Knowledge Base
Can biomethane replace our existing natural gas consumption?
Biomethane is a direct, grid-compatible substitute for fossil natural gas, but a full replacement of current natural gas consumption at the scale of a national energy system is constrained by the finite supply of organic feedstocks. The question is better framed around where biomethane delivers the most value: sectors that are difficult to electrify, applications that require gaseous fuel, and regions with strong organic waste streams and existing gas grid infrastructure.
The European Biogas Association estimates that European biomethane production could reach 35 to 100 billion cubic meters per year by 2050, depending on policy ambition and investment. That represents a meaningful contribution to European gas supply, particularly when combined with energy efficiency improvements and other renewable sources.
For individual industrial or agricultural operators, the relevant question is whether available feedstocks support a business case for on-site production or offtake of biomethane. HoSt conducts feasibility studies to assess exactly this: feedstock volumes, biogas yield, upgrading options, and the commercial routes available for the resulting gas.