Knowledge

How sustainable is biomethane?

Biomethane is considered a sustainable energy source as it is obtained from organic waste and renewable raw materials and produces significantly fewer greenhouse gases than fossil fuels thanks to its closed carbon cycle. It also contributes to waste recycling, decentralized energy supply and the reduction of methane emissions, although sustainability depends heavily on raw materials and production methods.

How sustainable is biomethane?

In the following, we examine whether biomethane is sustainable and what arguments speak for and/or against it. Sustainability is an important criterion for biomethane or bio-LNG and bio-CNGn. Here you will find relevant points and criteria for defining the sustainability of biomethane.

Biomethane is a promising energy source that represents a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels. It is produced by fermenting organic materials such as biomass or sewage sludge. This method makes it possible to convert waste products into a renewable energy source.

A key advantage of biomethane is its low carbon footprint. During the production and combustion of biomethane, only the CO₂ that was previously absorbed by the plants during photosynthesis is released. This closes the carbon cycle and no additional greenhouse gas emissions are produced. Compared to conventional fossil fuels, biomethane therefore helps to reduce global warming.

Biomethane is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels

Another advantage of biomethane is its versatility. It can be used as a renewable fuel for vehicles and offers a climate-friendly alternative to petrol or diesel. Biomethane can also be fed into the natural gas grid and thus contribute to decentralized energy supply. It can also be used to generate heat and electricity, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional heating and power plants.

The production of biomethane is also associated with positive effects for agriculture. By fermenting biomass or animal manure, agricultural waste can be put to good use, which leads to a reduction in environmental pollution. At the same time, the resulting fermentation residue can be used as a natural fertilizer, which increases soil fertility and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Overall, biomethane contributes to sustainable development as it is based on renewable raw materials, has a closed carbon cycle and offers various application possibilities. It supports the transition to a low-carbon economy and can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By promoting biomethane production, we can make our energy supply more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Renewable energy source

Biomethane is produced from organic materials such as biomass, agricultural waste, sewage sludge and other biological waste. As these materials are constantly renewable or available in sufficient quantities, biomethane can be produced continuously, making it a renewable energy source.

Greenhouse gas reduction

Compared to fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas, the combustion of biomethane produces fewer greenhouse gases. During the production of biomethane, methane is separated and captured before it can escape into the atmosphere. Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas and its use as a fuel reduces its release into the atmosphere.

Waste utilization

Biomethane can be produced from various organic wastes that would otherwise be landfilled or incinerated. By using this waste for biomethane production, the amount of waste is reduced and a valuable energy supply is created at the same time. n fossil fuels.

Decentralized energy supply

Biomethane can be produced locally, resulting in a decentralized energy supply. This means that the energy is generated where it is needed, which reduces the need for long transportation routes and the associated energy losses.

Flexibility of use

Biomethane can be used in various areas, for example to generate electricity, provide heat and as a fuel for vehicles. This versatility makes biomethane a practical option for a sustainable energy supply in various sectors.

Promotion of agriculture

The use of biomethane can be beneficial for agriculture as it creates an additional source of income. Farmers can produce biomethane from animal waste or energy crops and either use it on site or feed it into the grid to generate additional income.

Technological progress

The development of biomethane as an energy source has led to the further development of technologies and processes that enable more efficient and environmentally friendly production methods. This technological progress can also be transferred to other areas of renewable energy production.

It is important to note that the sustainability of biomethane also depends on the type of biomass and the production methods. Sustainable biomethane production requires careful selection of feedstock to ensure that there is no negative impact on the environment or food production.

General

agriportance is a specialized platform for biomethane and LCO₂ and offers sustainable product solutions. We support companies along the entire biomethane value chain – from brokerage and certifications to GHG and mass balance calculations as well as training and consulting. All services are coordinated and available from a single source.
Our services are aimed at companies along the entire biomethane value chain – including biogas plant operators, gas network operators, energy suppliers, industrial companies, traders, as well as companies that want to reduce their GHG emissions, procure biomethane and LCO₂, or implement sustainable product solutions.
Yes. Our services are scalable and tailored individually to the requirements and resources of your company – regardless of company size.

