Biogenic carbon dioxide from biomethane production has the potential to replace up to 71% of the EU’s fossil CO2 demand, according to the European Biogas Association (EBA).
However, despite its availability, industry challenges and regulatory gaps are today limiting its full deployment – and the EBA wants a certification scheme and trade registry to be put in place.
Speaking at the gasworld CO2 Summit 2025 in Rotterdam in the Netherlands, Pablo Molina, Technical and Project Officer at the EBA, highlighted the untapped potential of biogenic CO2 as a climate solution.
“In 2023, we know that 29 million tonnes of biogenic CO2 [was] produced, and this is equivalent to 71% of EU [merchant] CO2 demand,” he said.
Biogenic CO2 is a byproduct of biomethane production, where CO2 is already separated from methane as part of the process. This results in a high-purity CO2 stream at a relatively low cost, with capture costs ranging between €25 and €90 per tonne, depending on the country and on liquefaction costs.
This cost range compares favourably to other carbon capture methods, making biogenic CO2 a viable alternative to fossil-derived sources.
Despite the potential of biogenic CO2, barriers still remain.
Most tellingly, industry lacks a clear regulatory framework and cross-border trade mechanisms to integrate biogenic CO2 into the wider European decarbonisation strategy.
“We need a certification scheme and trade registry that can allow cross-border trade and recognise the value of biogenic CO2,” Molina said.
Investment in infrastructure and supply chains is also necessary to scale up production and distribution. The EBA estimates that by 2030 biogenic CO2 production in the EU could reach 46 million tonnes, rising to 250 million tonnes by 2050, which could replace a significant share of fossil CO2 emissions across Europe.
The challenge aligns with Rotterdam’s broader carbon reduction efforts, where large-scale CCS projects like Porthos and Aramis are set to play a critical role in industrial decarbonisation. With CO2 infrastructure already under development, biogenic CO2 integration could form part of a joined-up approach, enabling carbon capture and carbon removal working side by side.
However, market readiness will depend on regulatory clarity, investment incentives, and further technological development. The industry is calling for coherent policies to support scaling efforts and ensure that biogenic CO2 is recognised as a critical component in Europe’s Net Zero pathway.
Molina added, “[There is a lot of] potential that needs to be unlocked, and we are happy to collaborate with industry.”
