Eurostat data show that the EU has met the objective of 10% share in renewable energy in the transport sector reaching a ratio of 10.2%, with a 0.2 percentage points slightly above the target level and increasing from 1.6% in 2004. This includes biomethane, biofuels and green electricity. Nordic countries are leading the way with Sweden (31.9%) being the best performer, followed by Finland (13.4%).
Sweden owes the large ratio to its high GHG reduction target in the transport sector. Biofuels and biogas play a significant role in the Swedish transport sector. According to the Swedish gas association, Energigas Sverige, over 60% of the produced biogas (2,161 GWh) was upgraded to biomethane and used as transportation fuel in 2020. Various fiscal incentives and other regulations for low emission road transport are increasing the use of biomethane, such as granting a bonus when purchasing new low emission vehicles. Some cities have set out strict environmental zones allowing only low emission cars like new gas vehicles (NGVs), hydrogen and all-electric vehicles. Furthermore, biomethane for transportation in Sweden has been given exemption from CO2 and energy tax.
According to data from the Natural & bio Gas Vehicle Association (NGVA), biomethane as transport fuel in Europe has had a rapid growth. More than a quarter of the used gas in the transport sector in 2020 were of renewable sources. Sweden and Denmark are leading countries supplying shares of biomethane 100% and 95%, respectively at their CNG stations.
In 2030 the European Commission estimates biogas and biomethane availability at 44bcm (467 TWh). Gas for Climate for 2050 estimates supply at 95 bcm (1020 TWh), therefrom 117 TWh to be used as transport fuel. This represents 40% of the overall estimated fleet consumption in 2030.
Through the Zurich5 coalition, BioGem Express advocates for the uptake of biomethane in the road transport sector in Europe as a key contributor to decarbonize the transport sector. There is no single solution for a sustainable mobility.
