ABiogás endorses the new Biogas Declaration presented at COP31. The document seeks to harmonize global methodologies and promote international trade in biomethane, solidifying the sector as a strategic pillar for the energy transition and global decarbonization.
The push for a low‑carbon economy received a significant boost at COP31, held in Antalya, Turkey. The ABiogás (Brazilian Association of Biogas and Biomethane) formally expressed its support for the Biogas Declaration, a strategic document aimed at aligning international efforts to accelerate the adoption of renewable energies derived from organic waste.
The announcement, made in the event’s Blue Zone, featured the coordination of global leaders, including UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) and EBA (European Biogas Association). The initiative underscores that biogas and biomethane are essential tools for energy security and for mitigating methane emissions, one of today’s greatest climate challenges.
Global harmonization for the biomethane market
A highlight of the document is the proposal to establish uniform technical criteria for life‑cycle assessment (LCA) and origin‑verification systems. For Brazil, which already has a regulatory framework for biomethane, this integration opens crucial doors for exporting green credits and fuel.
Josiani Napolitano, executive president of ABiogás, states:
Brazil has already regulated the biomethane origin‑verification certificate. What we are advocating now is that this certificate be recognized in other markets and that buyers can compare the carbon intensity of biomethane against common criteria.
The role of biofuel in the circular economy
Beyond energy production, the declaration highlights the full utilization of inputs. Converting organic waste into energy not only prevents methane from entering the atmosphere but also allows the capture of biogenic CO₂, which can be converted into synthetic fuels such as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel).
Another key pillar is the use of digestate as an organic fertilizer. This practice closes the loop by returning vital nutrients to the soil, strengthening the sustainability of Brazil’s sugar‑energy sector and agribusiness. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global potential remains underutilized, leaving room for biogas to account for a significant share of the world’s natural gas demand by 2050.
Perspectives and Next Steps
The clean energy sector in Brazil is experiencing rapid expansion. With an 89% increase in biomethane production in just one year, the country positions itself as one of the world’s largest players in the transition to a renewable mix. Adopting the COP31 declaration is the decisive step to have this production capacity recognized internationally.
The expected impact is the full integration of national climate policies with international guidelines. By advocating for the harmonization of standards and the inclusion of biogas in strategic energy plans, ABiogás is paving the way for Brazil not only to reduce its own emissions but also to become a global supplier of low‑carbon, sustainable solutions, setting the stage for goals ahead of COP32.