Brokerage of biomethane and LCO₂

We connect producers, traders and buyers of biomethane and LCO₂ and support the entire brokerage process – from initial contact and contract structuring to successful completion.
After an initial needs analysis, we identify suitable suppliers from our network, support negotiations and assist with contractual arrangements. This gives you access to certified biomethane that meets your requirements.
LCO₂ (liquefied CO₂) is produced as a by-product during biogas upgrading and can be used industrially – for example in the food industry, agriculture or technology. The use of LCO₂ contributes to resource efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

GHG accounting

A greenhouse gas balance (GHG balance) records and evaluates all climate-relevant emissions along a process or product – from production to use. It is often a prerequisite for certifications and regulatory compliance.
A GHG balance is required, among other things, if you want to market biomethane as a renewable fuel, pursue sustainability certifications or provide proof within the framework of the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED II / RED III).
Our GHG calculations are based on the current regulatory requirements of RED III as well as the specifications of the relevant certification systems (REDcert², ISCC, SURE). We document all calculations in a transparent and audit-proof manner.

Sustainability certifications

We support certifications according to the three leading systems in Germany and Europe:
- REDcert – for biomass and biofuels
- ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) – internationally recognized, for various feedstocks and supply chains
- SURE (Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme) – recognized for biofuels and biomass under RED II / RED III
A certification proves that your products or processes meet legal sustainability requirements. It is often a prerequisite for marketing biomethane as a fuel, for accessing funding programs and for counting towards national greenhouse gas reduction quotas.
A gap assessment is a preliminary analysis in which we compare your company’s current status with the requirements of the respective certification system. This allows gaps to be identified early and closed in a targeted manner before the official audit takes place.
The duration depends on your company’s initial situation, the chosen certification system and the certification body. Experience shows that you should plan three to six months for an initial certification. We ensure through structured preparation that the process is as efficient as possible.
We also support you during annual surveillance and recertification – including documentation maintenance, preparation for follow-up audits and ongoing communication with the certification body.

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Mass balancing

Mass balancing is a method for tracking material flows – for example biomethane within a gas network. It ensures that the sustainability characteristics of a product can be documented and transferred along the supply chain without having to physically track quantities directly.
Yes. For the marketing of biomethane as a fuel and for eligibility for greenhouse gas quota accounting, a compliant mass balance according to RED III or the respective certification systems is mandatory.
Yes. We take care of the complete setup, maintenance and documentation of your mass balance system – audit-proof and ready at any time.

Training and consulting

We offer practical training on the following topics:
- fundamentals and functioning of biomethane
- sustainability certifications (REDcert², ISCC, SURE)
- greenhouse gas accounting and mass balancing
- regulatory requirements (RED III, BImSchG, GEG)
- internal audits and certification preparation
Our trainings are aimed at specialists and managers in the fields of energy, sustainability, compliance and procurement – both beginners and experienced professionals who want to update their knowledge.
Yes. In addition to our standard trainings, we provide individual consulting – for example in developing a biomethane strategy, optimizing existing processes or preparing for regulatory changes.
We offer both – digital formats (webinars, online workshops) as well as on-site events at your location or at our premises.

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Collaboration and contact

The collaboration begins with a free initial consultation in which we analyze your needs and jointly define the appropriate scope of services. You will then receive an individual offer. Operational collaboration takes place with dedicated contacts, clear processes and transparent communication.
We can usually start at short notice. Simply contact us – we will get back to you within 24 hours.
You can reach us via the contact form on our website, by email or by phone. All contact details can be found on our contact page.

How sustainable is biomethane?

How sustainable is biomethane?

Biomethane is a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels

Reasons for the sustainability of biomethane

Renewable energy source

Greenhouse gas reduction

Waste utilization

Decentralized energy supply

Flexibility of use

Promotion of agriculture

Technological progress

More articles on biomethane

How is biomethane produced?

What is biomethane?

Blog | Information on the THema Biomethane

How can we help you?

General

Brokerage of biomethane and LCO₂

GHG accounting

Sustainability certifications

Mass balancing

Training and consulting

Collaboration and contact