Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal in the European Commission, proposed a plan to regain independence from the Russian fossil fuels by 2030 (8 March).

The plan outlines how the EU can become more independent from fossil energy imports by increasing our domestic renewable energy generation, especially by increasing the production of biogas from renewable sources such as sewage sludge from 17 bcm biomethane to 35 bcm by 2030. Waste water services develop sewage sludge when treating waste water which can be digested and bring about renewable biogas.

Many WWTP across Europe already contribute to biogas production and renewable energy in Europe. However, some barriers limit the capacity to feed the grid with this biomethane. The Renewable Energy Directive should help to remove barriers and lead to the full exploitation of this potential. You can read more about biomethane generation and how to maximise its potential in our Briefing Notes and Position Papers:

- Briefing note on sludge management

- Position paper on the Renewable Energy Directive