The Ministry of Mines and Energy outlines new targets for biomethane, aiming to drive the decarbonization of the natural gas sector by 2030.
The Brazilian energy landscape is advancing toward a more sustainable future. The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has introduced a proposal aimed at increasing the share of biomethane in the natural gas market.
The initiative establishes a progressive mandate designed to raise the percentage of renewable gas consumed.
The proposal signals a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, a topic of growing importance for the global energy transition.
The outlined trajectory seeks to provide security and predictability for investors and producers in the sector.
Targets and Trajectory for Biomethane
The main guideline presented by the MME is an increase in the decarbonization mandate for natural gas, which is set to rise from the current 0.5% to 1% in 2027.
This percentage represents a significant volume of biomethane to be integrated into the market.
In addition, the ministry has mapped out a growth curve for the following years: 3% in 2028, 4% in 2029, and reaching 5% in 2030.
This gradual climb aims to stimulate both the production and use of biomethane.
Challenges and Sector Expectations
While representing progress, the 2027 target fell short of the expectations of the productive sector.
The Brazilian Association of Biogas and Biomethane (ABiogás) had advocated for a faster schedule, proposing 1.5% as early as 2027 and a projection of 5% to 7% within five years.
The sector’s argument is clear: predictability is crucial for the viability of investments in biomethane plants, whose development cycle can take years.
The sector argues:
Because the investment decision-making process for a biomethane plant is not a 12-month process. It is a process that sometimes takes three or four years, to identify where to build the plant, handle permitting, and so on. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense not to have a clear perspective of what this ramp-up will be.
Next Steps and Impact
The MME proposal will now enter a public consultation period, allowing the industry and civil society to submit their contributions.
The targets, currently indicative in nature, may be reviewed annually by the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) following a regulatory impact assessment.
This government move is an important step toward consolidating biomethane as an essential vector in Brazil’s decarbonization strategy, aligning the country with global trends in clean energy and the circular economy.
