Biomethane is an attractive source of energy that can substitue fossil-based natural gas. It is obtained by purifying the biogas produced by the decomposition of organic matter like plant material, agricultural and industrial waste, household waste, and wastewater treatment sludge.

Biomethane has the same chemical composition and energetic properties as fossil-based natural gas. It can be injected directly into utility grids or used as fuel for vehicles.

Biomethane is a carbon-neutral gas. The carbon released when it is burned had previously been absorbed by living organisms and was already present in the atmosphere when these organisms first appeared. This is known as the short carbon cycle. Conversely, fossil-based energy releases carbon accumulated deep in the ground over millions of years into the atmosphere.

Biomethane also supports the circular economy. It is produced locally from waste and used by local households and businesses. Plus, biomethane is easy to transport and store using existing gas infrastructure. In this way, biomethane also enables energy independence.

Biomethane is a pillar of the energy transition. It can be used as a substitute for fossil-based energy for transportation and heating, which account for the vast majority of our energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions.

According to French energy agency ADEME, biomethane could cover 10% of France’s demand for gas by 2030.

Producing biomethane at natural-gas prices

Until now, the biomethane industry has grown mainly due to government incentives designed to increase the use of renewable energy. Over the nex years, renewable natural gas will be able to compete with fossil-based natural gas through improved purification processes, reduced gas transportation costs, and exemption from the carbon tax.

By producing biomethane from landfill gas, Waga Energy is already delivering the most competitively priced biomethane on the market. Waga Energy’s ambition is to produce biomethane anywhere in the world at a price comparable to natural gas, in order to accelerate the energy transition in a context of climate emergency.

Wagabox 1: measuring biogas/landfill gas composition from the inlet to the outlet - Video