Global compressed biogas market is projected to witness a CAGR of 11.96% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 7.32 billion in 2023 to USD 18.07 billion in 2031. Driven by a blend of technical, economic, and environmental drivers, the market is witnessing robust growth globally. This growth marks a dramatic shift toward sustainable solutions in energy production and underlines the growing usage of CBG as a substitute for fossil fuels. The main growth in the market comes from the increasing interest taken by countries in low GHG-emission energy sources. There are strict regulations and subsidies by governments all over the world for renewable sources of energy. For example, due to the respective governmental regulations, countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the United States have included CBG in their national energy plans and road transport systems. Additionally, the market is driven by rising government initiatives across the world. For example, the SATAT scheme initiated by India in 2018 aimed to set up 5,000 CBG plants before the end of 2024. As of March 2024, 53 CBG projects have been commissioned under SATAT. Complementary schemes like GOBAR-dhan and the New National Biogas Organic Manure Programme pave the way for and provide incentives towards investment and development in the biogas sector.
The growth of the compressed biogas sector is further bolstered by technological advancements and economic factors. Stability and a cost-effective solution are provided by CBG against the fluctuating prices of fossil fuel resources, coupled with the enhancement of stringency in environmental legislation. Economies of developing cost competitiveness are driven by reduced technology costs and higher production facility scale. Furthermore, the creation of robust supply chains and infrastructure for the distribution of CBG enhances market viability. Besides, market growth is accelerated by increased consumers and corporate demand for sustainable practices. CBG offers ways to meet these preferences while supporting local waste management efforts. Furthermore, the increasing number of partnerships between waste management companies and energy producers evidences this trend in the process of harnessing organic waste for biogas production.
Growing Influence of Climate Change and Sustainability
Increasing awareness of climate change and the push towards cleaner energy solutions has led to growth of global compressed biogas market. For example, in the Paris Agreement, there has been an imperative push where countries want to meet their climatic action commitments aimed at keeping global warming well below 2-degree Celsius. The counties are undertaking major activities in the implementation of biogas projects within the scope of their NDCs in efforts toward reduction of GHG emissions. CBG, being a renewable and low-emission energy source, falls within the broader objectives of sustainability and regulatory frameworks. Methane from organic waste is captured through biogas production and reconstituted into a usable energy form, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lessening the ecological impact of wastes.
In addition, investments in the technology of compressed biogas have been on the rise owing to increased corporate and government focus on sustainability-related practices, efficiency in production, and market applications. This, in turn, leads to a surge that benefits the environment, ensuring economic growth through new opportunities that emerge in the green energy sector. Hence, the compressed biogas market is anticipated to see strong growth supported by worldwide initiatives related to climate change and reaching a sustainable future.
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Expanding Role of Compressed Biogas in Transportation
The market is experiencing phenomenal growth as compressed biogas becomes a popular alternative fuel for transportation. Compared to conventional gasoline or diesel, CBG is a far cleaner and more viable source of fuel. It hence meets rigid worldwide regulations over carbon emissions. The calorific value of CBG is similar to that of CNG, and this fuel hence has the potential to be one of the viable green renewable fuels for automotive purposes.
In the European Union, policies such as the Directive on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure and the Renewable Energy Directive have pinpointed the benefits of biomethane and its availability in both compressed and liquid forms. These new regulations affect industries like heavy-duty transport and machinery, which are quite difficult to decarbonize. This reduces the carbon footprint of industries reliant on heavy use of fossil fuels through the use of CBG.
Similarly, in India, various initiatives were undertaken by the National Biofuels Coordination Committee (NBCC) to facilitate increased adoption of CBG. NBCC has allowed a phase-by-phase mandate to blend the CBG with CNG and piped natural gas for use in transportation and domestic purposes. In November 2023, NBCC allowed a phase-wise mandate for blending CBG with CNG and piped natural gas for transportation and domestic use. The first phase will be voluntary and last until the fiscal year 2024-2025. From the fiscal year 2025-2026 onwards, there will be a mandatory obligation for blending. This further catalyze the growth of the CBG market in bringing full-circle presence into the energy mix, fitting into the larger aim of transition toward greener sources of energy.
Essential Feedstocks in the Compressed Biogas Market
In the global compressed biogas market, the selection of raw materials plays a key role in determining sustainability and efficiency. Agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, press mud, distillery spent wash, dung generated from cattle, and sewage treatment plant waste are foreseen as the major feedstocks to be used. Each one of them has its benefits and advantages which drive market growth. Agricultural residues, such as straw or husks, are inexpensive and available in abundance. In addition to these, MSW diverts waste from landfill sites and reduces methane emissions. The treatment of sugarcane press mud and distillery spent wash-both by-products of sugar and alcohol production, respectively to biogas production. Cattle dung is a resource available in abundance in rural areas, therefore, it can ensure continuous feeding of organic matter. Sewage treatment plants are indeed excellent feedstocks, as they capture methane in human waste that can be dissipated into the atmosphere. Germany showcases the best use of such organic feedstocks. Systems of converting organic waste to biogas have been well developed in the country, hence reducing landfilling of waste and the associated emissions of greenhouse gases.
Europe’s Dominance in the Compressed Biogas Market
The European region is considered the dominant force in the compressed biogas market, with Germany holding the top position as the largest producer. Germany retains the majority share of Europe’s biogas plant capacity with about two-thirds of the share in Europe. Traditionally, its biogas sector