European Parliament approves target of 35 bcm of biomethane in EU gas package

The European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy has adopted legislative proposals within the EU market reform package to facilitate the use of low-carbon and renewable gases. 

The Package voted today takes stock of the Biomethane Action Plan and includes the requirement for Member States to set-up national biomethane strategies and to ensure regional mapping of highest production potential areas. In the proposed amendments, MEPs say that by the end of 2030, Member States should collectively guarantee at least 35 bcm of sustainable biomethane, in line with the REPowerEu. This would be produced and fed into the natural gas system each year, with the aim of replacing 20% of Russian natural gas imports with a sustainable, cheaper, locally produced alternative.

Next Steps

The draft directive and the regulation were adopted by Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. They will now be discussed and approved in the interinstitutional negotiations between Parliament, the Council and the Commission.