EBA highlights biogenic CO₂ as key to Europe’s carbon strategy

The European Biogas Association (EBA) has published a detailed report highlighting the role of biogenic CO₂ from the biogas sector in supporting the EU’s climate goals and advancing a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
With demand for CO₂ rising across Europe - driven by emerging markets and stricter regulations for green products and industrial decarbonisation - the biogas industry is well-placed to supply biogenic CO₂ while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
EBA data indicate that by 2040, EU biomethane facilities could capture up to 89 million tonnes of biogenic CO₂ annually, representing over a quarter of the carbon capture required to meet the EU Climate Law targets.
This contribution would be a significant step toward the EU’s overall carbon capture goal of 344 million tonnes per year.
Captured biogenic CO₂ can be stored underground through BioCCS or used as a raw material for e-fuels, chemicals, building materials, greenhouse enrichment, and food and beverage production.
Unlike fossil-derived CO₂, which releases long-stored carbon into the atmosphere, biogenic CO₂ is part of the natural carbon cycle and does not increase atmospheric CO₂ levels, making it a sustainable option capable of achieving net or even negative emissions.
Currently, 125 biogas plants across Europe capture around 1.17 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, meeting roughly 14% of Europe’s merchant liquid and solid CO₂ demand.
This capacity is expected to rise to over 2 million tonnes by 2027.
Additional capture opportunities exist through gasification, biohydrogen production, and flue gas treatment.
Harmen Dekker, EBA CEO, said: “Biogenic CO₂ from the biogas sector is central to Europe’s energy transition and climate objectives. The sector offers an affordable, scalable pathway and will play an increasingly important role. With the right standardisation and policy framework, it can fully support the EU’s carbon strategy.”
Alongside the report, the EBA has also launched an interactive map showing biomethane plants in Europe that are currently capturing CO₂ or will do so in the near future, available exclusively to association members.