Newsletter September 2026
English version
Welcome to the latest issue of the Biogaspartner Newsletter—an information service provided by the German Energy Agency (dena) focusing on biomethane. This newsletter provides information on, among other things, a commentary by argusmedia on new trade routes, new bio-CNG figures from ReFuels, and two new EnviTec projects in France.
For more information on the Biogas Partnership project and our partners, please visit www.biogaspartner.de
NEWS
18th Annual Conference of Biogas Partners in Berlin
On November 10, 2026, the 18th Annual Conference of Biogas Partners will take place in Berlin. A key topic will be the long-term security of biomethane feed-in, including the framework conditions, structures, and prospects for the gas grid transformation. In addition, the role of biomethane in the heating market will be examined, particularly the effects of the green gas quota and the “biostaircase” policy. Another focus will be on creating a level playing field for international biomethane trade.
Register now for the 2026 Biogaspartner Annual Conference
INDUSTRY COMMENTARY
New Trading Routes Are Transforming the European Biomethane Market
In 2026, the international biomethane market continues to evolve into a European market. An increasing number of countries are connected to the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB) gas hub and can trade biomethane credits across borders. This increases liquidity and brings the prices of some products closer together. At the same time, national subsidy regulations, blending mandates, and differing certification systems continue to prevent full market harmonization. A commentary by Argus Media—read the full article on our biogas partner site.
GENERATION
Biomethane from Biowaste Strengthens Regional Gas Supply in Sindelfingen
Stadtwerke Sindelfingen produces high-quality biomethane from regional biowaste, which is fed directly into the gas grid and replaces fossil fuels. With an annual production of approximately 40,000 MWh of green gas, the project contributes to decarbonization and strengthens regional energy sovereignty. According to the BDEW, the project demonstrates how municipal utilities are actively driving the energy transition through the circular economy.
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Industry Associations Call for Investment-Friendly Conditions for Biomethane
Biomethane is already making a significant contribution to the energy transition, with 16.3 TWh (2025), and offers the potential to generate up to 150 TWh per year from domestic resources. It can replace fossil fuels in heating, transportation, industry, and electricity generation, and strengthen the resilience of the energy system through its storage capacity. The DVGW and the German Biogas Association are calling for investment-friendly framework conditions to support this, including 20-year grid connection guarantees for plants and planning certainty for grid operators.
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RED IV Leak Could Signal Upcoming Regulatory Reforms
In a recently published, unofficial assessment report by the European Commission—that is, an impact assessment on the reform of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED IV)— the coexistence of guarantees of origin (GO) and proofs of sustainability (PoS) for biomass fuels is identified as an unnecessary complication for market participants, and it is proposed that the requirement to issue gas GO be removed. According to the proposal, this is intended to reduce compliance costs for biomass fuels. The leaked document is not yet a formal legislative proposal from the Commission. However, it suggests that the harmonization issue has been recognized and is to be resolved.
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Federal Network Agency Drastically Cuts Tender Volume for Biomethane Plants
The Federal Network Agency reduced the tender volume for the September 1, 2026, bidding deadline from the original 300,000 kW to just 20,887 kW—due to expected undersubscription. The maximum rate is 23.13 ct/kWh. As a result, significantly fewer new biomethane plants will receive EEG subsidies than originally planned. Approvals had to be entered into the Market Master Data Register by August 4, 2026.
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Biomethane Task Force Calls for National Expansion Strategy
The Biomethane Task Force of the association “The Gas and Hydrogen Industry” published a position paper calling for 20-year payback periods for grid connections, higher EEG tender volumes, and equal treatment with heat pumps under the Building Modernization Act. According to the paper, domestic production could rise from the current 10 TWh to as much as 331 TWh by 2045. Spokesperson Bengt Bergt warns of investment uncertainty in the early market phase.
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Biomethane in the 2027 Scenario Framework: A Major Focus in Future Energy Planning
In the new Gas/Hydrogen Scenario Framework 2027–2040/2045, biomethane is given significant weight in the scenario analysis for the first time. This underscores its growing importance as part of a climate-neutral energy supply by 2045, particularly in contrast to hydrogen and natural gas. The Federal Network Agency is conducting a public consultation on the drafts through September 28, 2026, and the integrated consideration of electricity, gas, and hydrogen increases planning certainty for the industry.
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New High-Speed Analytical Solution for Biogas Upgrading to Biomethane Unveiled
Sensirion, a manufacturer of microsensors, has unveiled the DynamiQ-X BG2300 microgas chromatograph, a new analytical solution for biogas upgrading plants that convert biogas into biomethane. The system enables precise determination of biomethane composition within a measurement interval of less than 1 minute. High-frequency monitoring of methane and carbon dioxide helps increase processing efficiency and specifically minimize methane slip. This supports plant operators in complying with strict feed-in criteria and obtaining the required greenhouse gas certification.
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Galia Green Power Secures €89.3 Million for Biomethane Expansion
Polish biomethane project developer Galia Green Power signed an 18-year financing agreement with PKO Bank Polski, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, and mBank for 376 million PLN (€89.3 million)—one of the largest financing deals for biogas and biomethane projects in Poland. The funds will be used to acquire existing facilities and construct new biomethane plants; 25 biomethane plants are scheduled to be built by 2032. The financing structure allows for an additional €53.3 million to be added to the funding.
