Considering that a significant share of industrial and domestic organic waste can be used as feedstock for the production of biogas and biomethane opens the door to one of the most promising and necessary energy revolutions of the 21st century.
Gases such as biomethane and biogas, generated during the anaerobic digestion of organic waste (manure, sludge, food scraps, agro-industrial by-products, biological residues such as algae, etc.), hold remarkable energy value as they can be used as fuels or to generate electricity and heat.
Countries such as Germany, France, and Denmark already operate hundreds of production plants that integrate biomethane into their national grids, using it as a driver of decarbonisation in critical sectors like transport and industry.
European Biomethane Map 2025 (source: European Biogas Association)
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These gases stand out not only as a source for producing clean energy and local self-sufficiency but also as a cornerstone of the circular economy. At the same time, they pave the way to mitigating climate change by avoiding the release of millions of tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.
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Keep reading this article to go beyond European leadership; to explore where the future of this energy, based on biomethane and biogas, is heading. These gases, derived from the abundance of agro-industrial and urban waste, are already shaping new technologies, applications, and environmental monitoring strategies. They are also paving the way towards sustainability and energy independence through their unique capacities.
Organic food waste is one of the main sources for obtaining biogas and biomethane.
Introduction to biogas and biomethane
To begin, understanding the specific characteristics and differences between biogas and biomethane is a fundamental step in recognising their applications and potential environmental benefits.
What is biogas?
Biogas originates from anaerobic digestion, a biological process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, during which microorganisms break down biodegradable organic matter found in agro-industrial, urban, or agricultural waste.
The outcome of this process is a gaseous mixture composed mainly of methane (CH4)Methane, known chemically as CH₄, is a gas that is harmful to the atmosphere and to living beings because it has a high heat-trapping capacity. For this ...
Read more—typically ranging from 45 to 75%—carbon dioxide (CO2)Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in the life processes of the planet. This gas, also known as...
Read more, and traces of other gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and water vapour.
The resulting gas, biogas, has significant energy value and can be used to generate heat, electricity, and even to fuel engines specifically designed for its utilisation.
What is biomethane?
Biomethane is obtained through the purification of biogas using a process known as “upgrading.” This treatment removes all non-methane components (CO2, water vapour, sulphur compounds, and other impurities), raising methane concentration to above 90%. As a result, biomethane becomes a renewable fuel with characteristics equivalent to natural gas. It can therefore be directly injected into existing gas grids and used across industrial and domestic infrastructures, as well as in vehicles.
Key differences between biogas and biomethane
The essential differences between biogas and biomethane lie in their purity and technical applicability. While biogas is a complex mixture with variable methane content and some impurities, biomethane is a highly purified product, which increases its versatility and compatibility with infrastructure and equipment designed for natural gas.
Moreover, biomethane can be produced not only through biogas upgrading but also via gasification and methanation (a process that converts gases such as CO and CO2—often pollutants or by-products—into methane) from biomass, including synthetic routes. Biomethane production fosters greater integration of sustainable energy, optimises waste utilisation, and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
How to turn waste into energy source
Production of biogas and biomethane
In the context of biogas and biomethane production, feedstock sources play a crucial role in ensuring efficiency and sustainability throughout the process.
Feedstock sources
Feedstock is decisive for achieving efficient and sustainable biogas and biomethane production. The main feedstock sources are organic waste of various types, including agricultural residues (crop leftovers and plant biomass), the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, slurry and livestock manure, sewage sludge, and organic industrial waste.
Proper selection and management of feedstock optimises production, as these materials vary in energy content and composition—factors that directly influence the quality and quantity of biogas produced. Moreover, using such resources contributes to the circular economy by valorising waste that would otherwise be discarded, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and fostering the environmental sustainability of the process.
“Although competition for feedstock is expected to increase, there is broad consensus that Europe still has significant feedstock availability for renewable biogas production. Harnessing these resources will be crucial to achieving the EU’s 2030 GHG reduction target while also enhancing Europe’s energy security.” Grande Hansen, T. The power of biogas: Maneuvering increased competition for feedstock, 2025.
