Position Paper – The role of biogas and biomethane in pathways to net zero

Biogas is produced as the main product of anaerobic digestion (AD) of wet biomass. Biogas can be used locally for heat purposes or for power and heat production (CHP); as an alternative, biogas can be upgraded to bio-methane to replace natural gas. As such, it is one of the means to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and contribute to the transition towards a net zero energy system.

This position paper – developed by members of IEA Bioenergy Task 37 (“Energy from Biogas”) – provides central knowledge and features of biogas and biomethane. The main conclusion is that biogas and biomethane have plenty of options to be used in a pathway to net zero. They provide sustainable flexible systems that play essential roles in circular economy, energy, and environmental systems.