What is biomethane
Biomethane is a green gas obtained from biogas purification, which is produced by the anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as agricultural residues and urban waste. Its environmental benefits include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable waste management, and support to circular economy. Like natural gas, it can be used for heating, electricity production, as fuel for vehicles, or injected into grid. Edison stands out in the Italian energy landscape for its commitment towards integrated management of this energy carrier, from production to go-to-market.
How we produce biomethane
Through Edison Next, we are active in biomethane production: one of our goals to contrast climate change is to install ten biogas/biomethane plants by 2030. Currently, we have five plants either already operational under authorization process. In Caivano (Naples) and Zinasco (Pavia), two plants are operational, producing a total of 4 million m³ of biomethane per year from the treatment of over 60,000 tons of urban waste (OFMSW). Another plant is under construction in Caivano, while two projects in Gricignano (Caserta) and Civitavecchia (Rome) are progressing throughout the authorization process.
How we support third producers
We play an active role in the offtake of biomethane from independent producers, subsequently directing it to the transportation sector. We are a market leader with a share of over 40%, managing a volume of approximately 1 TWh in 2023. We are also developing proposals for the long-term offtake of biomethane produced by third parties, in line with national decree of September 2022, which will pave the way for the commercialization of this resource in additional sectors such as industrial.
How we commercialize biomethane
We are pioneers in this sector: thanks to Edison Energia, in 2018 we became the first dealer in Italy to undertake the sale of biomethane in the transportation sector. Today, we continue to be a major player in this market by supplying more than 500 service stations across Italy, and we will support industrial customers in their decarbonization journey by providing biomethane produced from new plants established in line with the latest national decrees.
Our commitment to sustainable mobility
Biomethane has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. For this reason, we promote its use through supply agreements and guarantees of origin with major players in the industry.