Abiogás warns that delays in the regulatory approval of biomethane plants could lead to billions in financial losses and trigger a supply shortage in the green credit market by 2026.
The clean energy sector in Brazil is facing a moment of uncertainty regarding the rules governing the renewable fuels market. Abiogás has expressed strong concerns regarding the validation schedule for production plants currently under the jurisdiction of the ANP.
The core of the issue lies in the risk that plants may be unable to complete the required bureaucratic procedures and audits by the end of the current year. Should this occur, the entire volume sold in the next cycle could be left without official backing.
The impact on green certificate issuance
Current regulations provide a significant benefit for projects that secure regulatory approval by December. These entities would be permitted to use invoices issued since the first day of the year as a basis for creating the highly sought-after CGOBs.
However, the late publication of technical parameters has left companies with an extremely tight window to complete all verification stages. This bureaucracy involves complex analyses that threaten to hinder the entry of new players into the system.
Under current rules, biomethane sold in 2026 may not generate CGOBs if plant certification is only completed in 2027, which undermines producer revenue and certificate supply at the start of the program.
This statement was reinforced by industry leaders, who are already seeking understandings with the regulatory body. The primary objective is to safeguard the legal security of the production chain and ensure the complete traceability of renewable gas.
Technology and future market goals
Beyond the documentation challenge, full operationalization depends on the launch of a new digital platform. The system, developed in partnership with Serpro, will be responsible for centralizing the verification of all traded assets.
Simultaneously, the MME is conducting discussions on future decarbonization requirements for the natural gas segment. Initial projections for 2027 point to an emissions reduction target that will require a substantial supply of millions of credits, highlighting the urgency of resolving current bureaucratic hurdles.
