Lombardy Leads in Biomethane Projects: Pioneering Renewable Gas Initiatives
Italy is making significant strides in its biomethane production projects, with numerous plants under construction and set to become operational by mid to late 2026. These projects, aimed at contributing to Italy's renewable energy targets, face both opportunities and challenges as they navigate tight timelines and regulatory changes.
Leading the way is CycleØ, who announced in June 2025 their plans to construct a biomethane plant in Pontinia, Lazio. Operated and fully financed by the company, the plant is expected to produce around 4 million cubic meters of biomethane per year. Anaergia, another key player, is involved in several projects, including seven biomethane plants scheduled for completion by mid-2026, supplying renewable biomethane to Italy's gas grid. They are also constructing Italy’s first co-digestion biomethane plant in Livorno, which will combine source-separated organics with wastewater sludge, with full commissioning expected by December 2026.
However, these projects face a crucial challenge in meeting the deadlines set by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The PNRR provides substantial economic support to boost biomethane production projects, but these funds have an expiration date around June 2026. There is concern that the tight timeline until mid-2026 or end-2026 for project commissioning may risk the ability to fully access these incentives.
To further complicate matters, a revised regulatory framework for grid connection is expected by the end of 2025. This could potentially impact investments and project feasibility in renewables, including biomethane. The lack of a decree on the path ahead after 2026 could also potentially block planning and industry growth in biomethane production.
Despite these challenges, Italy's biomethane production ambitions under the PNRR remain strong. Regions such as Lombardy, the leading region with 192 selected projects for the development of biomethane technology, and Veneto, with 78 projects, are at the forefront of this drive. The first biomethane production plant incentivized with PNRR funds was inaugurated on November 30, 2022.
The European Parliament has requested an 18-month extension for PNRR projects, which, if granted, could provide a reprieve for projects facing tight deadlines. As the regulatory landscape evolves, Italy's biomethane production projects will continue to shape the country's renewable energy future.
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- The tight timelines and regulatory changes, as outlined in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), present significant technical challenges for the biomethane production projects underway in Italy.
- With the European Parliament considering an 18-month extension for PNRR projects, some of the technical difficulties faced by biomethane production projects in meeting their deadlines could potentially be alleviated.
