The Portuguese government has announced the start of the public consultation on the Biomethane Action Plan 2024-2040 (BAP), which aims to create an integrated strategy for the development of the biomethane value chain in Portugal over the coming years in a sustainable manner.

Biomethane is a renewable gas produced from the decomposition of organic matter, which can be used as a fuel for transportation, electricity generation and heating. The BAP aims to harness the potential of biomethane to contribute to the energy transition, the decarbonization of the economy, the recovery of waste and the creation of jobs and income.

The BAP is divided into two phases, with different time horizons: Phase 1 (2024-2026), which provides for the creation of a market for biomethane in Portugal, by defining an appropriate regulatory framework and incentives; and Phase 2 (2026-2040), which provides for the strengthening and consolidation of the biomethane market in Portugal, by increasing production, diversifying sources and integrating with other sectors. The BAP also includes a transversal axis (2024-2040), which aims to guarantee the social and environmental sustainability of biomethane by promoting quality, safety, efficiency and innovation.

The BAP is organized around seven main priorities and 20 lines of action, which reflect the ambitions for the sector. The priorities include setting a national target for biomethane consumption, creating a certification and guarantee of origin system, implementing measures to support biomethane production and consumption, promoting research and technological development, raising awareness and training those involved and international cooperation.

To ensure that the final version of the BAP is the result of a participatory process, with contributions from all interested parties, the government has submitted the document to public consultation for a period of 15 days, i.e. until 09.02.2024. Interested parties can send their comments and suggestions via the ConsultaLEX portal (consultalex.gov.pt), using the response template provided for this purpose.