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Biomethane

Biomethane, or biogas, is a 100% renewable gas derived from organic matter. A true driver of the energy transition, it helps reduce CO₂ emissions while offering a local and sustainable alternative to fossil gas.

ENGIE had already been active internationally in the field of biomethane development for some time, and reached a new milestone in 2024 with the acquisition of its first production unit on Belgian soil: Biogas Bree. This facility already supplies nearly 6,000 households with biomethane — also called green gas!

With this acquisition, ENGIE reaffirms its ambition: to produce 10 terawatt-hours of biomethane per year in Europe by 2035. A local and renewable energy, essential for building a decarbonized society. Biomethane strengthens the reliability of the energy system, reduces our dependence on imports, and facilitates the integration of intermittent renewable energies such as solar and wind.

What is biomethane?

Biomethane is a renewable gas obtained by fermenting organic waste from households, agriculture, or industry. With a carbon footprint 8 times lower than natural gas, it offers a sustainable and ecological alternative to meet energy needs.

Key figures

6,000 families

supplied with biomethane or green natural gas.

85,000 tons of biomass

converted into biomethane annually.

78 GWh/year

directly injected into the natural gas network.

10 terawatt-hours

of biomethane to be produced annually in Europe by 2035.

How is biomethane produced?

Biomethane production involves three key steps: raw material recovery, methanization, and biogas purification. Once purified, biomethane is reinjected into the gas networks.

What are the advantages of biomethane?

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Biomethane reduces CO2 emissions by 81% compared to natural gas.

Waste valorization

Biomethane transforms organic waste into energy and provides a natural fertilizer (digestate) to improve soil quality.

Storable energy

Biomethane can be transported and stored in existing gas infrastructure without additional investments.

Reduction of chemical fertilizers

Digestate, rich in nitrogen, helps reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and promotes a healthier return of nutrients to the soil.

Promotes the circular economy

Waste recovery and reduction of environmental impacts.

Want to know more?

Articles and press releases

Sabic inaugurates world's largest circular solar installation of its kind in Genk

In the presence of the mayor of Genk Wim Dries, SABIC today officially inaugurated the world's largest solar installation using fully recyclable materials at his site in Genk. The innovative solar panels from Dutch manufacturer Solarge are 100% recyclable and significantly lighter than traditional solar panels. ENGIE was responsible of the installation and financing.

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ENGIE is part of a strategic consortium to pursue the offshore wind Princess Elisabeth concessions in Belgium

Three prominent energy companies, Eneco, Otary and Ocean Winds (the joint venture between EDP Renewables and ENGIE dedicated to offshore wind energy), announced the formation of a strategic partnership to jointly compete in the tender for the offshore wind Princess Elisabeth concessions in Belgium.

Google and ENGIE strengthen their partnership through Power Purchase Agreements in Belgium

ENGIE, a global reference in low-carbon energy and services, will support the operations and the expansion of Google in Belgium, thanks to five new cPPAs. Both companies have longstanding cooperation in the country, and had already concluded several cPPAs together in various countries in the last years.

ENGIE and Solarge install largest circular solar installation at SABIC in Genk

The innovative circular solar panels were developed and produced by SABIC and Solarge and they underwent extensive testing by ENGIE Laborelec, the Belgian research center of the ENGIE Group. ENGIE is also responsible for the installation, which will begin this summer, as well as the financing and maintenance of the panels.