Newsletter October 2025
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 informs you, among other things, on the publication of the Biomethane 2025 industry barometer, the establishment of a biomethane heating network in the town of Geisa in collaboration with the Institute for Biogas, Circular Economy & Energy, and the signing of the contract for EnviTec Biogas' first biomethane project in Belgium.
Further information on the biogas partnership project and our partners can be found at www.biogaspartner.de
NEWS
Biogaspartner Annual Conference 2025 on November 4, 2025, in Berlin
Only a few days left until this year's Biogaspartner Annual Conference – an exciting program awaits you! Register now to discuss the future direction of biomethane and gain comprehensive insights into the role of biomethane in the future energy system!
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Biomethane Industry Barometer 2025 published
The German Energy Agency's (dena) Biomethane Industry Barometer 2025 shows a significantly gloomy mood in the biomethane industry. Political uncertainty, a lack of incentives, insolvencies, and low prices are weighing on the market – the business situation is being assessed more negatively than ever before. Despite these challenges, some companies are using the crisis to strengthen their market position. Positive impetus is coming sporadically from plant construction and international trade, while demand in Germany continues to lag behind, particularly in the EEG and heating markets. New momentum could come from adjustments to GHG quotas and EU regulations in the transport sector. dena has been conducting the “Biomethane Industry Barometer” survey since 2012.
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GENERATION
Uniper and Five Bioenergy sign long-term contract for the supply of biomethane
The international energy company Uniper and the Spanish biomethane plant developer and operator Five Bioenergy have signed a seven-year supply contract for biomethane from three large-scale plants in Murcia, Spain, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. The biomethane will contribute to decarbonization in the transport and shipping sectors and complements Uniper's growing portfolio of low-carbon energy sources. Five Bioenergy is thus strengthening its role as a leading project developer in the European biomethane market while promoting the circular economy and energy independence.
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DUH study: Methane leaks in German biogas plants cause climate damage
According to a new study by Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH), up to 370,000 tons of methane escape from German biogas plants every year – equivalent to 31.8 million tons of CO₂ and exceeding the emissions of entire EU countries. With over 10,000 plants, Germany is the world leader in biogas production, but a lack of controls and measurement requirements is leading to massive climate damage. The DUH is calling for a legal upper limit of 1% methane loss, regular measurements, and stricter enforcement of existing regulations to effectively reduce methane emissions.
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MOBILITY
New Elbe ferry in the district of Lüneburg powered by biomethane
A globally unique ferry was launched in Lauenburg, which will operate between Amt Neuhaus and Bleckede on the Elbe River using a climate-neutral biomethane hybrid drive system. The 150-ton, 45-meter-long ferry was built at the Hitzler shipyard and is scheduled to go into service in 2026 – with more transport capacity, higher speed, and virtually emission-free propulsion. The use of biomethane makes the project a pioneering example of climate-friendly mobility in local transport.
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Biofuel associations call for higher GHG quotas, fair market conditions, and the utilization of domestic potential
On October 14, 2025, the biofuel associations published a new brochure that compiles data, survey results, and policy demands regarding the role of biofuels in the mobility transition. Among other things, they call for a higher GHG quota, greater use of domestic potential, a technology-neutral fuel strategy, and rapid implementation of RED III by January 1, 2026, at the latest. According to the brochure, biofuels such as biomethane already save over 12 million tons of CO₂ per year and are indispensable for achieving climate targets in the transport sector.
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HEAT
Geisa becomes a model municipality for the development of a biomethane heating network
The town of Geisa is to become a model municipality for a new research project on the use of biogas and biomethane in municipal heat supply. Together with the Institute for Biogas, Recycling, and Energy (IBKE), the town wants to investigate how unused regional substrates and waste can contribute to energy production—especially under the difficult conditions in the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. The aim is to produce a transferable guide for other municipalities in Thuringia and biogas plant operators. The first farmers from the region have already signaled their interest in a possible biogas plant in Geisa.
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INTERNATIONAL
AT | Nationalrat schafft Rechtssicherheit für Investitionen der Umrüstung auf Biomethananlagen
On October 15, 2025, the Austrian National Council decided to extend the contract terms for biogas plants, thereby giving biogas farmers planning security until the Renewable Gases Act (EGG) comes into force. Contracts can now be extended by up to 18 months until the end of the 30th operating year to allow time for conversion to biomethane. This will facilitate investment and strengthen the feed-in of biomethane as a contribution to security of supply and regional value creation. The Farmers' Union is now calling for the rapid introduction of the EGG in order to create long-term remuneration security for biomethane.
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NL | Tata Steel einigt sich auf Milliardeninvestition für grüne Stahlherstellung unter anderem mit Biomethan
Indian mining company and world's largest steel producer Tata Steel plans to build a new direct reduction plant with an electric arc furnace in IJmuiden with its Dutch subsidiary, which will initially be powered by natural gas from 2030 and later by biomethane or hydrogen. The aim is to save more than five percent of Dutch CO₂ emissions, or 7.2 million tons, through the use of renewable gases and CO₂ capture and storage. The Dutch government is providing up to EUR 2 billion, while Tata itself is investing around EUR 3 billion. Biomethane is a central component of the planned transition to more climate-friendly steel production.
