Policy insights and market innovations: latest achievements from the GreenMeUp project
CONTENT
GreenMeUp hub workshops, key tools o increase biomethane market uptake in target countries
1.1. Czech hub workshop
1.2. Latvian hub workshop
1.3. Spanish hub workshop
1.4. Estonian hub workshop
GreenMeUp project’s insights from CZ BIOM magazine
GreenMeUp latest webinar
D&C activities
Policy workshop Leipzig
Upcoming events
6.1. GreenMeUp participation at next EUBCE
Insights from other projects
7.1. Value4Farm achieves key milestones in supporting sustainability in agriculture
7.2. SEMPRE-BIO, HyFuelUp, METHAREN and BIOMETHAVERSE projects latest joint webinar
GreenMeUp hub workshops, key tools to increase biomethane market uptake in target countries
1.1. Czech hub workshop
We're excited to share insights from our workshop held in Czechia on October 15, 2024. This important event, attended by 42 stakeholders, focused on accelerating biomethane development within the Czech Republic, one of the 7 target countries addressed in the GreenMeUp project.
Significant strides have been made, with over 1,500 biomethane stations now operational, contributing substantially to renewable gas supplies. While Europe as a whole demonstrates strong growth, Czechia is in the early phases of its biomethane journey. Despite possessing considerable potential, with numerous biogas plants readily available, the country's current biomethane production is still limited. We recognize the importance of accelerating biomethane deployment in Czechia to meet its ambitious 2030 targets, and we will continue to monitor and support these efforts within the GreenMeUp framework.
Legislative challenges emerged as a key focus. The lack of a comprehensive strategic development plan and a finalized National Energy and Climate Plan create a fragmented landscape. Participants emphasized the necessity for clear sector targets and seamless integration across industries to foster an attractive investment environment.
A significant concern is the insufficient public endorsement of biomethane by high-level government authorities, coupled with a lack of awareness at the highest levels. This highlights the urgent need for robust propagation and education campaigns. Furthermore, biomethane's frequent neglect in strategic planning, poor inter-ministerial coordination, and the absence of bioenergy sector representatives in key decision-making roles contribute to incomplete or flawed policy outcomes.
Despite these challenges, the workshop successfully raised biomethane's profile. The presence of several journalists and a press conference held by CZ Biom underscored the growing recognition of biomethane's potential. We remain committed to addressing these critical issues and fostering a supportive ecosystem for biomethane development in Czechia, contributing to a greener and moresustainable future for Europe.
Figure 1. CZ hub workshop
1.2. Latvian hub workshop
During this event, participants engaged in discussions concerning strategies aimed at increasing biomethane adoption and focussing on Latvia's transport industry.
Attendees received valuable updates on the most recent legislative developments, presented in collaboration with relevant government ministries. The event also featured a compelling success story from BM Holding, a company that commenced biomethane production in three biogas plants during 2024. BM Holding's CEO shared firsthand experiences, highlighting regulatory gaps and challenges currently facing the sector.
The role of the Transmission System Operator (TSO) emerged as a critical point of discussion. The TSO, responsible for issuing Guarantees of Origin (GOs) and approving biomethane producers for natural gas grid injection, faces issues with excessive bureaucracy and prolonged approval times. These delays significantly hinder market development.
The slow progress of biomethane legislation was identified as a major impediment to market growth and investment. Lengthy regulatory processes, bureaucratic barriers, and unclear policy frameworks create uncertainty for both producers and investors. To unlock the full potential of biomethane as a sustainable energy source, it is imperative to accelerate legislative progress.
The event underscored the need for regular, dedicated workshops. It was suggested that workshops covering topics such as biomethane injection into the natural gas grid and available support mechanisms for producers should be organized at least three to four times annually. Additionally, workshops tailored for the transportation sector, highlighting the benefits of biomethane for buses and cargo vehicles, were deemed essential.
Figure 2. Latvian hub workshop
Overall, the event played a crucial role in strengthening the foundation for future developments in biomethane production, distribution, and regulatory frameworks. It aligned industry efforts with policy objectives, identified key challenges and opportunities for biomethane integration, and spotlighted available support mechanisms.
