Thursday 16th October, 09:30 – 12:00

Following the 12th session of the UNECE Group of Experts on Gas (GEG12), in which the Group of Experts noted that a resilient energy system should optimize energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability, contributing to the region’s overall social, economic, and environmental development, this specific webinar focusses on the increasing role renewable methane molecules as stable source of gaseous energy for the future.

Gaseous fuels have an important future role to play as source of energy and as building block for materials. Biomethane (also called renewable natural gas) is a fast growing and scalable renewable gas, which can provide a substantial part of the future gas demand, provide immediate opportunities of strong Green House Gas reduction, whilst making use of the existing gas infrastructure.

Biomethane production is based on the use of sustainable feedstocks. As those feedstocks are based on agricultural residues and organic waste, the future supply of this renewable gas is secured for the long-term future. Furthermore, the production of biomethane is continuous and is not dependent on intermittent resources, making it a valuable resource for stabilizing the future energy system.

This webinar, organized by the Group of Experts on Gas and the European Biogas Association, during the European Biomethane Week, will focus on the potential of biomethane and its fast-growing source as renewable gaseous energy and molecule for the future. Whilst exploring future potential, the webinar will address its role in energy system integration, the interplay with hydrogen and the need for renewable carbon molecules for our future industrial need.

Preliminary Programme

 

09:30-10:00

Introductory remarks

  • Dario Liguti, Director Sustainable Energy, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Francisco de la Flor, Director, Enagás & GEG Chair, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Harmen Dekker, CEO, European Biogas Association & GEG Vice Chair, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
10:00-10:45

Session 1 – Unlocking future potential at the nexus of sustainable biomass and agroecological practices
This panel will explore the strategic role of biomethane in shaping a resilient energy future. Panellists will discuss the future potential of biomethane as a renewable and scalable gaseous fuel, emphasizing its ability to contribute to energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and leverage existing gas infrastructure. The session will also examine how biomethane production, rooted in sustainable agricultural practices and organic waste, interconnects with food systems and land use, highlighting its role in circular bioeconomy models. Experts will assess biomethane’s value in the broader energy transition, including its long-term supply potential and contributions to a secure energy system. Speakers:

  • Connie Miller, GBEP Deputy Coordinator, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • Ana Alcalde, Energy Analyst, International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • Piero Gattoni, President, European Biogas Association (EBA) & Consorzio Italiano Biogas (CIB)
  • Q&A
10:45-11:00 Break
11:00-11:45

Session 2 – Renewable molecules and the interplay between hydrogen and biomethane
As the demand for renewable molecules intensifies across different sectors, this panel will examine the critical role of renewable carbon from biomethane. Discussions will focus on the growing need for renewable carbon sources, biogenic CO₂, and renewable hydrogen to enable the production of synthetic fuels and defossilise hard-to-abate sectors. The panel will also explore the synergies between biomethane and hydrogen, assessing their complementary roles in providing flexible, storable, and climate-friendly gaseous energy carriers. A special focus will be given to how these molecules can collectively support energy system integration, industrial feedstock needs, and climate neutrality goals. Speakers:

  • Jeremiah Murphy, Director MaREI Centre, University College Cork
  • Ilaria Conti, Coordinator for Strategy and Development, Florence School of Regulation (FSR) & GEG Vice-Chair, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Gerard Ostheimer, CEO, Molecule Group
  • Q&A
11:45-12:00

Closing remarks & next steps

  • Francisco de la Flor, Director, Enagás & GEG Chair, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Annette Kroll, Board Member, European Biogas Association (EBA)
Download UNECE/EBA Webinar Slideck

Any questions?

Please contact Fiorella Cruz at cruz@europeanbiogas.eu