Transmission Biogas Could Power the Hardest Parts of Net Zero - Future Biogas
Mar 26, 2026
Philipp Lukas, founder and CEO of Future Biogas and a specialist in biomethane and anaerobic digestion, makes the case for scaling biogas beyond waste treatment. He explains how anaerobic digestion and upgrading to biomethane work. He discusses where biomethane best fits—high‑temperature industry, shipping and transport—and why the gas grid matters as a national energy store.
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How Anaerobic Digestion Produces Biomethane
- Biogas comes from anaerobic digestion of wastes and crops to produce methane and CO2.
- Plants hold organic feedstock at ~35–45°C, producing ~50–60% methane which is then upgraded to pipeline-quality biomethane.
Upgrading Beats Onsite Power For Distribution
- Upgrading biogas to biomethane (removing CO2) is more efficient than making electricity on site.
- Injecting upgraded gas into the connected European gas grid lets biomethane reach high-heat and transport users anywhere.
Where Biomethane Adds Most Value
- Biomethane best serves hard-to-electrify uses: high-temperature industrial heat, shipping, and as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuels.
- Foundation industries like glass and steel rely on gaseous fuels for high-temperature processes where electrification is costly.