Scania calls for binding EU target on biomethane production

Among 17 companies and 16 trade associations, Scania calls on the EU and its member states to introduce a binding European target to produce 35 billion cubic meters of biomethane a year by 2030 – a tenfold increase that could make an important contribution to sustainable transport.

Against the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine and global warming, the question of rapidly increasing the production of biomethane has become central within the union.

Solves two challenges at once

“Ramping up the biomethane production contributes to solving two challenges at once. Replacing Russian fossil gas with renewable energy makes the energy system resilient and speeds up decarbonisation, not least of heavy transport,” says Jennie Cato, Head of Public Affairs at Scania.

As it mainly derives from waste and residues from several sectors, biomethane supports a circular energy model which has many positive effects for communities – less emissions of course, but also biofertilizers for organic farming and local jobs, among others.

“Biomethane has the highest average carbon reduction of all sustainable fuel alternatives for heavy-duty transport while being a relatively easy and cost-efficient solution,” Jennie Cato says.

Scania is a co-founder of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership, initiated in the autumn of last year, in which the European Commission and industry leaders work together to scale up production and use.

Great demand from heavy-duty transport

“At Scania, we have committed to reducing our carbon emissions at the pace science says is necessary to limit global warming according to the Paris Agreement. Even though we are convinced that the future is electric, and thus have set ambitious goals to speed up the transition, we also need to deliver parallel climate-smart solutions. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable fuels such as biomethane is key. We have taken a central role in the partnership to contribute to accelerated biomethane production and to show the high demand from heavy-duty transport,” Jennie Cato says.

Last year, Scania presented two powerful new biogas engines in response to increasing customer demand. In 2022, there were some 30,000 gas trucks on European roads – a figure that could be multiplied in the coming decades and surge the industry’s demand for biomethane.

The call for a binding target is made in a joint letter submitted to EU institutions and Member States today, stating that Member States should be flexible to define national strategies for its achievement.

“We are convinced that the target can be met, provided it is followed by incentives on a European and national level making the market demand even stronger. By working together, industry and decision-makers will achieve great results, contributing to a resilient and sustainable Europe,” Jennie Cato concludes.

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