Biomethane Industry Barometer 2026
Project Report
Biomethane market shows signs of a slight recovery
The business situation in the German biomethane sector has improved slightly in 2026, but remains challenging. Biomethane feed-in is expected to reach a new high of around 13 TWh in 2026. New sales opportunities are opening up, particularly in the heating and transport sectors. Meanwhile, the outlook in the electricity sector remains uncertain. At the same time, a lack of investment certainty, complex approval procedures and uncertainties regarding the long-term regulation of grid connection are hampering further expansion.
Growth potential and challenges
Despite positive developments, the sector continues to face considerable challenges:
- Uncertain future of the gas network infrastructure and network access
- Lack of planning certainty for investments
- Unclear prospects for biomethane-based power generation under the EEG
- Limited growth opportunities in the transport sector
Biomethane sector in a transitional phase
The Building Modernisation Act could see the heating sector develop into the most important sales market in future and generate additional demand. Consequently, the assessment of the general business situation is improving again, although around half of those surveyed still view the situation negatively.
Overall, the sector is in a transitional phase in which new sales opportunities are emerging, whilst at the same time existing business models are coming under pressure.
