Biomethane
A cornerstone of the energy transition
The Green Deal action plan, an agreement through which the European Union has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050, includes the promotion of an efficient use of energy resources for a clean and circular economy. This plan also fits in with the themes pursued by REPowerEU, including energy security and clean energy production.
Biomethane plays a considerable role within this. Unlike other renewable sources, it requires limited investment in terms of infrastructure and, regarding emissions, is considered to be neutral as it is produced via the digestion of biomass from by-products, industrial processing waste and organic material.
Focus
Incentives for biomethane supply chain
The increase in the production and use of biomethane is receiving a strong boost thanks to incentives promoted at European level to make this important resource economically sustainable. This represents a tangible contribution not only in the race to achieve the objectives set at EU and national level, but also in regard to the challenge posed by the energy transition that now involves the entire planet.
In 2022, the European Commission approved a new incentive scheme for biomethane production, which will be funded with €1.7 billion through the NRRP. The funding will be used to support the construction of new or converted sustainable biomethane production facilities, with a special focus on biogas production related to agricultural activities.
Incentives for biomethane production (article in Italian)
Expertise areas
Hydrogen
Hydrogen combustion does not release carbon dioxide, but rather steam, and it is easier to transport and store than electricity. This makes hydrogen the ideal ally for renewable energy production.
Today, hydrogen can only be injected into the pipeline network and blended with natural gas up to certain percentages: we are commited to creating systems and devices that can overcome this limit.
Power-to-gas
Managing ‘green electrons’ over time and space is important to obtain as much energy as possible when renewable sources such as the sun and the wind are available.
Power-to-gas, a technology that transforms surplus electricity into gas molecules that can be transported over long distances at low cost and can offer the possibility to seasonally store renewable energy, is the answer.
