Together with the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK), FinMobility wants to bring a clear message to the EU level on the potential of biogas and its key role in achieving the EU’s climate objectives, strengthening energy security, and supporting regional vitality. Biogas is not a promise for the future, but an already available, scalable and cost-effective technology that – as demonstrated by the Finnish model – can deliver near-zero or even zero-emission outcomes, particularly when based on waste and residual feedstocks.
The Finnish biogas model shows that solutions already exist. Biogas is produced in a decentralised manner from agricultural, industrial and municipal bio-waste and side streams. The energy is used locally in transport, machinery, and heat and power generation, while nutrients are returned to fields and dependence on imported fuels is reduced. This combines climate benefits, security of supply and regional economic development in a way that few other energy solutions can achieve.
The EU Bioeconomy Strategy sets the right direction – investment certainty is welcome
At the end of November, the European Commission published its new EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The Strategy recognises the significant and still untapped potential of the bioeconomy and highlights its role in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy through sustainable, renewable and circular solutions. Already today, the bioeconomy represents a value of up to EUR 2.7 trillion in the EU and is a key driver across many economic sectors.
We consider the Strategy to be moving in the right direction overall and welcome the EU’s intention to increase investments in the bioeconomy and improve long-term investment certainty. In particular, the role of biogas and biomethane as local, waste- and residue-based solutions directly supports the Strategy’s core objectives: resource efficiency, energy self-sufficiency and regional development.
Transport and renewable fuels must be fully recognised as part of the solution
The Commission’s Strategy acknowledges the role of biofuels in decarbonisation, particularly in sectors where electrification is difficult, such as long-haul heavy-duty transport. This is an important signal. For this reason, it is essential that in EU’s future initiatives, the role of biogas is genuinely strengthened. In the transport sector in particular, biogas offers an immediately deployable solution which should support the further development of local refuelling and distribution infrastructure. Demand already exists – what is now needed are clear signals and concrete action.
We therefore emphasise that:
- Biogas and other renewable fuels must be recognised as equal contributors to the EU’s emission reduction targets, alongside electricity and hydrogen
- Technology neutrality is essential to allow markets to guide the deployment of the most cost-effective and rapidly scalable solutions across different regions and transport segments
- Waste- and residue-based biogas should be granted zero-emission status in CO₂ accounting and taxation, on an equal footing with renewable electricity
Coherent regulation is decisive for investment realisation
The Bioeconomy Strategy rightly identifies investment needs and financing gaps and commits to supporting biogas and biomethane production as part of the circular economy and nutrient recycling. This is highly welcome. At the same time, it must be ensured that the regulatory framework supports – rather than undermines – investment.
It is crucial that:
- No inconsistencies arise between the CO2 standards, Renewable Energy Directive (RED), LULUCF regulation and upcoming energy packages that would weaken the predictability of biogas investments
- Discussions on biomass sustainability clearly distinguish waste and residual feedstocks from primary biomass
- Support schemes and public procurement create demand for fossil-free solutions instead of restricting technologies ex ante
From Finland to Europe – proven models deserve recognition
Biogas is more than an energy solution. It connects climate policy, energy and food security, security of supply and regional development in a concrete and measurable way. Finland’s model shows that biogas is already a functioning part of a sustainable energy system, also in transport.
We believe that the next phase of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy will be measured by how firmly biogas and renewable fuels are embedded at the core of EU transport, energy and climate policy. Now is the right moment to provide functioning local solutions with the right incentives and recognition at EU level.
Our full position paper is available below in English.