1.3. Spanish hub workshop
The 5th workshop, held on November 26, 2024, focused on presenting final market integration indicators and consolidated FCM results. Discussions centered on best practices to enhance social acceptance of biomethane in Spain. Strategies emphasized early and transparent dialogue with citizens, ensuring community participation from project inception to avoid feelings of imposition. Environmental commitment and risk reduction were highlighted, stressing the importance of communicating these aspects to local stakeholders. The workshop also underscored the need to showcase community benefits, such as local economic activation, job creation, and infrastructure improvements. Optimal plant location, efficient waste and digestate management, and strict adherence to safety standards were deemed essential. The project actively contributes to the national biomethane agenda, strengthening the impact of GreenMeUp results on current policy and legislation. Active participation from policymakers, industry associations, utilities, universities, and the general public has been crucial. Workshop methodologies included discussion papers, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative strategy definition, ensuring stakeholder feedback shaped the final conclusions.
1.4. Estonian hub workshop
On November 21, 2024, the European GreenMeUp project hosted an impactful online workshop: "Biogas Digestate and Biogas Roadmap 2035 - Estonia GreenMeUp Stakeholder Hubs." Organized by the MTU Estonian Biogas Association, the event convened 28 experts to propel the renewable gaseous fuels sector in Estonia.
Discussions centered on biogas digestate and roadmaps. On digestate, participants acknowledged Estonia's growing biogas production but highlighted regulatory hurdles treating it as waste, not fertilizer. They advocated for modernized legislation to streamline certification and promote agricultural use.
Regarding biogas roadmaps, the development of multiple Estonian roadmaps was seen as positive. The ultimate aim is to consolidate these into a unified "Biogas Roadmap 2040" for governmental adoption.
The workshop significantly contributed to GreenMeUp's objectives and the national biomethane agenda. Upcoming steps include harmonizing roadmaps, revising digestate legislation, and enacting the Biogas Roadmap 2040.
GreenMeUp project’s insights from CZ BIOM magazine
Our September project meeting in Prague marked was succesful in our mission to advance biomethane utilization. European partners convened to review progress and chart future strategies, focusing on our goal of providing EU policymakers with a robust knowledge base.
The European Biogas Association (EBA) presented an optimistic outlook, projecting EU biomethane production to reach 45 billion cubic meters (bcm) annually by 2030, highlighting the sector's dynamic growth.
Country-specific updates revealed diverse approaches: Italy, a leading market, targets 6 bcm/year by 2030, prioritizing transport applications. Germany is innovating by integrating advanced feedstocks like sequential crops, while Spain focuses on overall renewable energy targets, with biogas goals in place.
Discussions spanned biomethane growth strategies across participating nations, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Poland, Spain, Latvia, Estonia, Serbia, and Greece, fostering valuable knowledge exchange.
Site visits offered practical insights: the Prague-Bubeneč wastewater treatment plant showcased successful biomethane injection into the grid, and Farma Hole demonstrated on-farm biogas production. A highlight was the Estonian biomethane plant, OÜ Siimani, which efficiently processes bovine slurry and other feedstocks, producing 1.5 million Nm³ of biomethane annually. Notably, it features a Convinio C60 solid oxide fuel cell, developed by Elcogen, generating 60 kW of electricity and 25 kW of heat with exceptional efficiency. This technology exemplifies innovative biomethane applications. Estonia’s robust BioCNG infrastructure, with 6,500 CNG vehicles and 28 filling stations, further underscores biomethane’s potential in transport. The country’s annual biomethane usage in transport reached 15,750 tons, contributing to a total CNG consumption of 35 million Nm³.
Figure 3. CZ BIOM magazine
These advancements underscore the GreenMeUp project’s pivotal role in driving biomethane adoption across Europe.
Our recent webinar on February 17, 2025, provided a comprehensive overview of the GreenMeUp project's progress and key findings, focused on accelerating biomethane adoption across Europe.
Our project aims to bridge the gap in biomethane uptake, particularly in less developed markets, by fostering social awareness and developing effective market strategies. We focus on market, policy, and societal aspects, considering regional specificities across Europe, including target countries like Greece, Spain, and Poland.
Figure 4. GreenMeUp webinar banner
Europe holds immense biomethane potential, with an estimated 40 billion cubic meters annually if all resources are utilized, primarily from animal manure and straw. Currently, the EU produces 4.9 billion cubic meters of biomethane, with an 18% annual growth rate.
Key policy recommendations include facilitating residue and waste utilization, promoting biofertilizers, supporting innovative upgrading technologies, and establishing coordinated policies across sectors. Stakeholder engagement through hubs ensures practical application of our findings.
Biomethane's versatility is evident in its diverse applications, from transport and heating to energy production. We emphasize the potential for replacing synthetic fertilizers and capturing biogenic CO2, contributing to a circular economy.
Our webinar highlighted innovative technologies like digestate utilization for additional biomethane, seaweed cultivation, and landfill gas upgrading. Methanation and biogenic CO2 utilization are also crucial for energy system integration.
