Comgás takes a decisive step in the energy transition by receiving authorization to offer biomethane to captive market consumers in São Paulo, driving industrial decarbonization.
Comgás has just received the green light from Arsesp to market biomethane directly to its customers in the regulated segment. The initiative, dubbed Green Captive Market (Mercado Cativo Verde), marks a significant shift in how renewable gas reaches the end consumer, allowing companies to prioritize clean sources without the need to switch to the free market.
In this initial phase, the operation will handle a volume of 2,600 m³ per day. However, the utility company plans to scale supply as demand and availability grow, aiming for a potential capacity of up to 50,000 m³ per day. The model seeks to serve strategic sectors, such as industrial operations, refrigeration, cogeneration, and sustainable mobility.
Transparency and Traceability in Supply
Since biomethane and natural gas share the same pipeline infrastructure, Comgás‘s strategy relies on the certification of environmental attributes. To prevent double counting and ensure the origin of the resource, the company has implemented a rigorous internal control system combined with independent external audits.
Industry experts highlight:
The implementation of robust audit protocols is the pillar that sustains market confidence in the transition to renewable sources, ensuring that environmental benefits are legitimately delivered to users.
Pricing Dynamics and Market Context
The pricing policy adopted for the new service will follow the standards already practiced for conventional natural gas. It is worth noting that the distributor does not profit from the sale of the molecule itself; therefore, the operational costs of the biomethane will be passed on to customers without additional profit margins, maintaining a commitment to tariff transparency.
This move gains momentum at a time when the sector is heating up. Recently, Naturgy also launched a public call to acquire biomethane in the state of São Paulo.
Such actions are voluntary and occur in parallel with the implementation of the Fuel of the Future law (Law No. 14,993/2024), which delegates the responsibility for decarbonization to producers and importers, ensuring that the natural gas circulating in the network meets established sustainability standards.
With these developments, São Paulo consolidates its position at the forefront of the circular economy. The strengthening of this supply chain is expected to attract new investors and accelerate the decarbonization goals for fleets and industrial plants, positioning biogas as a viable and scalable solution for the climate challenges of the coming years.