An emerging feedstock with high potential for biogas and biomethane production is sargassum: a marine macroalga whose massive proliferation along tropical and African coasts, and more recently on European shores, poses an environmental challenge but also an opportunity for renewable energy generation. Following pre-treatment—drying, shredding, and removing contaminants such as sand, salt, and lignified parts—sargassum undergoes anaerobic digestion in biodigesters. In this microbial process, the organic matter decomposes in the absence of oxygen, producing a gaseous mixture mainly composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), known as biogas. Through purification or “upgrading“, impurities are removed, raising methane concentration above 90%, resulting in biomethane.
Biogas plant
Biogas plants: design and components
Biogas plant design and components must include biomass reception and pre-treatment systems, biodigesters for anaerobic fermentation, gas separation and treatment units, and equipment for biogas purification before its subsequent storage or injection into grids.
Air qualityAir quality refers to the state of the air we breathe and its composition in terms of pollutants present in the atmosphere. It is considered good when poll...
Read more is one of the critical aspects in the operation of biogas plants, as fugitive gas emissions such as methane or sulphur compounds must be controlled. Through environmental monitoring and fugitive gas capture systems, the impact on the local environment is minimised, while contributing to the overall efficiency of production. Integrating advanced control systems and clean technologies is essential to ensure that biogas plants operate within established sustainability and safety parameters.
Biomethane value chain illustration
Uses and applications of biomethane
Once biomethane is produced, its injection into the natural gas grid is a strictly regulated process to guarantee supply quality and safety.
Injection into the natural gas grid
Biomethane, obtained after purifying biogas (removing CO2, water vapour, and other contaminants), must meet technical parameters such as a minimum methane content above 90%, a CO2 proportion below 2%, and a water dew point below -8 ºC. These requirements, together with other parameters, must comply with current regulations at both European and national levels (protocol PD-01, UNE-EN 16723-1 standard and EU directives) to ensure biomethane compatibility with the existing natural gas infrastructure without compromising network operation or safety. Biomethane injection does not require modifications to the gas infrastructure, which facilitates its integration and deployment, supporting energy diversification, the circular economy, and the reduction of pollutant emissions. These factors consolidate biomethane as a key vector in the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.
Applications of biomethane
Biomethane applications are grouped into three main uses:
Transport
Biomethane can be used as an alternative fuel in vehicles adapted for compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG), helping to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil fuels.
Electricity generation
Biomethane can be used in power generation plants, replacing conventional natural gas to provide a renewable energy source that contributes to the decarbonisation of the electricity sector.
Heating
Biomethane is a suitable fuel for use in industrial, residential, and commercial heating systems, as it can be distributed through the existing natural gas network, facilitating an energy transition towards more sustainable sources.
Environmental impact and biogas emissions
The environmental impact of biogas is defined primarily by its capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Fugitive methane emissions and their contribution to the greenhouse effect
Biomethane production enables the capture and use of methane present in biogas. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 27 times higher than CO2. However, fugitive methane emissions during the process remain a critical concern, as their direct release into the atmosphere can offset the benefits of biogas. Continuous monitoring with specialised sensors to detect and minimise leaks is therefore essential to ensure effective methane control in the atmosphere and thus reduce its greenhouse effect.
Carbon footprintIn a world increasingly affected by climate change, understanding how our everyday actions contribute to its worsening has become essential. The carbon foo...
Read more of biogas vs fossil fuels
Biogas production uses organic waste, closing material and energy cycles while also avoiding the natural release of methane from landfills and decomposing organic matter. This makes a significant contribution to the net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, placing biogas as having a considerably lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Replacing fossil fuels also reduces direct CO2 emissions from combustion, supporting a more sustainable energy mix while promoting the circular economy.
Impact on nearby communities
Biogas plants located near inhabited areas often generate complaints related to odours from both the processed organic waste and the resulting sludge. In addition, the transport of this sludge by lorries produces noiseImagine waking up every morning at 5:00 a.m. to the relentless roar of a motorway just metres from your window. Experiencing such high-intensity noise is n...