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MOBILITY
Bio-CNG Network Grows: ReFuels Reports 7% Increase in Sales in August 2026
ReFuels reports sales of 5,598 metric tons of bio-CNG (e.g., from bio-LNG) at 16 public truck refueling stations in August 2026, an increase of 7% compared to August 2025. This corresponds to an average of 181 metric tons per day (+8% year-over-year) and 2,268 truck refueling stops per day (+9%). This reflects growing demand from logistics companies for low-carbon CNG fuels. ReFuels reports that 8–10 new bio-CNG trucks are in trial operation and over 100 fleets are awaiting additional demonstration vehicles.
OG Clean Fuels Guarantees a Fixed Price of 80 ct/kg for Bio-CNG at IAA Transportation 2026
In the run-up to IAA Transportation 2026, fuel station operator OG Clean Fuels presented a price protection initiative for fleet operators. The company is offering commercial transportation customers a guaranteed fixed price of 80 ct/kg for bio-CNG with a 60-month contract term. The multi-fuel strategy aims to provide logistics companies with predictable operating costs while delivering significant CO2 reductions compared to diesel trucks. Bio-CNG is thus establishing itself as an immediately available, cost-effective option for heavy-duty and distribution transport.
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Verbio Presents Biomethane Value Chain at IAA Transportation
At IAA Transportation 2026, the trade show for mobility, transportation, and logistics, Verbio is promoting bio-LNG and bio-CNG as cost-effective alternatives to diesel in heavy-duty transportation. The company showcased the entire value chain, from agricultural residues to its own network of fueling stations. According to the company, freight carriers can save at least €35,000 per vehicle per year in fuel costs by making the switch. Verbio views biomethane as an immediately available solution that does not require major process changes.
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ORLEN and the Port of Gdynia Explore Bio-LNG Bunkering for the Baltic Sea
The Polish multi-energy group ORLEN has agreed with the Port Authority in Gdynia, Poland, to explore the development of LNG/bio-LNG bunkering services—taking into account, among other factors, market demand, infrastructure, and ship-to-ship bunkering. ORLEN views bio-LNG as a key component in reducing emissions from heavy-duty transportation and shipping. Bunkering models from other European ports are also being analyzed.
HEAT
enviaM Relys on Biomethane for Heating at Several Locations in Central Germany
Since 2026, the enviaM Group, a leading energy company in east germany, has been using biomethane for district heating in Meuselwitz, Plauen, Herzberg, and Vetschau to leverage existing infrastructure and reduce emissions. This approach complements the parallel expansion of the company’s own solar parks. Looking ahead, the plan is to use several million kilowatt-hours of biomethane per year—as part of the gradual decarbonization of district heating in the region.
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INTERNATIONAL
FR | EnviTec Biogas is moving forward with two biomethane projects in France
EnviTec Biogas announced the launch of two projects: the conversion of the Biowatt plant (Brittany) to biomethane (250 Nm³/h, completion by the end of 2026) and the construction of the new Valoverte plant in southwestern France (280 Nm³/h, approx. 25 GWh/year). The biomethane from Biowatt is to be transported via a 13-km pipeline to Loudéac for local heat supply. France’s energy plan calls for 62 TWh of biomethane by 2035.
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IE | Ireland’s Biomethane Sector Is Growing: Two New Plants Connected to the Gas Grid
Gas Networks Ireland, the state-owned operator of the national gas grid, connected two large biomethane plants directly to the gas grid in August 2026: Bia Energy in Huntstown (€90 million, 120 GWh/year) and the College Group plant in Nobber (€30 million, up to 75 GWh/year; connection ceremony on August 31, 26) . On September 1, 26, Agriculture Minister Heydon also opened Ireland’s first grass-based biorefinery with an anaerobic digestion facility in Co. Cork. Ireland aims to produce 5.7 TWh of biomethane by 2030 (10% of national gas demand).
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EU | European Investments in Biomethane Infrastructure Show Significant Growth
Recent industry reports from the European Biogas Association show a sharp increase in European biomethane investments in 2026. Countries such as Denmark, Italy, and Spain are leading this growth through accelerated project implementation and grid connections. A key driver is the conversion of existing biogas cogeneration plants to produce biomethane exclusively for grid injection. This development supports the establishment of an integrated European market for climate-neutral gases.
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BE | Fluxys LNG Launches Market Consultation on the Expansion of Biomethane Liquefaction in Zeebrugge
Fluxys LNG, the Belgian infrastructure group, has successfully concluded Market Consultation 75 regarding the expansion of its biomethane liquefaction services at the Zeebrugge LNG terminal. The consultation, which began on August 20, 2026, aimed to expand the service offering to include electricity-based RFNBO methane and to rename the service. The regulated tariffs for converting biomethane certificates into liquid bio-LNG remained unchanged.
CH | Switzerland Launches First Cross-Border CO₂ Capture at a Biomethane Plant
Regionalwerke AG Baden has commissioned Europe’s first commercial, cross-border BECCS chain at a biomethane plant in Niederwil, Switzerland. The biogenic CO₂ released during fermentation is captured, transported, and stored across national borders. The project is considered a milestone for negative emissions from biomethane production.
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MX | Mexico Registers First Biomethane Project
In early September 2026, Mexico registered its first biomethane project (Brimex Energy, Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco) in the CleanCounts registry (N-RETS), which will allow for the future certification of its origin, quantity, and production period. According to reports, biomethane produced from waste could replace 8–10% of Mexico’s natural gas consumption.