Biometano, in cantiere 398 impianti per 1,3 miliardi di metri cubi

Biometano, a project involving 398 plants, has received incentives under the 2022 decree (dm 15/9/2022) to access Pnrr funds, resulting in a total annual capacity of 1.3 billion cubic meters. Out of these, 90 plants are already operational, capable of producing 275 million cubic meters. Investments in biometano production began with the 2018 decree (dm 02/03/2018), which supported biometano for transport, with a national production of 2.5 billion cubic meters in the current scenario.

The 2030 goal set in the Pniec aims for 5.7 billion cubic meters. Recent support in this sector comes from long-term supply contracts (Bpa) between agricultural producers and industrial consumers, driving the biometano market.

The Consorzio Italiano Biogas (Cib) organized an event at Assolombarda in Milan, focusing on the numbers, from existing plants to contracts signed starting in spring 2026. The event covered 60 agreements for 180 million cubic meters of biometano annually, with 46% allocated to the steel industry (as previously discussed), 14% to paper, 11% to ceramics, 11% to cement and concrete, 10% to the chemical industry, 7% to food, and 2% to plastics.

These volumes cater to part of the sectors' needs, with some industries relying on up to 20% biometano. Many industry representatives at the event aim to expand the biometano share.

Minister of the Environment Gilberto Pichette Fratin emphasized the strategic role of biometano in decarbonization, energy security, and national independence in a video message, confirming the ministry's efforts on a new decree to support the sector, which will further promote Bpa. The ministry also discussed a "evaluation" of the EU's option to phase out budget support.

Piero Gattoni, Cib's president, stressed the importance of consolidating the regulatory framework to encourage new long-term agreements and support industry growth, contributing to the country's competitiveness and energy security.