Read more-pollution/">noise pollution, worsening negative perceptions among nearby residents. However, these impacts can be mitigated by implementing measures such as sealed storage tanks, biofiltration systems, and logistical planning to reduce traffic and noise, along with acoustic barriers to minimise sound impact.
In summary, while biogas utilisation represents an environmentally beneficial alternative for emission reduction and waste valorisation, it is essential to deploy and apply advanced air monitoring technologies with methane sensors and implement proper environmental management in their processes. This ensures the minimisation of fugitive emissions and potential nuisances to nearby populations, guaranteeing the overall sustainability of biogas and biomethane production and increasing public acceptance of these clean energy sources.
Biogas and biomethane monitoring
Monitoring biogas and biomethane is a fundamental step to maximise the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of production plants. Monitoring enables real-time control of emissions, process optimisation through the detection of anomalies, and ensures the quality of the gas ultimately injected into the grid, guaranteeing compliance with current environmental and technical regulations.
Importance of monitoring in biogas plants
Continuous, real-time monitoring is key to controlling emissions and ensuring the safe operation of biogas plants. Advanced environmental monitoring systems collect critical data that enables the detection of operational deviations or methane leaks. This not only allows timely detection of emissions—minimising environmental and safety risks—but also helps to improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion. Altogether, this active and constant oversight keeps biogas plants in optimal condition while reducing operating costs.
Methane sensors in biogas plants
Methane sensors are advanced technologies essential for enabling the immediate detection of gas leaks, a critical aspect to prevent fugitive emissions that negatively impact the environment. Integrated into real-time control systems, these environmental sensors facilitate continuous optimisation of the production process and ensure safety by preventing explosions or uncontrolled gas escapes.
Leak detection instruments
Traditionally, leak detection has been carried out with optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras and infrared detectors, which make invisible emissions visible to the human eye. In addition, technologies such as gas chromatographs are used to precisely measure biogas quality before grid injection, assessing its composition and key parameters such as calorific value and methane purity. The most advanced technologies, such as those used in Kunak equipment, combine these traditional tools with new developments that enable more continuous, automated, and precise measurements across plant perimeters, facilitating immediate data interpretation and integration into intelligent control systems.
Benefits of environmental monitoring in the biomethane and biogas industry
Technological solutions enhance the effective control of pollutant emissions, leading to a positive environmental impact and supporting the sustainability of the biomethane and biogas industry. These systems optimise operational efficiency by enabling better process management and reducing associated costs. They also ensure regulatory compliance, securing operational safety while minimising environmental and regulatory risks.
Overall, the application of advanced monitoring technologies, from methane sensors to chromatographic analysers, constitutes a cornerstone for the responsible and competitive management of biogas and biomethane plants, aligning with global goals of decarbonisation and the circular economy.
Case studies: Kunak sensors for methane emissions
BASF chemical plant, Ludwigshafen, Germany
The deployment of an advanced environmental monitoring system Kunak AIR Pro at Germany’s largest chemical plant (BASF Ludwigshafen) is aimed at the detection, control and real-time reporting of atmospheric pollutant emissions.
The integration of advanced monitoring solutions developed by Kunak at this major chemical plant includes high-precision sensors to control methane emissions, among others. These are strategically installed around and within critical points of the facilities. These sensors enable environmental measurement for the development of an effective strategy for emissions surveillance and control. Early detection of leaks or fugitive emissions is reinforced with the capability for real-time analysis. The system sends automatic alerts, allowing rapid interventions to minimise emissions and comply with the strict environmental regulations to which chemical plants are subject due to their emissions.
Controlling emissions is key to reducing environmental footprint, contributing to the circular economy and avoiding regulatory penalties, in addition to protecting public and environmental health. The use of IoT solutions and centralised reporting systems improves traceability, auditing and data-based decision-making for proper environmental management.
This Kunak monitoring case study demonstrates how the application of advanced monitoring technologies enables the control and optimisation of industrial safety and environmental compliance, and drastically reduces the impact of emissions and other contaminants associated with these industrial activities. It is an exemplary model of sustainability and technological innovation in the chemical sector.
