Getting Biomethane out of the Shadow - a Framework Analysis in Portugal and Brazil

Biogas and Biomethane are low-carbon, accessible and efficient renewable gases, but they are often excluded from political discussion and marginalised in decision-making. International energy agencies and sector associations have been warning for several years about the potential of biomethane, but measures for promotion, support policies and actions, are uneven among different countries. Although, biomethane is considered a relevant option in the decarbonisation of gas networks and the substitution of fossil fuels, namely for non-electrifiable uses, Portugal, and Brazil, have been laggards in promoting these gases. We were interested in understanding the biomethane context in the political, regulatory, and strategic dimensions that could justify this state of affairs. This study has made it possible to determine the similarities and differences in the regulatory and legal framework between the two countries. It also enabled to acknowledge the existing business models that emerge from the current environmental restrictions in the international context of political instability surrounding NG and the critical variables for business, particularly those referring to the injection of biomethane into the natural gas (NG) network. It also allowed to identify the constrains, opportunities and challenges, which need to be addressed to bring biomethane to the frontline with other renewable energies.