Europe adds 1 billion cubic meters of biomethane production

Biomethane production increases. The European biomethane sector has reached a new milestone, adding over 1 billion cubic meters (bcm) of annual production capacity in just one year and surpassing the 8 bcm mark for the first time, according to the European Biomethane Map recently published by the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE).

Despite favorable data showing rising biomethane production, along with growing investor confidence and increased political focus on energy security, growth remains well below its true potential for acceleration, according to these organizations. Overall, installed biomethane production capacity reached 8.2 bcm annually by the end of the second quarter of 2026—a 17% increase compared to 2025.

“Biomethane is becoming a strategic pillar of the European energy transition. By making the most of existing gas infrastructure, we can connect supply with demand across borders, bolster Europe’s energy security, and unlock the full potential of renewable gases,” stated Lucie Boost, Secretary General of Gas Infrastructure Europe.

Investor interest remains strong, with investment commitments reaching €36 billion—a significant increase over the €28 billion recorded last year—according to the *Biomethane Investment Outlook report. This growing investor confidence highlights the sector’s significant potential for acceleration, provided the right regulatory conditions are put in place. If fully realized, these investments are expected to generate an additional 9 billion cubic meters of annual biomethane production capacity by 2030, strengthening Europe’s domestic energy supply and contributing to EU decarbonization goals.

327 new biomethane plants in operation

The biomethane map shows that the number of plants in Europe rose from 1,678 to 1,975 between the 2025 and 2026 data collection periods. During that time, 327 new plants came online. Since some plants also closed during the same period, the net increase is lower than the total number of new plants commissioned. Nevertheless, the figures indicate continued dynamism across the sector.

However, growth remains uneven across the bloc. While national production is expected to rise significantly by 2030—in line with Member State targets—currently just five countries account for 95% of European biomethane production. This concentration of production highlights both the success of leading markets and the untapped potential across Europe. According to a 2026 Guidehouse study, the potential for the EU-27 stands at 31–32 billion cubic meters by 2030 and is projected to reach 163–184 billion cubic meters by 2050.

Average size of biomethane plants

The average size of biomethane plants in Europe is 472 Nm³/h, although there is significant variation across the continent. Despite leading in the number of plants, France has smaller facilities, averaging 212 Nm³/h. In contrast, Italy (667 Nm³/h) and Germany (607 Nm³/h) operate larger facilities, contributing more significantly to total capacity. Denmark (1,528 Nm³/h) also has fewer plants, but they are significantly larger in size.

The results highlight the need for clear and consistent regulatory frameworks to accelerate deployment across all Member States. Industry stakeholders are calling for legal certainty and specific biomethane strategies to help turn investment ambitions into operational projects.

As Europe continues to face challenges regarding energy security, geopolitical uncertainty, and reliance on imported fossil fuels, biomethane is increasingly recognized as a strategic source of renewable energy. Produced domestically and integrated into existing energy systems, it can contribute to both energy security and climate goals.

With sustainable feedstocks available across Europe, existing gas infrastructure ready for integration, and valuable by-products that support circular economy objectives, the conditions are right for the further rollout of biomethane. The sector’s continued growth reflects its expanding role in Europe’s energy transition.

“Biomethane is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of European efforts to enhance energy security and accelerate the move away from fossil fuels. However, regulatory uncertainty and complexity continue to prevent the sector from reaching its full potential. One of the simplest measures we can take is to allow existing plants to produce at higher capacity (currently averaging 70%).” “This, together with reducing the complexity of accessing raw materials, facilitating grid connections, and streamlining permitting, would allow the sector to grow much more rapidly,” explained Harmen Dekker, Executive Director of the EBA.

Aumenta la producción de biometano, cifras clave

• Capacidad de producción de biometano en Europa : 8,2 mil millones de metros cúbicos al año (finales del segundo trimestre de 2026).
• >1.000 millones de metros cúbicos añadidos en un año ( +17% respecto a 2025 )
• 1.975 plantas en funcionamiento (frente a las 1.678 anteriores)
• Se han puesto en marcha 327 nuevas plantas.
• Tamaño medio de la planta: 472 Nm³/h
• Se han destinado 36.000 millones de euros a la inversión.

Biomethane production in Spain

Biomethane production in Spain has increased substantially in recent years: while only one biomethane plant was in operation in 2021, by early 2026 there were 23 plants—with 21 injecting gas into the existing gas network pipelines—boasting a total annual production capacity of nearly 1.4 TWh. The 2023–2030 National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) sets a target of reaching a biogas production level of 20 TWh by 2030.

About biogas and biomethane (biogases):

Biogas is produced through the decomposition of organic matter. This waste material is fed into a biogas digester in the absence of oxygen. Through the action of various bacteria, the organic matter breaks down, releasing a mixture of gases: 45–85% methane (CH4) and 25–50% carbon dioxide (CO2) by volume. The result is a renewable gas suitable for a wide range of applications. Biomethane—purified biogas—serves as a renewable alternative to natural gas. Its many applications include supplying heat and electricity to buildings and industries, as well as producing renewable fuel for the transport sector.