Cerro Patacón landfill, Panama City
Kunak’s success story at the Cerro Patacón landfill, Panama, highlights the implementation of a monitoring station network for the effective control of atmospheric emissionsAtmospheric emissions are pollutants emitted into the air, mainly as a result of human activities such as industry, transport by combustion vehicles and en...
Read more, particularly methane (CH₄), a key gas generated by the decomposition of organic waste and responsible for significant effects on climate and public health.
Monitoring this gas, with its potent greenhouse effect and association with bad odours and explosion risks, allows prevention of environmental and health risks. This is achieved through real-time monitoring, which enables anticipation of hazardous episodes for the six surrounding communities and likewise minimises the impact of emissions on the natural environment.
Accurate and automated monitoring has not only reduced population exposure to pollutants but also improved the operational efficiency of the landfill and ensured regulatory compliance and sustainability for this type of solid waste treatment installation. Through the deployment of Kunak AIR Lite stations, equipped with methane sensors and other pollutant detectors such as H₂S and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), the Cerro Patacón landfill ensures the control and documentation of its emissions in line with environmental standards, promoting transparency and compliance with Panamanian and international legislation.
The implementation of this advanced technology has facilitated a reduction of methane emissions by up to 70%, by optimising waste management, improving capture processes, and treating generated gases—contributing to the reduction of climate impact and the promotion of the circular economy.
Organic waste is a source for obtaining biogas and biomethane.
Top 5 FAQs on biomethane and biogas
What is the difference between biogas and biomethane?
The main difference between biogas and biomethane lies in their composition and therefore in the applications that derive from these gases.
Biogas is a gaseous mixture obtained through anaerobic digestion, a biological process in which microorganisms break down organic matter (agricultural, urban, or agro-industrial waste) in the absence of oxygen. Its typical composition is:
- Methane (CH4): 45–75%
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): majority of the remainder
- Traces of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S), water vapour, and other gases
This means that biogas, as produced, cannot be directly used in all applications that rely on natural gas, although it can be used to generate heat and electricity or to fuel adapted engines.
Biomethane, on the other hand, is obtained by purifying biogas through a process called upgrading, which removes CO2, H2S, water vapour, and other impurities, resulting in methane concentrations above 90%.
Thanks to this treatment, biomethane has characteristics equivalent to natural gas and can:
- Be injected directly into natural gas transmission and distribution networks.
- Be used as fuel in industrial, domestic, or vehicle applications.
- Be produced via biomass gasification and methanation, in addition to the upgrading technique.
In summary, while biogas is limited to uses near its production site and specific applications, biomethane is much more versatile and fully compatible with existing infrastructures, making it a key component in expanding renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How is methane concentration measured?
Methane (CH4) concentration is measured using various methods and technologies, suitable for laboratories, industrial operations, or environmental monitoring. The most relevant include:
Infrared spectroscopy (NDIR and optical technologies)
Methane absorbs infrared radiation at specific wavelengths (approx. 3.2–3.5 μm). When a gas sample passes through an infrared beam, the device detects how much light is absorbed and calculates the CH4 concentration according to absorption ratios.
This technique allows real-time measurements without sampling, offering high selectivity. It is the most widely used method in portable analysers and continuous industrial monitoring systems.
Gas chromatography
A sample of gas is injected into a chromatograph to separate its components, while a detector identifies and quantifies methane by comparing it to known standards.
This is the standard laboratory method for determining the exact composition of biogas and other gas mixtures. Its high precision allows the measurement of methane and other gases such as CO2 and H2S. However, it requires expensive equipment and skilled personnel, making it less practical for rapid or field monitoring.
Electrochemical and semiconductor sensors
These sensors detect electrical changes caused by the presence of CH4 and convert the signal into a concentration value. Their accuracy is lower compared to optical or chromatographic methods. They are commonly used when budgets are limited, for educational purposes, or in basic monitoring.
Special techniques in agro-industrial and livestock environments
- Respiration chambers: used to measure methane concentration in enclosed spaces with animals to estimate their emissions.
