The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has taken a decisive step toward energy transition by establishing guidelines to integrate biomethane into the natural gas supply.
The federal government has officially launched efforts to consolidate the country’s renewable energy market by publishing a landmark proposal focused on decarbonization. This MME initiative mandates a reduction in pollutant emissions within the gas sector by injecting renewable gas into the pipeline network.
The measure is part of the regulatory framework for the “Fuel of the Future” law and initially targets 2027. The text was released in an extraordinary edition of the Official Gazette (Diário Oficial da União), opening a window for contributions from the public and stakeholders in the clean energy sector.
Progressive targets and projected volumes
For the first year of the mandate, 2027, the requirement will be a 1% reduction in pollutant emissions. In practice, this will require the daily injection of nearly one million cubic meters of sustainable fuel into the network operated by industry firms.
Compliance will be mandatory for producers and importers operating under federal jurisdiction. In terms of annual volume, the requirement will reach hundreds of millions of cubic meters, also driving demand for Biomethane Origin Guarantee Certificates.
Long-term trajectory
Beyond the initial target, the draft includes projections for the end of the decade, providing a clear signal for new investments in sustainable infrastructure. The suggested percentages anticipate significant growth in subsequent years.
The projected scale-up points to a 3% share in 2028, rising to 4% the following year, and reaching 5% by the end of the decade. However, the ministry clarifies that these future levels currently serve only as indicative guidelines.
The effective targets for the post-2027 period will be defined annually by the CNPE, following a rigorous regulatory impact assessment and periodic review of market conditions.
The technical calculation to estimate the required amount of biomethane accounted for the difference in carbon intensity between fossil and renewable energy sources. With specific parameters for compressed natural gas (CNG) and stationary combustion, the technical framework ensures the progress of the energy transition and strengthens the biogas ecosystem nationwide.
