Joint Statement - Biogas and biomethane must be part of the solution to decarbonise industrial heat
Decarbonising industrial heat is one of Europe’s most pressing climate challenges — and also one of the most complex. Industrial heat demand is typically continuous, energy-intensive, and highly process-specific. That means no single technology can meet the diverse needs of all sectors. Achieving meaningful decarbonisation will require a flexible, inclusive approach — and biogas and biomethane must be part of that solution.
A New Opportunity: The IF25 Pilot Heat Auction
The European Union has taken a significant step forward with the Industrial Heat Decarbonisation Auction (IF25 Pilot Heat Auction). This new initiative, backed by up to €1 billion in funding, aims to accelerate the transition to low-carbon industrial processes. It’s a timely and strategic move — but its success depends heavily on which technologies and pathways are supported.
Biogas and biomethane are proven, scalable, and locally available solutions. Yet they risk being overlooked unless the auction framework is designed to fully reflect the diversity of industrial needs and regional energy systems.
What We’re Calling For
Alongside stakeholders from across the heating and industrial energy sectors, we urge the European Commission to ensure the following are embedded in the auction’s design:
✅ Recognition of biogas and biomethane as eligible and strategic solutions for industrial heat decarbonisation
✅ Flexibility in fuel sources, enabling industries to utilise what is locally available and best suited to their processes
✅ Inclusive, technology-neutral criteria that empower industries to select the most effective decarbonisation pathway for their context
✅ Support for hybrid systems, including high-efficiency cogeneration, to improve energy flexibility and security
Biogas and Biomethane: Ready to Deliver
Biogas and biomethane are not future technologies — they are ready now. With established supply chains, increasing production capacity, and a track record of reducing emissions across sectors, these renewable gases are well positioned to support Europe’s industrial decarbonisation goals.
At a time when energy resilience, cost-effectiveness, and carbon reduction are all top priorities, excluding biogas and biomethane would be a missed opportunity.
A Call to Action
The upcoming auction presents a unique chance to build a truly inclusive and effective decarbonisation framework. We call on policymakers and EU institutions to ensure that biogas and biomethane are fully integrated into this process.
Europe’s industrial future depends on clean, secure, and adaptable energy solutions. Let’s make sure biogas and biomethane are recognised for the vital role they can — and must — play.
Joint statement