Thinking about hard-to-electrify operations? Think Renewable Gas.
Biomethane is a low emissions renewable gas that is being explored as a potential pathway to support emissions reduction over time, as production and supply develop in Australia.
Why Renewable Gas matters for the Commercial and Industrial sector?
Many commercial and industrial operations rely on gas for high temperature, continuous or specialised processes that are difficult to electrify.
Biomethane is produced by upgrading biogas generated through anaerobic digestion of organic materials such as food waste, wastewater and agricultural residues. Once refined, biomethane can meet the specifications required for use in gas networks and existing equipment.
However, deploying biomethane at scale requires dedicated production facilities, infrastructure investment and sufficient supply. While international markets demonstrate commercial use, the industry in Australia is still in its early stages and continues to develop.
As policy frameworks and project development progress, biomethane could become an additional pathway to support emissions reduction for gas reliant industries - alongside electrification, efficiency improvements and other technologies.
Renewable Gas could create opportunities for the sector over time
Supporting regional economic activity
Project development may create jobs and support regional industries over time.
Using existing infrastructure
Biomethane may be compatible with existing gas infrastructure where supply becomes available.
Future energy options for industry
Biomethane may provide an additional low emissions energy option alongside other transition pathways.
The role of Renewable Gas in the energy transition
Decarbonising industrial energy use will likely require a mix of technologies. Biomethane is increasingly recognised as a potential complementary energy option, particularly in applications where electrification may be complex.
Renewable Gas Projects in Action
The development of a biomethane industry in Australia is in its early stages. However, there is growing interest supported by available organic feedstocks, existing gas infrastructure, and emerging policy frameworks. Demonstration projects, such as the Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant, are helping to test feasibility and build industry knowledge.
Malabar Biomethane Plant
This project demonstrates biomethane production and injection into the gas network in Australia, providing operational insights into how renewable gas can be integrated locally.
Australia’s Renewable Gas project pipeline
Projects across Australia are exploring the potential for biomethane production and supply, contributing to the development of the sector.
Established renewable gas markets overseas
Renewable gas industries in Europe, the UK and the United States demonstrate large-scale deployment and established market participation.What's happening in the Renewable Gas policy space?
Certification schemes and government policies play an important role in supporting the development of renewable gas in Australia.
GreenPower Renewable Gas Certification
GreenPower enables businesses to purchase renewable gas certificates to match their gas use with certified biomethane. This helps support renewable gas production and may contribute to emissions reduction where electrification is not feasible.
Blunomy Report
This report outlines the potential for biomethane to support emissions reduction in Australian industry and highlights the conditions required for market development, including policy support and investment.
NSW Renewable Fuel Strategy
The NSW Renewable Fuel Strategy outlines actions to support the development and adoption of renewable fuels such as biomethane and renewable hydrogen. It includes funding initiatives, policy frameworks and market development activities aimed at reducing emissions and supporting regional economies.
News & Research
Renewable gas: helping to pave a decarbonisation pathway for Australia’s heavy industries
ISC Case Study on Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant: A new approach to circular resource management and energy generation in Australia
Australia’s heavy industries are ready to decarbonise-let’s make it easier for them
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