A new analysis released by the NextFuel consortium underscores the rapidly expanding potential of bioenergy and biomethane across Europe — a crucial development for future low-carbon fuel production.
According to recent European studies reviewed in the project, bioenergy potential is expected to grow steadily toward 2030 and 2050, driven by improved waste utilisation, better logistics, new conversion technologies and evolving regulatory support. Biomethane production in particular is projected to rise sharply, supported by national and EU-level strategies aimed at replacing fossil natural gas.
Key conclusions from the research include:
- Biogas production in Europe already exceeds 20 billion cubic meters, with major expansion expected as permitting processes simplify and new technologies mature.
- Most regions have significant untapped biomass resources, particularly agricultural residues, forestry by-products and organic waste streams.
- Gasification technologies will unlock new feedstock types, increasing availability beyond traditional anaerobic digestion methods.
- Bioenergy growth supports energy security, reducing dependence on imported fossil gas and supporting decentralised fuel production.
This expanding resource base strengthens the case for electrified reforming pathways such as eREACT™, which can efficiently convert biomethane into the green methanol needed to decarbonise shipping and chemical industries.
The NextFuel project will integrate these insights into its long-term deployment scenarios and future plant-siting strategies.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 101136225.
