Biogenic CO₂ from Biogas — a Strategic Resource in Europe’s Carbon Transition Why It Matters for the EU Green Deal
The European Green Deal sets a clear objective: achieving climate neutrality by 2050 through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewable energy.
One of the key pillars of this transformation is maximizing the use of renewable gases and by-products of the bioenergy cycle.
Biogenic CO₂, released during the purification process when biogas is upgraded into biomethane, is no longer seen as “waste” — it is becoming a valuable climate and industrial resource.
1. Biogenic CO₂: From a By-product to a Decarbonisation Strategy
During biomethane production (renewable natural gas — RNG) from biogas, CO₂ is separated as a distinct stream. For many years it was treated as a technological by-product, but today it is increasingly recognized as an essential part of the sector’s low-carbon value chain.
Unlike fossil CO₂, biogenic CO₂ is already part of the natural carbon cycle, meaning its utilization or processing does not increase overall carbon emissions. This makes it highly relevant for achieving EU climate goals.
2. The Potential of Biogenic CO₂ in Numbers
According to the European Biogas Association (EBA):
- 125 biomethane plants in the EU already capture approximately 1.17 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ per year, covering around 14% of Europe’s market CO₂ demand (dry ice, industrial applications, etc.).
- By 2027, capture capacity may exceed 2 million tonnes per year.
- By 2040, the technical potential of the sector could reach approximately 89 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually, representing over 25% of the CO₂ volumes needed to meet EU Climate Law objectives.
These figures confirm that biogenic CO₂ could become one of the key supporting elements of EU climate policy over the next two decades.
3. Biomethane in the Energy Transition Strategy
Biomethane — a highly purified form of biogas — is already a critical component of the EU energy transition. It is used in transport, heat and power generation, and serves as a flexible alternative to fossil natural gas.
According to European Commission plans, biomethane production should reach 35 billion m³ per year by 2030, as part of the REPowerEU strategy.
Biomethane facilities are increasingly described as modern bio-refineries — processing hubs that not only generate energy but also produce high-value by-products, including:
- organic fertilizers,
- biogenic CO₂,
- and potentially raw materials for biochemicals, advanced materials, and synthetic fuels.
4. New Applications for Biogenic CO₂
Biogenic CO₂ can be not only stored (BioCCS) but also used as a valuable feedstock across multiple industries:
- Electrofuels (e-Fuels): CO₂ combined with green hydrogen enables the production of synthetic fuels for aviation, shipping, and heavy transport.
- Chemical industry and materials: CO₂ can be used to produce polymers, construction materials, and other bio-based products.
- Food and greenhouse industries: inert CO₂ is used for controlled environments, cooling, and beverage production.
- BioCCU/BioCCS solutions: capture, storage, or utilization technologies that maximize emission reductions.
These applications create additional markets for biogas producers, transforming them from energy suppliers into integrated decarbonisation and innovation hubs.
5. Conclusions: Roles and Opportunities
Biogenic CO₂ from the biogas sector is no longer an incidental by-product. It is becoming a strategic resource for Europe’s energy and industrial transformation, capable of:
- significantly supporting the EU’s climate targets;
- accelerating the development of new technologies (e-Fuels, BioCCU/CCS, biochemistry);
- providing industries with sustainable alternatives to fossil-based CO₂;
- expanding the business models of biogas companies within the circular economy.
The integrated use of biogenic carbon flows not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also strengthens Europe’s energy independence and global competitiveness.