Biomethane

Biomethane is produced from organic materials. It represents an alternative to fossil natural gas and can, depending on the feedstocks used and the production process, contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil energy sources.

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 renewable gas.

With this acquisition, ENGIE reaffirms its ambition to produce 10 terawatt-hours of biomethane per year in Europe by 2035. A renewable energy source that can enhance the reliability of the energy system, reduce our dependence on imports, and facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable electricity, such as solar and wind power.

_{*Calculation based on an average annual consumption of 13,000 kWh per household: 78 GWh / 13,000 kWh = approx. 6,000 households.}

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 renewable 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.

_{*Calculated based on 44.4 gCO₂eq/kWh LHV for biomethane (Base Carbone, ADEME), compared with 240 gCO₂eq/kWh LHV for 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

Article

Interview | Shakhida: "Every day, I'm helping build the energy of tomorrow."

When Shakhida Ilyasova discovered as a young girl in Uzbekistan that mathematics and physics were her favourite subjects, her interest in technology quickly grew. Today, she works as an E-mobility & Project Engineer at Laborelec, ENGIE’s expertise centre in Belgium. There, she contributes to innovative projects focused on electric mobility.

29/06/2026

Press

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.

17/10/2024

Article

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.

12/07/2024