Biogas / Biomethane Certificates
Biomethane, a refined form of biogas, is a direct substitute for natural gas in national grids. Biomethane certificates enable companies to make 100% renewable fuel claims and integrate clean energy into sustainability strategies.
What is biogas, and how is it different from biomethane?
Biogas is a combination of methane, CO2, and other gaseous substances obtained from the controlled decomposition of organic matter. Once cleaned or upgraded, it is turned into biomethane, a compound identical to the natural fossil gas that runs through national grids.
Biomethane is virtually carbon neutral. As it grows, the biomass used to produce it captures CO2, which returns to the atmosphere during combustion and is then captured again by new biomass.
Biomethane and biogas are often called “green gas”, a broader category that includes other renewable fuels of non-biological origin such as green hydrogen and syngas.
How is biogas produced? Types of feedstock
Biogas and biomethane can be produced from different organic materials known as feedstock.
Waste
Previously discarded organic materials, including sewage sludge, manure, and some kinds of biowaste.
Crops
Plants with high yields specifically grown to produce gas, such as sugar cane, sorghum, and other woody crops.
Sequential cropping
Two or more crops are grown in sequence on the same plot of land in a single farming year. Only one or a fraction of them is used as feedstock, preventing indirect land-use change.
How biomethane certificates work
Companies can document the consumption of biomethane with Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) issued through different certification schemes.
Each MWh of biomethane injected into the grid is labelled electronically. This unique identifier contains information about where, when and how it was produced. Certificates guarantee that renewability claims are authentic and avoid the double counting of environmental attributes.
Biomethane certificates in Europe
In the EU, biomethane is included in the Guarantees of Origin (GOs) framework. There are currently different schemes for certification. GOs issued in the UK, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria can be transferred across borders. Other national registries for consumption in specific countries also exist.
Biomethane certificates in the United States
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) are working to forward the use of certificates of gaseous energy carriers.
Purchasing biomethane certificates
Ecohz simplifies how companies procure clean energy and provide them with the best energy mix according to their needs.
- Based on your location and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.
- You receive an offer with a specific rate and expiry date. Upon acceptance, we secure the quoted price.
- Once the offer has been accepted, we deliver a standardised contract.
- We provide you with an invoice and documentation for reporting.
Why purchase biomethane certificates
Biomethane certificates allow consumers to make 100% renewable gas claims and report reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Beyond substituting fossil fuels and avoiding greenhouse gas contributions, renewable gas can add an element of circularity to sustainability strategies by transforming waste into energy. Purchasing biomethane certificates further incentivises the renewable energy industry, making it more competitive and accelerating the transition.
Ecohz also provides biogas certificates with the EKOenergy ecolabel, which ensures volumes are produced from sustainable feedstocks and contribute to combating energy poverty.
The price of biomethane
Multiple factors determine the price of biomethane, mainly related to the country and the origin of the product. The type of feedstock is especially relevant, as biogas obtained from waste, associated with higher environmental benefits, is often priced higher than that obtained from crops.
Changes in regulation, geopolitical events, and other variables can also influence the price of renewable fuels and the associated EACs. Ecohz constantly monitors market developments to provide the best up-to-date pricing.
Biomethane Purchase Agreements (BPA)
Similar to Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), BPAs can help companies source renewable gas at stable prices in the long term, hedging consumers against market fluctuations while enabling them to reduce emissions. At the same time, such offtake agreements provide guaranteed cash-flows to producers, allowing them to secure project financing.
BPAs also ensure the availability of biomethane over an extended period in geographies with limited supply. To learn more about BPAs, watch our biomethane webinar here.
Whether you are a producer or an end consumer, Ecohz provides personalised advisory services such as market analysis, assessment of needs on a case-by-case basis, and ongoing support.
Why Ecohz
We simplify how companies use a suite of sustainability solutions and walk with you every step of the way to ensure the solutions are tailored to your goals.
With more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy market, we source the biogas that best fit your priorities, budget and needs. Ecohz provides customised guidance from start to finish in crafting effective and economically viable sustainability actions.
Webinar – How to cut emissions with green gas?
This 30-minute webinar explains the basics of biomethane in the EU. Our advisors clarify how green gas certificates work, the most common hurdles for companies trying to source them, and the benefits of including biomethane in your decarbonisation plans.
Understanding biogas: how to cut Scope 1 emissions with biomethane
Biogas is not carbon-free. In fact, burning biomethane emits as much CO2 as fossil methane. So, why do we say it can help reduce emissions and put you on a net-zero pathway? The crux of the matter is the origin of energy – and where carbon comes from.
Would you like a price offer on Biomethane? Let's have a chat.
Get in touchNils Holta
Net Zero Advisor
Hugo Malfit
Senior Originator
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