Biogas for a Low-Carbon Belgium by 2050

Biogas from organic waste supports Belgium’s 2050 low-carbon transition by providing renewable energy, reducing emissions, and enhancing energy security. With 5.5 TWh of green gas potential annually, biogas can displace 2 million tonnes of CO₂ eq and replace fossil fuels in transport and industry. Operating at 90% capacity, biogas plants ensure stable, dispatchable energy, supporting grid balance and reducing import dependence. The sector could create 5,000–10,000 jobs and offer cost-effective storage—2,000 times cheaper than batteries—using existing infrastructure. Green gas, including biomethane and green hydrogen, is central to Belgium’s climate strategy, with the Green Gas Platform driving policy integration and regulatory stability. Converting manure and organic residues can yield 18.5 TWh of biogas and 38.7 million tonnes of digestate, a biofertiliser replacing chemical fertilisers. A 1 MWe plant prevents 140,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over its lifetime, and Belgium’s total biogas potential reaches 900 MWe.