- Sniffer and tracer techniques: applied in less controlled environments, relying on both optical sensors and chemical methods.
Indirect calculations and software
When direct measurement is not feasible, mathematical models, emission factors, or digital tools can estimate methane concentration or flux based on operational or production data.
Satellite measurement
Space satellites equipped with specific sensors enable methane emissions monitoring across different spatial and temporal scales, improving the global ability to detect and mitigate this potent greenhouse gas.
Key missions include:
- MethaneSAT: designed to detect, quantify, and characterise methane (CH4) emissions from space, focusing on oil, agriculture, and industrial sources. It provides high-resolution data to regulators and scientists to support climate mitigation.
- MicroCarb: a European satellite led by CNES to map CO2 and methane emissions from human activity. Operating in low Earth orbit (650 km), it complements the EU’s future CO2M mission.
- ISS onboard sensors: e.g., the EMIT sensor produces high-resolution methane plume images (60 m), useful for identifying emissions, though limited at higher latitudes due to ISS orbit.
- Sentinel-5P: part of ESA’s Copernicus network, with the TROPOMI sensor detecting methane “hot spots”. Though lower in resolution for small sources, it provides valuable global atmospheric data.
- GHGSat: Canadian satellite constellation monitoring industrial emissions, especially methane, with high resolution, pinpointing leaks and sources.
- Xiguang-1 04: Chinese satellite for high-resolution methane detection, equipped with methane, chlorophyll, and multispectral cameras.
- Tanager-1: a NASA and Carbon Mapper satellite using imaging spectrometry to publicly share data on methane and CO2 emissions worldwide.
In conclusion, methane concentration can be measured directly (sensors, chromatography, optical spectroscopy, satellites) or indirectly (models and estimates). The choice of method depends on the required precision, the context (lab, industry, field), and operational feasibility.
Which regulations govern biogas emissions?
Biogas emissions are regulated under environmental, energy, and sustainability frameworks at national (Spain), European, and US levels. These regulations set emission limits, monitoring and certification requirements, and frameworks for integration as renewable energy.
European regulations
- Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions: EU’s cornerstone legislation for controlling industrial atmospheric emissions, including biogas plants. It requires integrated environmental permits and constant monitoring of pollutants such as methane, NOx, and particulates.
- European Methane Regulation (2024 Methane Act): mandates methane emissions reductions in the energy sector, covering biomethane and biogas injection into gas networks. Requires monitoring, reporting, and mitigation, aligned with EU climate goals.
- Regulation (EU) 2023/2122: sets specific rules on biomass and biogas, including mandatory emissions monitoring from organic feedstock facilities.
US regulations
- Clean Air Act: federal framework limiting and regulating atmospheric pollutants, including methane.
- EPA rules: In 2023–2024, new rules were issued to dramatically cut methane and pollutant emissions from oil, natural gas, and waste sectors, covering biogas production and anaerobic digestion.
They introduced a methane waste emissions fee penalising emitters above set thresholds, incentivising advanced monitoring and leak reduction technologies and the phase-out of routine flaring.
Spanish regulations
- Law 34/2007 on Air Quality and Atmospheric Protection: cornerstone of Spanish law for controlling atmospheric emissions, including methane and VOCs.
- Royal Decree 1042/2017 and Law 7/2022: regulate permits and the legal framework for electricity generation from biogas, including circular economy and energy recovery requirements.
- Royal Decree 376/2022: establishes sustainability and GHG reduction criteria for biofuels, biogas, and bioliquids in transport, with verification and certification systems.
- Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AAI) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): required for significant biogas plants, including strict emission limits and monitoring plans.
- Biogas Roadmap (MITERD, 2022): sets national targets, promotes self-consumption, regulatory tools, and harmonisation with EU energy transition goals.
Sectoral aspects and certification
- Guarantee of origin systems: ensure renewable biogas is distinguished from fossil gas through certification and traceability systems.
- Mandatory quotas: establish biogas/biomethane quotas in transport and industry to reduce net GHG emissions, ensuring operational transparency.
