Electricity from biogas accounted for 6,5% of Germany´s electricity generation in 2024, according to the “Federal Statistical Office of Germany”. The advantages of biogas are apparent, yet in public debates, wind- and photovoltaic power receive greater attention. With hub heights of 160 meters and more, “wind power plants”, along with large ground-mounted PV systems or rooftop installations, are the most visible symbols of energy transition.
Biogas plants can usually be identified from a distance by their characteristic cylindrical tanks with predominantly round roof domes. In these facilities, renewable raw materials, animal by-products or organic waste are fermented. The produced biogas is already used in a wide variety of ways today.
Dominance of wind and solar power
In the year 2024, electricity from wind and solar plants accounted for 31,5% and 13,8% of total energy generation, respectively. The production peaks of wind and solar plants cause significant challenges for grid operators on days of high generation. Expanding the electricity grids and installing battery energy storage systems (BESS) will provide a solution. However, this expansion is proceeding more slowly than necessary. It is essential, though, to avoid curtailment of generation facilities.
Underestimated role of biogas
Unlike wind and solar energy, biogas is generated around the clock, regardless of weather conditions. In combined heat and power plants (CHP), which are operated at the plant site or at satellite locations, both electricity and heat are produced. One advantage of biogas is that the gas generated in the plants can be stored, allowing electricity to be supplied on demand through the flexible operation of CHP units.
If biogas is upgraded to biomethane and fed into the gas grid, another advantage of biogas becomes apparent: the existing gas infrastructure is already available. The existing pipelines and gas storage facilities can be used. The biomethane produced and fed into the grid in a decentralized manner can be withdrawn at offtake points. There, it can be used for power generation, heating purposes, or as fuel.
Facts & Figures – Market potential and CO2 Savings
The European Biogas Association (EBA) roadmap presents biogas at the European level as a scalable and cost-effective way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions. According to the EBA three circular processes are central to this approach:
- A production potential of 110 billion m³ of biogas by 2024, for use in industry, transport, and heating
- The provision of organic fertilizers as a substitute for mineral fertilizers, whose production is carbon-intensive
- The replacement of up to 89 million tons of fossil CO2
Political framework in Germany
Biogas plants that generate electricity in a CHP unit are entitled to remuneration in the year of commissioning and for twenty full years of operation. Gradually, these remuneration periods are expiring. Operators of such biogas plants face the challenge of developing concepts to continue benefiting from biogas.
Post-EEG consulting by independent, specialized service providers can form a solid foundation for developing continuation concepts. Depending on the site, all aspects influencing future operations are considered. These include, for example, the substrate mix, technical retrofits, electricity and heat marketing, or the construction of a biogas upgrading plant with a connection to the natural gas grid.
Biogas upgrading unit with biomethane feed-in station
Biomethane injection into the natural gas grid is feasible at sites where a connection to the gas grid can be established. The legal basis for such a connection is the Gas Network Access Ordinance (GasNZV), which will expire on December 31, 2025. How access regulations of the gas grid will be structured after this date is currently still unclear.
For operators intending to inject biomethane in the future, the deadline for concluding a grid connection and usage contract is therefore approaching. In parallel with securing grid access, measures can be taken relating to permitting, substrate optimization, construction implementation, and biomethane marketing.
Cooperation with greenValue
For decades, greenValue has been a key partner in successfully implementing energy projects, including specialized biogas plants. Our portfolio demonstrates a flexible, client-centric approach, tailoring services to meet specific project requirements. We leverage deep expertise and a robust international network to ensure project success.
The authors are employed at greenValue. greenValue is a successful service company in the field of renewable energies, with many years of experience and an extensive track record, including in M&A and project management.
Source: August 29, 2025, www.greenvalue.de
Image source: AI-generated
