EU Delay on Biogas Law Causes Uncertainty, Costs Germany Renewable Capacity
The biogas industry in Germany faces uncertainty as the EU Commission's approval of the new biogas law has been delayed. This has led to oversubscribed tenders and the loss of renewable energy capacities, with some plants like the Benning family's in Reken-Hülsten being forced to shut down.
The EU Commission only approved the biogas package in September 2025, which allows biogas-powered plants to operate flexibly and supply electricity during peak demand times. This delay has resulted in a loss of renewable heat and electricity capacities since 2023, as tenders have been oversubscribed.
Biogas plants, which produce electricity and heat flexibly and weather-independently, could potentially cover up to 50 percent of the remaining electricity demand in Germany. A 2024 study found that biogas could provide around half of the missing electricity capacity for times when wind and sun are not available by 2040. There are around 1,100 biogas plants in North Rhine-Westphalia alone, highlighting the sector's significance.
The Benning family in Reken-Hülsten had to shut down one of their biogas combined heat and power (CHP) units due to the end of the EEG subsidy period. The shutdown led to a switch back to fossil energy for heating in the area, replacing around 700 MWh of biogas heat each year. Despite this setback, the Bennings plan to further develop their Maria Veen site for flexible, demand-oriented electricity generation and participate in future tender rounds.
The delayed EU approval of the biogas law has caused uncertainty and loss of renewable energy capacities in Germany. However, the potential of biogas in meeting the country's electricity demand is significant. As the industry awaits further developments, the Benning family remains optimistic about the future of their biogas operations.
