Newsletter February 2026
English version
Welcome to the latest issue of the biogaspartner newsletter - an information service from the German Energy Agency (dena) covering all aspects of biomethane. This newsletter provides informationon topics such as the key points of the new Building Modernisation Act, the maximum values for biomethane tenders and South Pole's new industry commentary on the CSRD Directive.
Further information on the biogas partnership project and our partners can be found at www.biogaspartner.de
NEWS
Biogaspartner at E-world energy & water 2026!
Two intense days at E-world 2026 showed that interest in biomethane continues to grow, and with it the variety of topics driving the market.
Market restructuring: Numerous new players are seeking market access – either by purchasing plants or building their own portfolios.
EEG use: Interest in the use of biomethane within the framework of the EEG is noticeably increasing – as demonstrated by the many targeted enquiries. After no participation in the 2023 tender round, several market voices now indicate greater interest for the next round. Nevertheless, many detailed questions remain unanswered.
EnWG amendment: This continues to keep the industry in suspense. One thing is clear to everyone: the GasNZV has served its purpose in its current form. The task now is to find new compromises on connection costs and purchase obligations. The next draft of the law is eagerly awaited.
International perspective: German biomethane is also gaining in importance outside Switzerland – increasingly in Czechia, Spain and the Netherlands (there mainly due to the blending obligation). At the same time, challenges remain in terms of documentation to leverage the full European potential.
Our conclusion: Biomethane remains a highly dynamic topic, both nationally and in Europe.
Many thanks to everyone who stopped by our Deutsche Energie-Agentur GmbH (dena) stand, asked questions and joined in the discussion!
INDUSTRY COMMENTARY
South Pole: Strengthening the biomethane market: Why improving the CSRD is crucial for the industry's growth
Europe aims to produce 35 bn m³ of biomethane by 2030 in order to achieve climate targets in the energy sector, but sees gaps in tracking and reporting. The CSRD directive requires detailed information on Scope 1 emissions, including biogenic CO₂ from biomethane, without clear guidelines for certificates and verification procedures. A commentary by South Pole on strengthening the market through harmonised rules – you can find the full article on our biogas partner page.
GENERATION
New record highs for biomethane and biomass in 2026
The Federal Network Agency has announced the maximum values for biomass and biomethane tenders in 2026, thereby setting the subsidy framework for the coming year. While the values for biomass remain stable, the maximum value for biomethane plants will increase by 10% to 23.13 ct/kWh. With this adjustment, the agency is responding to the low level of interest in biomethane tenders to date and aims to provide new impetus for market expansion.
Read more (D)
Biomethane as a strategic reserve
The German Biogas Association sees domestic biogas and processed biomethane as a flexible reserve that can cushion gas shortages in the short term and make supply more robust in the long term. Despite around 10,000 biogas plants and 95 TWh of energy already generated, the uncertain development of legislation and gas networks is slowing down investment in additional biomethane capacity. The association is therefore calling for reliable framework conditions so that more residual and waste materials can be refined into biomethane and the potential for electricity, heat and synthetic methane can be better exploited.
Opportunity for small biogas plants thanks to Triple A technology
The University of Stuttgart has developed a new process called Triple A technology, which uses amino acid salts to convert biogas into biomethane and is particularly suitable for smaller biogas plants. It enables efficient CO₂ capture, reduces the risk of harmful emissions through non-volatile solvents, and thus simplifies approval processes and plant operation. Initial practical tests show high CO₂ capture rates and low methane slip, although methane purity for grid feed-in still needs to be further improved. In the future, the process is expected to contribute to economically viable biomethane production after the EEG subsidy phase, thereby tapping into the additional climate protection potential of small plants.