Technical standards and protocols
These include EN standards and CEN protocols for biogas plant emissions, methane reporting, and biogas quality control, as well as specifications for biomethane grid injection.
In short, the regulatory framework governing biogas emissions combines EU directives, US rules, Spanish laws, and strict authorisations. Together they aim to promote biogas as a renewable energy source under strict environmental criteria, minimising methane emissions and other pollutants, ensuring an effective contribution to climate action and the circular economy.
Is it profitable to invest in biogas plants?
Biogas plants can be highly profitable, depending on Spain and Europe’s technical, economic, and regulatory factors. The key lies in utilising organic waste that is increasingly expensive to manage and in meeting new environmental and decarbonisation obligations.
Profitability and Return on Investment (ROI)
Many industrial projects achieve payback within 2–4 years, depending on plant size and efficiency. For instance, an initial €450,000 investment can be recovered in around 2.5 years through waste and energy savings, alongside revenues from biofertiliser sales or energy surpluses.
Funding schemes such as EU Next Generation funds cover up to 40% of initial investment, with tax deductions of up to 40% for innovation or R&D projects.
Factors to consider
- Scale and type of plant: larger capacity brings efficiency and lower unit costs, but requires higher upfront investment. Small-scale plants (from €15,000) may suit SMEs, while large industrial plants (>€1M) provide significant revenue streams.
- Regulatory obligations: stricter rules and penalties on waste management make biogas an almost mandatory option in agro-industrial and food sectors.
- Growing market: biogas is an expanding sector expected to triple capacity by 2030, lowering market risks and improving renewable gas sales conditions.
How does biomethane contribute to decarbonisation?
Biomethane is an essential tool for decarbonising the energy system and economy. Its value lies in being a renewable gas, fully interchangeable with fossil natural gas, but with a closed carbon cycle that prevents new emissions.
Fossil fuel substitution and direct emissions reduction
Biomethane can be injected into existing gas grids, displacing fossil natural gas in industry, households, power generation, and transport.
Waste recovery and circular economy
Produced from agro-industrial, livestock, domestic waste, or sewage sludge, biomethane turns waste into a resource. It prevents uncontrolled methane and CO2 releases, generates clean energy, and supports climate neutrality. It also produces biofertilisers, improving soil carbon retention.
Energy transition and climate targets
The growing use of biomethane is critical to meeting EU climate neutrality targets by 2050, while accelerating reductions in methane and CO2.
Indirect benefits: rural areas, jobs, competitiveness
Biomethane fosters rural development, creates local jobs in waste management, reduces energy dependence, and leverages existing gas infrastructure, lowering transition costs and enhancing competitiveness.
Conclusion
Biogas and biomethane are emerging as viable energy alternatives within global strategies focused on decarbonisation and the circular economy. By responsibly harnessing organic waste, they significantly cut GHG emissions while replacing fossil fuels, becoming pillars of a cleaner, more diversified, and sustainable energy matrix.
Beyond their environmental contribution, they promote energy independence and resource valorisation. However, to realise their full potential, advanced environmental monitoring is essential. Early detection of fugitive methane, quality control, and process optimisation not only ensure compliance and safety but also strengthen social acceptance.
This clean, renewable energy, supported by technologies such as high-precision methane sensors and intelligent control systems, reduces risks, maximises efficiency, and minimises impacts on local communities, advancing towards a cleaner, safer, and more competitive future.
References
- IEA’s 2025 Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane. World Biogas Association. https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/4702383d-0d3d-4b81-9cbe-a1e368598b2e/OutlookforBiogasandBiomethane.pdf
- Hurtig, O., Buffi, M., Besseau, R., Scarlat, N., Carbone, C., Agostini, A.. Mitigating biomethane losses in European biogas plants: A techno-economic assessment. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Volume 210, 2025, 115187. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032124009134
- Nagy, D., Princz-Jakovics, T. Biogas regulatory frameworks in Europe: Comparative analysis of biomethane usage in transport. Energy Reports, Volume 13, 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352484725003129
