1. What exactly is biomethane?

From organic waste to biomethane 

In simple terms, businesses that generate organic waste can explore opportunities to produce biomethane. Examples include:

• Livestock farmers and manure digesters converting manure into biomethane
• Waste processors turning organic household waste into energy
• Water boards digesting sewage sludge for biogas production

Biogas is extracted from organic waste and then refined to meet natural gas quality standards, a process known as ‘upgrading’. 

After undergoing rigorous quality controls, the biomethane can be injected into the existing natural gas network, a process known as ‘grid injection’. 

The benefits of producing and injecting biomethane 

Converting waste streams into biomethane offers several advantages, such as: 

• CO₂ reduction
• Lower methane and nitrogen emissions from manure digestion
• Additional revenue from gas sales
• Contribution to sustainability with renewable energy
• Reduction of waste

Moreover, since the raw materials are often already available in the form of organic waste, there are no additional costs for sourcing materials. 

Subsidy opportunities 

Governments support this transition through subsidies, such as the SDE scheme (Dutch: Stimulering Duurzame Energieproductie en Klimaattransitie, Stimulation of Sustainable Energy Production and Climate Transition), which includes a dedicated subsidy program for biomethane. 

An increasingly attractive option 

In short, producing and injecting biomethane is becoming increasingly attractive for various industries. It promotes a circular economy, offers financial benefits and reduces environmental impact.