During the period from December 6th to 12th, 2025, the following international news occurred:
1. Japan firm Osaka Gas to buy US biomethane from landfills
Japan's Osaka Gas has signed an agreement with US-based Archaea Energy to purchase biomethane derived from landfill gas, with an annual supply volume of approximately 26,000 standard cubic meters. This biomethane will be liquefied at the Freeport LNG terminal in the US Gulf of Mexico before being shipped to the Kansai region of Japan for use in decarbonizing city gas. Simultaneously, Osaka Gas is advancing technology to synthesize e-methane using hydrogen from electrolysis and CO2, aiming to build a low-carbon gas supply chain.
2. Europe bioeconomy strategy highlights key role of biogases and co-products
The European Commission has released a new Bioeconomy Strategy, affirming the core role of biogas and its co-products (such as digestate and biogenic CO2). It views biogas plants as biorefineries producing renewable energy, e-fuels, bio-based fertilizers, and more. The European Biogas Association stated this will promote the circular economy and industrial decarbonization while reducing dependence on imported fertilizers. The European bioeconomy has an annual value of approximately EUR 2.4 trillion, supporting over 17 million jobs.
3. Norway cruise line sets sail with bioLNG
Norwegian cruise company Havila Voyages powered its vessel Havila Polaris using 200 cubic meters of liquefied biogas, estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 92%. The voyage involved a total of 350 cubic meters of biogas, supplied by Barents Naturgass and Molgas Energy. The company emphasized that biogas shares the same properties as natural gas and can be directly used in existing LNG vessels, making it an effective transitional solution for reducing emissions in the shipping industry. Norway's annual biogas production is about 800 GWh, and production scale needs further expansion.
4. CycleO rolls out two biomethane plants in Spain
Renewable natural gas producer CycleO has commissioned two biomethane plants in Barcelona and Navarre, Spain, each with an annual capacity of 15 GWh using cattle manure. The company plans to build up to 30 small-to-medium-sized biogas plants in Spain, with a total capacity of 800 GWh, and increase grid injection points. Spain aims to achieve an annual biomethane production of 10.4 TWh by 2030, meeting 10% of its natural gas demand.
5. UK pulls £1bn funding from TotalEnergies LNG project in Mozambique
The UK government announced it is withdrawing GBP 1.15 billion in export credit support for TotalEnergies' LNG project in Mozambique, citing increased security risks in the region. The project has been suspended since 2021 due to terrorist attacks. TotalEnergies plans to resume construction, with the first LNG cargo expected in the first half of 2029. Multiple national export credit agencies were previously involved in financing; now, partners are expected to increase equity to fill the funding gap.
6. ABB launches four-gas analyser upgrade for biogas sector
ABB has launched an upgraded multi-gas analyzer, Sensi+ NG, capable of real-time, continuous monitoring of four key components in biogas—oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, water vapor, and carbon dioxide—in a single device. This technology eliminates the need for consumables or frequent calibration, helping ensure biomethane meets pipeline quality standards before grid injection, thereby enhancing process safety and asset protection. Based on OA-ICOS laser technology, it supports early fault detection and compliance management.
7. Europe agrees to phase out Russian LNG from end of 2026
The European Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to progressively ban imports of Russian liquefied natural gas and pipeline gas. LNG imports will be completely banned from the end of 2026, while the pipeline gas ban will take effect in autumn 2027. This move is a core part of the EU's REPowerEU plan, aiming to end dependence on Russian energy. Member states must submit diversification plans and establish a prior authorization mechanism to ensure the ban's implementation.
8. Biomethane gaining ground in Europe but has stalled in UK, says study
Biomethane production capacity in Europe continues to grow, with total capacity exceeding 60 TWh in 2024, led by France, Germany, and Italy. However, the growth rate needs to double to meet 2030 targets. In the UK, development has relatively stalled due to insufficient policy support and grid connection constraints, with its upgrade rates and capacity expansion lagging behind mainland Europe. The industry calls for the EU to clarify a 2040 roadmap, while the UK needs to include biomethane in its emissions trading scheme to stimulate investment.
9. Axpo and GNV complete first ship-to-ship bioLNG refuelling in Italy
Italian energy company Axpo and ferry operator GNV completed Italy's first ship-to-ship bio-LNG refueling operation in the port of Genoa, supplying 500 cubic meters of bio-LNG to the GNV Virgo. This aims to reduce shipping emissions and gain operational experience with low-carbon fuels. Although bio-LNG supply is currently limited and costs are higher, it is seen as an effective near-term decarbonization option for the maritime sector, projected to meet up to 3% of global shipping fuel demand by 2030.
10. US LNG opportunities ‘lie beyond Permian basin’
A Wood Mackenzie report indicates that US LNG projects need to seek new gas sources beyond the Permian Basin to meet growing export demand. The West Haynesville, Southwestern Eagle Ford, Pennsylvania's deep Utica, and Rocky Mountain gas fields will be key supplementary regions. By 2029, US liquefaction capacity is expected to increase by approximately 13.9 billion cubic feet per day, primarily concentrated along the Gulf Coast.
11. Brazil bank invests in Bioo to fuel biomethane and biogenic CO2 growth
Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development has invested BRL 85.8 million for a 19.9% stake in biosolutions platform Bioo to finance the construction of two new integrated organic waste processing plants. Bioo converts agricultural organic waste into biomethane, biogenic CO2, and biofertilizers. Its first plant is already supplying gas to Sulgás. This initiative aims to support the development of Brazil's biomethane market, aligning with the national Future Fuel Act and decarbonization goals.