An emerging trend is seen with cross-border trade of biomethane certificates. Cross-border trade is limited in the EU at less than 10% of biomethane production levels, but it is gradually increasing. Denmark, Sweden, and Germany are key players and the European Renewable Gas Registry (ERGaR) Certificate of Origin (CoO) scheme is being developed.

The foundations for the development of this type of model are beginning to be established. The models for connection to the gas network and the prices per kWh / m3 of biomethane injection are currently being established.

There are approximately 500 biogas upgrading plants in Europe for biomethane generation, and they are injecting the natural gas network. While in Spain we find 2, one executed several years ago in Valdemingómez and a more recent one in the Waste Water Treatment Plant in Butarque (Madrid). Absolutely disproportionate figure if we take into account the extraordinary abundance of raw material: the Spanish agro-industrial and livestock sector is one of the most formidable in Europe. Our agriculture exports to the entire continent. The Spanish pig herd, for example, is the second largest in the EU. In other words, there is a resource. But not only. They also reduce external energy dependence, since they are locally generated energy, in many cases in rural areas, thus contributing to rural development and job placement in agricultural and livestock environments.

European society has paved the way and the available technology is optimal to increase the contribution to the energy mix. At present, there is a clear political commitment in Spain for these technologies that had not been manifested to date. Following in the wake of France, which has set itself the goal of a 100% renewable gas network in 2050, Spain is already working to define a stable framework that will make the development of biomethane a reality, as required by the European Green Deal , the Spanish National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan and the draft Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition.

Biomethane is currently produced in 15 European countries and is injected into the natural gas grid in most of them. In total there are more than 200 treatment plants in Europe. The biomethane produced is almost entirely injected into natural gas grids and used to generate heat and electricity by means of CHP (Combined Heat and Power); but its use as a transport fuel is becoming increasingly popular: in Sweden the use of biomethane as fuel has already surpassed CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) with a 57% market share, and in Germany its share doubled in a single year (2012) from 6% to more than 15%.

For the development of the biogas / biomethane market (production and consumption) in Spain we have the support of the Administration through the implementation of:

  • Stable regulatory framework and long-term forecast to attract investment and promote both supply and demand.

  • Economic and financial mechanisms to support and promote biogas / biomethane production projects: Feed-in-Tariff, Feed-in-Premium, Tax incentives and Direct subsidies.

  • Development and operation of the Guarantees of Origin of the biomethane injected into the gas grid.

The implementation of appropriate support measures is essential for its further development. Seven countries lead the market: Germany (10,018 GWh in 2018), the United Kingdom (3,300 GWh), the Netherlands (2,226 GWh), Denmark (1,425 GWh in 2017), Sweden (1,281 GWh) and France (1,207 GWh). In most Member States, the production and consumption of biomethane are well balanced. For example, Denmark and Germany produce more biomethane than they consume, and the excess is exported or stored. In Sweden, consumption doubles its production.

EcoEnergy shares this vision and works to promote renewable gas that contributes to the green economy, encourages the circular economy and the creation of jobs whilst taking advantage of a local resource to reduce the energy dependence from abroad.