A report published by the International Energy Agency on May 28 shows that biogas production using sustainable feedstocks and current technologies could offset as much as one-fourth of the world’s current annual natural gas demand.&nbsp;The report, titled “Outlook for Biogases and Biomethane,” is the result of a first-of-its-kind spatial analysis of over 5 million locations worldwide conducted by the IEA. The agency found that biogas production could reach the equivalent of nearly 1 trillion cubic meters of natural gas each year from sustainable feedstocks, such as waste and residues that can be processed with existing technologies and do not complete with food systems. That volume corresponds to one-quarter of current global natural gas demand, according to the IEA.Despite that potential, less than 5% of potential sustainable feedstock is currently being used to produce biogas and biomethane.While there are numerous regulatory and economic barriers currently limiting biogas production, the IEA’s analysis found that five times the current level of biomethane production globally could be developed at a cost equal to or lower than prevailing wholesale natural gas prices.&nbsp;“This report and its innovative analysis make clear that biogas and biomethane could play a much larger role in the world energy system – especially at a time when energy security and local production are top of mind for many governments,” said&nbsp;IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “The potential is particularly significant in emerging and developing economies, which are home to almost 80% of feedstocks that could be used to sustainably produce biogases. Our report highlights the additional actions that can allow policy makers to make full use of this valuable energy resource.”According to the IEA, the U.S. produced approximately 6 billion cubic meters of natural gas equivalent (bcme) in 2023, including 3 bcme of biomethane, up 300% when compared to 2017 levels. Landfill gas accounted for nearly half of production. Many new biogas products focus on agricultural waste, such as cattle manure.The IEA estimates that the number of biogas and biomethane facilities in the U.S. grew by 400% between 2018 and 2023. That increase was driven by various incentives, including the federal Renewable Fuel Standard and Inflation Reduction Act, and the state-level programs, such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard. There is significant potential for additional growth in the U.S., with the IEA identifying the country as having the largest potential among advanced economies to expand biogas production.&nbsp;A full copy of the report is available on the IEA <a href="https://www.iea.org/news/biogases-benefits-for-energy-security-local-economies-and-reducing-emissions-are-drawing-renewed-interest">website</a>.

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A report published by the International Energy Agency on May 28 shows that biogas production using sustainable feedstocks and current technologies could offset as much as one-fourth of the world’s current annual natural gas demand. 

IEA report finds significant untapped potential for global biogas production

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