Practical case studies, such as the AD plant in Tuscany integrating pyrolysis and the modular plant for Pantelleria, showcasereal-world applications. Lessons learned from Estonia's first agricultural biomethane plant underscore the importance of addressing regulatory challenges and optimizing plant operations.
Looking ahead, we envision increased use of marginal land for energy crops, integration of anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis, and advancements in carbon capture and sequestration. By 2050, biomethane could cover 85% of Europe's gas demand.
GreenMeUp is committed to driving this transition through research, policy recommendations, and practical demonstrations, fostering a sustainable and resilient energy future for Europe.
TheGreenMeUp project is currently enhancing the dissemination and communication sides to ensure that the work carried out by the partners reaches the broad audience and specific target groups of stakeholders. Webinars and workshops are the main tool for communication, and a series of informative factsheets is currently on work to ensure that the key information regarding the project’s developments are disseminated in the mostasy-to-access way for the general public.
Policy Workshop in Leipzig
The GreenMeUp Project successfully convened experts to drive European biomethane market growth. Participants explored policy, market strategies, and R&I, aiming to enhance biomethane's competitiveness, also holding a panel discussion highlighting key insights. We extend thanks to speakers, especially Maria Georgiadou and Marco De Benedictis from the European Commission, and René Backes of DBFZ, for their valuable contributions. Following the workshop, the consortium visited DBFZ's Pilot-SBG plant, processing agricultural and urban resources. Additionally, a business mission included visits to the BalanceVNG plant in Gordemitz and MVV Energie AG’s Dresden facility, showcasing biomethane's diverse applications in power and heat production. The press release of the event will soon be available on the GreenMeUp project’s website, together with the speakers’ presentations.
Figures 6, 7, 8. Consortium meeting, policy workshop and the partners of the GreenMeUp project
Upcoming events
6.1. GreenMeUp participation at the next European Biomass Conference & Exhibition in Valencia, Spain
We’re pleased to announce that the GreenMeUp project will be also in Valencia attending the 33rd European Biomass Conference & Exhibition, organized by ETA Florence, that is also partner of this project. The project will host a parallel event, and it will be really relevant, since it will represent the project’s final event, hosting the project’s partners, highlighting the main achievements and goals reached out by the consortium.
We invite you to join us at this premier event, a critical gathering for leaders, researchers, and innovators shaping the future of biomass. Engage in cutting-edge sessions, explore the exhibition to witness groundbreaking technologies, and connect with the entire biomass value chain. EUBCE 2025 offers unmatched networking opportunities, allowing you to build valuable partnerships and discover future industry trends.
7.1. Value4Farm achieves key milestones in supporting sustainability in agriculture
Imagine a farm that not only produces food but also generates its own renewable energy. That is exactly what the Horizon Europe project Value4Farm aims to achieve. By 2024, the project has taken important steps to help farmers integrate biogas and agrivoltaic technologies into their operations, with the goal of making agriculture more sustainable and food production more efficient. Read our full press release hereand find out all about it.
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7.2. SEMPRE-BIO, HyFuelUp, METHAREN and BIOMETHAVERSE projects latest joint webinar
Recently, SEMPRE-BIO, HyFuelUp, METHAREN and BIOMETHAVERSE projects teamed up with sibling projects to organize a webinar titled “State of Play of Biogas and Biomethane in Europe”.In the webinar, the four projects talked about an analysis of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and countries' biomethane potential against their targets. Speakers also discussed the current state of biomethane deployment in different European countries, the challenges of cross-border trading and certifications, policy & market recommendations, and the future outlook for biogas and biomethane production in the EU. If you want to know more about it, don’t miss their latest blog Breaking Barriers for the Future of Biomethane and stay tuned for their next blog in the same topic.
Coinciding with the first communication by the European Commission of the Clean Industrial Deal, the four Horizon Europe projects also presented in the webinar the main conclusions of their second joint report, entitled 'State of Play of Biogas and Biomethane in Europe: An Update on Market Gaps and Policy Recommendations’.
The report was jointly drafted in October 2024. It provides a current overview of the European renewable gas sector, analysing the gap between the targets that each country has set in their respective NECPs and their actual production potential; the main challenges faced by the different countries to meet the REPowerEU target of producing 35 bcm of biogas and/or biomethane by 2030, the situation of certificates of origin and cross-border trade, as well as a compilation of policy and market recommendations to make biomethane production take off in the European Union.
Figure 9. Joint report - 'State of Play of Biogas and Biomethane in Europe: An Update on Market Gaps and Policy Recommendations
