GreenMeUp – Report on the policy workshop in Brussels (hybrid event) – Thursday 3rd of July

Brussels, Belgium – On July 3, 2025, the GreenMeUp project dedicated to facilitating the wider market uptake of biomethane in the EU, hosted a pivotal Policy Workshop in Brussels. The event gathered experts of the sector from the GreenMeUp consortium as well as external representatives, alongside international spokespersons, to discuss advancements, challenges, and strategic pathways for biomethane deployment. GreenMeUp’s mission is fundamentally aligned across three pillars: Market, Policy, and Society, focusing on fostering biomethane production, increasing social acceptance, and designing effective market uptake measures.

Fig.1 – Prof. Yannis Maniatis form the European Parliament giving a speech
Fig.2 – Maria Georgiadou (European Commission, DG R&I) presenting

Discussions at the workshop underscored biomethane’s critical role in achieving Europe’s energy security and decarbonization objectives, particularly within the framework of the REPowerEU Plan and the Biomethane Action Plan. Experts emphasized the necessity of a stable, long-term policy vision and a comprehensive mix of support mechanisms. These include direct incentives, such as feed-in tariffs, and indirect measures designed to facilitate the marketing of digestate and streamline food waste collection. A recurring theme was the importance of enabling seamless grid injection and ensuring market recognition through robust systems like Guarantees of Origin.

Fig. 3 – Anthony Lorin (European Biogas Association) presenting the biomethane policy framework overview for EU countries
Fig. 4 – Federico Capra presenting AB Group during the session dedicated to technology providers

A significant segment of the workshop focused on overcoming existing barriers. Surveys conducted in GreenMeUp’s target countries revealed that public awareness regarding biomethane remains notably low, and acceptance of biomethane-producing facilities tends to decrease with closer proximity. This highlights an urgent need for enhanced awareness campaigns and proactive engagement with regional and local authorities to foster greater social acceptance. Additionally, complex permitting procedures and logistical challenges related to feedstock supply were identified as substantial hurdles across various regions.

Fig. 5 – Franciszek Madler (left, European Commission DG Energy), Myrsini Christou (right, CRES, coordinator of GreenMeUp project)
Fig. 6 – Audience attending Maria Georgiadou’s presentation

The workshop also showcased impressive technological innovations in biomethane production. Presentations covered diverse anaerobic digestion technologies, including both dry and wet systems, alongside advanced upgrading solutions such as membrane systems and Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA). The integration of anaerobic digestion with pyrolysis to produce biochar was presented as a promising method to enhance carbon sequestration and increase product value. Furthermore, the significant potential of biomethane in producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Renewable Diesel was a key highlight. Insights shared from India, China, and Canada underscored the varied policy landscapes and shared challenges in areas like biomass aggregation, grid connectivity, and subsidy mechanisms, reaffirming the global relevance of these discussions.

Fig. 7 – From left: Maria Georgiadou (EC DG R&I); Prof. Yannis Maniatis (MEP); Myrsini Christou (CRES); Kyriakos Maniatis (Advanced Biofuels)

The overarching consensus from the workshop was clear: while there is substantial private investment ready for deployment, market conditions must be optimized to meet ambitious biomethane targets, such as the EU’s 35 billion cubic meter ambition. Prioritizing circular economy models that effectively valorize by-products like digestate and biogenic CO2 is deemed essential for fostering a more affordable and sustainable biomethane sector.

The GreenMeUp is ending in July 2025, and the main commitment of this project was to drive these efforts, focusing on designing country-tailored market uptake measures and fostering robust stakeholder engagement to accelerate biomethane deployment across Europe and beyond.