Read more (D)
New grid fees: What lies ahead for biomethane CHP plants
The Federal Network Agency is working on a new system of grid fees as part of the AgNes process in order to reflect changes in user behaviour in the electricity grid and the growing share of renewable energies. Among other things, capacity pricing, dynamic grid fees for storage facilities and possible feed-in and grid relief fees are being discussed. Associations such as BEE, BVES and VKU welcome individual approaches, but criticise the lack of definitions of grid serviceability, potential additional burdens for prosumers and the planned abolition of avoided grid usage fees. For biomethane-powered CHP and cogeneration plants, this raises the question of how future fee regulations will affect their economic efficiency and their contribution to grid stability.
Read more (D)
MOBILITY
Biomethane in heavy goods transport: Almost all LNG lorries run on renewable fuel
In Germany, LNG trucks now run almost entirely on liquefied biomethane, with the share reaching 98.5% in 2025. At the same time, LNG sales at the approximately 200 filling stations fell to just under 167,000 tonnes, a decline of 5.8% compared to 2024. The industry association cites reasons such as low planning security, unresolved issues regarding GHG quotas and the failure to take bio-LNG into account in truck tolls.
Read more (D)
HEAT
Key points of the new Building Modernisation Act published
Under the planned Building Modernisation Act, gas and oil heating systems will still be permitted if they are gradually converted to run on an increasing proportion of climate-friendly fuels. From 2029 onwards, a growing minimum share must be covered by biomethane or synthetic energy sources, for example, so that existing infrastructure can continue to be used. In addition, a green gas and green oil quota is planned for energy suppliers, which will focus on biomethane, among other things, and is intended to generate additional demand for lower-carbon fuels in existing buildings.
Read more (D)
Green gas debate even before GEG reform
Associations such as Haus & Grund, the Liquid Gas Association and En2x recently proposed a moderate, gradual increase in blending quotas for climate-friendly energy sources such as biomethane in natural gas and heating oil in order to make the heating transition more predictable. This idea is gaining relevance due to the current key points of the Building Modernisation Act, which stipulates increasing proportions of CO₂-neutral fuels such as biomethane in new gas and oil heating systems from 2029 onwards. However, a study by the Wuppertal Institute and IW predicts rising gas prices due to future import requirements and warns of burdens on consumers and misguided incentives for gas heating systems. Critics such as Deutsche Umwelthilfe see risks in higher costs and insufficient availability of biomethane.
Read more (D)
INTERNATIONAL
UA | Digital breakthrough for green gas in Ukraine
With the new state biomethane register, Ukraine is introducing a digital system for recording and tracking renewable gases. This will make the export of green gas more transparent and easier for investors to plan. At the same time, the system strengthens state control and improves traceability within the framework of the country's energy and climate policy.
Read more (D)
AT | Austria's biogas industry calls for clear rules
In Austria, a growing alliance within the biogas industry is pushing for a Renewable Gases Act that would facilitate investment and establish domestic biomethane as a storable, grid-compatible energy source in the market. According to industry figures, biomethane from existing residues and waste could replace up to 20% of Austria's natural gas consumption – without the need for additional energy crops. In addition to climate protection aspects, the industry also highlights regional value creation, new jobs and the role of biogas plants as a weather-independent energy source in times of crisis.
Read more (D)
IT | Biomethane for the food industry: long-term deal in South Tyrol
Alperia and Dolomites Milk have signed one of Italy's first long-term biomethane supply contracts, covering 2 mn Nm³ of renewable gas per year. The biomethane comes from Bio Energie in St. Lorenzen and is supplied via Alperia, including logistics, to Dolomites Milk, which consumes a total of around 3 million Nm³ of gas per year. The agreement, which will run for up to ten years, is intended to support production planning and security of supply, promote biomethane as a renewable energy source and contribute to the decarbonisation of the food supply chain in South Tyrol.
Read more (D)
AU | Australia promotes biomethane from agricultural waste
Optimal Renewable Gas (ORG) is receiving a government grant in New South Wales for the Griffith Biohub, which converts agricultural waste into biomethane through anaerobic digestion. The renewable gas stream produced is fed directly into the existing gas network and is compatible with existing infrastructure. The project closes the loop by returning nutrients to the supplying agricultural land and is supported by gas infrastructure company Jemena.