Course
Course | Comprehensive overview of the biogas sector: market, production and legislation
Format
1-day course / in-person / max. of 20 participants
Date
18 September 2025
Space
Limited availability, max. 20 participants
Course hours
9.00 – 17.00 (Lunch included)
Location
European Biogas Association (Av. des Nerviens 85, 1040 Brussels, Belgium)
Description
The biogas sector is a diversified and fast growing sector. Its production stems from agriculture and waste management from small to industrial scale and delivers solutions in areas as industry, transport, heating, agriculture and food and beverage.
This 1-day introduction course gives a comprehensive overview of the main aspects that are relevant for the biogas sector, focusing on market dynamics, production principles and legislation.
Starting with market, the course provides an overview of the current state and future role of the sector in the energy transition and highlights the increasing attention towards the added benefits of biogas production, which can deliver significant long term economy-wide benefits beyond renewable energy provision. Further, the course will zoom in at the support mechanisms at both European and national level exemplified with case studies.
The section concludes with an overview of the chances and challenges the sector stands for.
During the production module, the course will cover the different phases and important aspects of biogas and biomethane production, tracing the process from feedstock input through anaerobic digestion to the final products, including biomethane, biogenic CO₂, and digestate. Moreover, it will provide an overview of the anaerobic digestion process and upgrading techniques for biogas to biomethane. This section will conclude with an overview of the main health and safety aspects related to the production process.
The legislation part will cover a comprehensive overview of the key regulatory frameworks and strategies in Europe concerning the production of renewable biogases. The course will highlight critical aspects of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), sustainability requirements for biogas, greenhouse gas emissions and savings, (upcoming) regulation on biogenic CO₂, requirements related to digestate, main aspects of access to the gas network and an overview of permitting procedures.
The course will end with a Q&A session with the trainers.
The course will conclude with a summary of the three sections and an outlook on future developments in the sector.
Programme
Market- State of play of renewable gases in Europe.
- Multiple effects of biogases to the EU economy.
- Policy and strategy of the European Union.
- Support mechanisms at national level.
- Opportunities and challenges for the biogas sector.
- Overview of key components of a biogas plant.
- Feedstock types and their characteristics.
- From feedstock to biogas: the anaerobic digestion process.
- Biogas cleaning and upgrading to biomethane and biogenic CO2.
- Key aspects of health and safety in the production of biogas and biomethane.
- International safety standards for biogas plants (ISO, EN).
- EU Legislation and strategies related to the production of biogases.
- The Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
- Sustainability criteria for biogas under EU legislation.
- Biogenic CO2: regulatory drivers and compliance factors.
- Greenhous gas emissions and calculation of greenhouse gas emissions savings.
- Requirements related to the application, commercialisation and storage of digestate.
- Main aspects of access to the gas network and injection rights.
Who should attend?
This course is ideal for individuals seeking a comprehensive introduction to the biogas sector, including policy officers, sustainability managers, policymakers, biogas project developers, consultants, technology suppliers, strategy managers, and potential investors.What are the advantages?
- Gain a comprehensive overview of the market and upcoming markets for biogas and other renewable gases.
- Obtain insights in the role of biogas within sustainable energy solutions and the European economy.
- Understand how support mechanisms and energy targets work at European and national level.
- Discuss the expected future role and impact of renewable gases.
- Have an overview of the key components and sensitivities of a biogas plant including health and safety aspects.
- Learn about the main aspects of the production process of biogas and biomethane including the anaerobic digestion.
- Gain an overview of the targets of renewable energy use in the EU.
- Obtain insights in the role and impact of EU legislation on the production of biogas and biomethane and their greenhouse gas impact.
- Learn what criteria are set by the EU for the production and use of biogenic CO2 and digestate.
- Have a great opportunity to learn from experts and to discuss best practice-experiences with fellow course participants.