BE | Contract signed for EnviTec's first biomethane project in Belgium
EnviTec Biogas has signed its first contract for a biogas upgrading plant with CO₂ liquefaction in Belgium together with Dutch energy provider Byont. Starting in July 2026, the plant is expected to feed around 735 Nm³/h of biomethane into the Belgian gas grid and provide an additional 24 tons of bio-CO₂ per day. In addition to converting the existing biogas plant, Byont is planning two further plants in the Netherlands, also using EnviTec technology for combined biomethane and CO₂ production.
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UK | Refuels signs biomethane supply agreement with major logistics company
British biofuel producer ReFuels N.V. has signed a multi-year fixed-price contract through its subsidiary CNG Fuels to supply one of the UK's largest logistics companies with 100% renewable bio-CNG. The contract ensures stable fuel costs and supports the conversion of the truck fleet to climate-friendly biomethane. CNG Fuels' current filling station network in the UK comprises 16 locations with a capacity of 340 million kg of biomethane per year – by 2028, capacity is set to double to 780 million kg and 20,000 vehicles, enabling CO₂ savings of up to 2 million tons per year.
UK | Tesco acquires 42 new trucks powered by bio-CNG for its logistics fleet
British retail chain Tesco has put 42 new IVECO S-Way trucks powered by biomethane into service in Scotland, which are expected to save up to 6,473 tons of CO₂ equivalents annually. The vehicles, which run on biomethane produced from animal and food waste, cover over 200,000 km per year and deliver to over 250 stores in Scotland, Cumbria, and Northumbria. The low-emission trucks already make up 20% of the fleet at the Livingston site and serve as a bridging technology until fully electric trucks and charging infrastructure are ready for widespread use. In addition, Tesco has set up its own biomethane filling station at the distribution center in partnership with CNG Fuels.
IR | Gas Networks Ireland plans to connect new biomethane plant in Kildare directly to local gas network
A new biomethane plant is currently being built in Monasterevin, Ireland, by Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises. Once operational, it will produce up to 100 GWh of biomethane per year from distillation industry residues and feed it directly into the national gas grid. The €50 million investment is being funded by Ireland's National Biomethane Capital Grant Scheme and is expected to save around 18,500 tons of CO₂ per year. In addition, the plant uses the waste heat and fermentation residues to supply a connected greenhouse that produces vegetables for the local community. The plant is already the sixth to be connected to the national grid by Gas Networks Ireland within two years.
ES | WAGA Energy builds biogas processing plant near Cadiz
The waste management company Bioreciclaje de Cádiz and Enagás Renovable, a subsidiary of Spanish gas network operator Enagás, are working with French plant manufacturer Waga Energy to develop a biomethane plant at the Medina Sidonia landfill site in Andalusia. Starting in 2027, WAGABOX® technology will be used to generate around 80 GWh of biomethane from landfill gas annually and feed it into the Spanish gas grid – enough to supply around 16,000 households. According to calculations, the project will avoid around 21,000 tons of CO₂ per year and contribute to the circular economy and regional energy independence. Waga Energy will operate the processing plant until 2038 and supply the biomethane to the project partners.
ES | Baléaria plans to operate three ferries exclusively with bio-LNG
Spanish ferry operator Baleària is now using three of its ships exclusively with bio-LNG from animal waste, making it the first European shipping company with ISCC certification. The Margarita Salas, Abel Matutes, and Rusadir ferries operate emission-free on the Barcelona–Alcúdia–Ciutadella and Málaga–Melilla routes. The bio-LNG supplied by Enagás has a negative carbon footprint and saves over 200% in greenhouse gases compared to fossil LNG. Between September and December 2025 alone, this is expected to avoid around 80,300 tons of CO₂ emissions – equivalent to the annual emissions of 153,500 cars.
IT - ES | Verdalia secures €671 million in investment for Spanish and Italian biomethane projects
Portuguese biomethane producer Ferbgás Renováveis is investing €20 million in the construction of a biomethane plant in Benavente (Portugal), which is expected to produce around 40 GWh of biomethane per year from agricultural waste such as manure and slurry from early 2027 onwards – enough to supply around 8,000 households. The Benavente Bioenergy plant will not only supply renewable gas for industry and agriculture, but also produce biofertiliser for the regional circular economy. The project will create 10-15 direct and over 30 indirect jobs. It is part of a larger project: by 2030, Ferbgás plans to invest over EUR 200 million in the construction of ten biomethane plants in Portugal and a first international project in Spain.
BR | BP plans nine biomethane projects in Brazil
The oil and energy company BP plans to expand its biomethane activities in Brazil with at least nine new projects based on by-products from the company's own sugarcane ethanol production. BP is currently developing its first biomethane plant in the state of Goiás with a capacity of 70,000 m³ per day. The projects are part of the strategy of BP Bioenergy – Brazil's second-largest ethanol producer – to diversify into the bioenergy sector, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The growing corn ethanol production in Brazil is also coming into focus, as BP sees synergies with sugarcane here.