant share of the EU’s future energy demand.
As Europe moves decisively away from Russian energy, we must move equally decisively toward our own affordable and circular alternatives. Biogases are uniquely positioned to rise to this challenge, boosting energy security, creating rural jobs, and driving emissions reductions across multiple sectors, Harmen Dekker said.
National phase-out plans
The European Commission will introduce new legislation requiring Member States to adopt specific national plans to plan and monitor the EU-wide phase-out of Russian gas.
These plans should include a clear timeline and milestones, and address diversification options, as well as technical capabilities to replace Russian gas.
The Commission’s Communication will be followed by the preparation of legislative proposals to implement the Roadmap’s actions.
EBA remains committed to working closely with the European Commission, national governments, and industry stakeholders to ensure the roadmap delivers on its promise of a secure, sustainable, and sovereign European energy system.
