Bioenergy: The role of Biogas, Biomethane in Energy Transition

Firstly, it is important to provide context: Currently, in Mexico, to develop energy projects, especially those involving traditional fuels, three main requirements must be met: an environmental impact authorization, a social impact assessment, and a permit for the activity to be carried out.

In this context, and considering the ongoing energy transition process, it raises the question of whether these three pillars should apply to projects that diversify the energy matrix, specifically those that interact with traditional fuels, known as biofuels, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous.

Undoubtedly, as long as the regulatory, technical, and legal framework remains unchanged, we will continue to work with what we currently have, which, by the way, is quite limited or has many gaps to fill. This does not mean that it is useless; it simply needs to be handled carefully to allow the development of bioenergy.

Speaking specifically about biogas, which is a gaseous biofuel obtained from the decomposition of organic matter, it is considered one of the most important energy vectors globally, along with green hydrogen, as it helps solve several issues — not only in the energy sector, where it has various uses (mainly treated as biomethane), but also in waste management, water sanitation, the reduction of emissions from livestock and agricultural activities, and waste disposal. However, in Mexico, many challenges remain.

One of the first dilemmas encountered in practice is whether biogas is produced or generated. The key difference lies in that one is induced through a defined and controlled process, while the other refers to a natural decomposition process. At first, this may not seem like a significant issue, but when analyzing where biogas comes from, it becomes more relevant. For example, when we have a biogas production plant using biodigesters, where different types of biomass can be used, including sludge from wastewater treatment plants, it is clear that the biocombustible energy is generated within these bioreactors in a controlled, studied process. However, when biogas comes from vents or exhausts of landfills or final waste disposal sites, it is more difficult to say we are "producing" it, since the biogas is generated naturally.

The goal of this is to highlight that many concepts need to be defined. Not only is there a lack of clarity regarding the generation and production of biogas, but there is also no technical-legal definition of biomethane. For the more sophisticated, it might be described as "sweetened" biogas, while in other countries, it’s known as renewable natural gas. For practical purposes, it is biogas that has been treated to remove sulfur compounds and carbon dioxide, resulting in a gaseous biofuel with a high methane content, chemically similar to natural gas, and fully compatible.

Additionally, if we focus on the responsibility of the different sectors involved in biogas, we find a mix of various levels of jurisdiction. For example, while waste treatment is handled locally or municipally, the use of bioenergy is managed at the federal level, which complicates some processes, such as obtaining an environmental impact authorization, which is critical for a project to move forward.

We are at a crossroads, trying to decide what to address first or what the next steps will be. Therefore, it’s important to highlight what already exists. There is a pathway for bioenergy production, specifically biogas, which, in terms of activities, is still in its early stages. Currently, there are only two such projects — an excessively low number — but it is not zero, and other projects are in the pipeline, awaiting approval.

It’s important to emphasize that, regardless of whether the environmental impact is dealt with at the local or federal level, it must be addressed. Therefore, a manifest of environmental impact, along with a risk assessment (due to the characteristics of biogas), must be included in the planning for the development of such projects, regardless of where the biofuel comes from.

Looking ahead, we will focus more on biomethane. As previously mentioned, the potential for interaction with natural gas is direct and fluid, which has been recognized by this sector. This will allow companies to "green" their processes, either by replacing or complementing the natural gas demand they currently have, thus contributing to their environmental commitments. We will see this in the upcoming publication of the agreement that will allow biomethane to be injected into the natural gas distribution networks, setting a precedent for working on the recognition of other activities and uses for the natural gas-biomethane mix, such as transportation, liquefaction, compression for virtual pipelines, and vehicular use.

As sustainability, the Sustainable Development Goals, and a just energy transition dictate, the process must move forward as a collective effort, with everyone contributing. The gaps we have identified today will need to be filled by us. What is most motivating is that the goal of a healthier environment is clearer than ever, and the fight is against climate change, whose consequences we are already experiencing.

If we still need motivation or a push, we have the commitments to emission reduction and the nationally determined contributions. Therefore, we must find alternatives, and among them, while not the sole solutions, will be biogas and biomethane, which will be key.