According to a statistical report by the European Biogas Association (EBA), biomethane production in Europe rose to 5.2 billion m3 (54 TWh) in 2024. The sector is thus confirming its long-term dynamic growth and gradually strengthening its role in the European energy mix. The fastest growing markets include France and Denmark, where biomethane already covers a significant part of domestic natural gas consumption. In the Czech Republic, the development of biomethane production has been held back mainly by unclear support conditions and slower permitting processes. Nevertheless, its production increased year-on-year from 103 GWh to 211 GWh. The domestic market is thus gradually catching up with the European trend, but in terms of absolute production volume, it still lags behind most developed European countries.
Table of Contents
Biomethane production in Europe continues to grow. At the end of 2024, there were 1,620 biomethane stations operating in Europe, with another 627 new projects for the production of this gas from renewable sources under construction in France alone. The largest year-on-year increase in production in 2024 occurred not only in France but also in Denmark. Total production capacity in Europe thus reached 7 billion m³ per year at the beginning of 2025.
France leads European production
France is currently the largest producer of biomethane in Europe. In 2024, its production capacity reached 13,861 GWh, and it was preparing more than 600 new facilities, representing the highest number of projects in Europe. The French model of biomethane development is based primarily on small and medium-sized agricultural stations connected directly to the distribution network. Biomethane is not only an energy source here, but also supports regional development and stabilizes farmers’ incomes.
Denmark is moving towards complete replacement of natural gas
Denmark is among the European leaders with the highest share of renewable gas in domestic natural gas consumption. In August 2025, this reached almost 41%. Thanks to systematic state support, faster permitting processes, and an emphasis on the use of agricultural residues, biomethane has become a key element of the country’s energy strategy. Biogas and biomethane already cover a significant portion of domestic gas consumption, and the country is moving toward complete replacement with biomethane in the long term.
A typical Danish biomethane plant has a capacity of approximately 35 GWh per year, which is almost four times more than a standard biogas plant (approximately 9 GWh per year) producing electricity and heat. It is characterized by high utilization of agricultural residues and slurry, an emphasis on reducing methane emissions from livestock farming, and almost complete supply of production to the gas network. According to the EBA, there are no purely waste biogas plants producing biomethane in Denmark, as biodegradable municipal waste is commonly processed as part of the input mix in agricultural biogas plants. The Danish development model is based on a long-term stable support framework, a fast permitting process, and a clear political goal to use biomethane as a domestic strategic energy source.
Czech biomethane production doubled in 2024
In the Czech Republic, biomethane production increased year-on-year from 103 GWh to 211 GWh. Although development in recent years has been hampered mainly by unclear support conditions and slower permitting processes, the domestic sector is now gradually accelerating. However, in terms of absolute production volume, Czechia still lags behind more developed European markets.
“Unlike Denmark or France, where biomethane is already systematically supported and accounts for a significant part of local gas consumption, the Czech market is still in a phase of intensive transformation. However, we see a clear shift towards biomethane production and its supply to the distribution system. The key now will be to establish a stable and predictable support environment, speed up permitting processes, and enable the modernization of existing biogas stations. If these conditions are met, biomethane can become not only a tool for energy security, but also an important pillar of decarbonization and the development of the circular economy in the Czech Republic,” concludes Tomáš Voltr, Executive Director of EFG.
