WBA launches online tools to fast-track biogas deployment

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) – the process of turning organic waste into renewable energy, biofertiliser, biogenic carbon dioxide (bioCO₂), and other bioresources valuable to the circular economy – is widely recognised as the most immediately deployable technology to reduce methane emissions.

With backing from the Global Methane Hub, TotalEnergies, and GHD, WBA launched the #MakingBiogasHappen (MBH) program in January 2024.

Drawing on global best practices, the initiative provides governments and regulators with tools to overcome industry barriers and accelerate the deployment of anaerobic digestion at scale.

The launch of MBH comes at a critical moment in the fight against global warming. Reducing human-induced methane emissions is among the most cost-effective ways to slow it down and is essential to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. In 2024, the world exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold for the first time. Yet, with rapid and decisive action, limiting temperature rise and achieving net zero CO₂ by 2050 remains within reach. The rapid development of the biogas industry will help us take a big leap towards this target while also creating green jobs and social benefits worldwide, said Charlotte Morton OBE, Chief Executive at WBA.

The two outputs launched under MBH are:

• The Global Biogas Regulatory Framework (GBRF) – A ready-to-implement set of policies, regulations, and standards designed to guide the rapid development of national biogas industries;
• The International Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS International) – The world’s first global certification scheme for biogas plants, ensuring independently verified safety, environmental, and operational performance.

Broad stakeholder consultation

In developing the GBRF and ADCS International, WBA convened a global network of experts, including plant operators, policymakers, researchers, and farmers.

Their work established a common foundation of best practices and included a standardised life-cycle assessment framework to measure sustainability and efficiency.

The GBRF incorporates successful policy models from around the world, offering governments a shortcut to creating effective frameworks at the national or sub-national level, significantly reducing lead times for project planning, permitting, construction, and investment.

WBA analysis shows that biogas could deliver 50 percent of the Global Methane Pledge – which commits 155 countries to reduce global anthropogenic methane emissions by at least 30 percent below 2020 levels by 2030 – and mitigate 10–13 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the adoption of AD is often hampered by the lack of regulatory clarity and industry standards. The #MakingBiogasHappen programme seeks to address this, said Dr Pradeep Monga, Senior Advisor and Policy Director at WBA.

From development to deployment

With the research phase complete, WBA is now supporting governments and stakeholders to implement the tools:

• GBRF – Rollout will begin in Brazil and India, with adaptation to country-specific conditions guided by national biogas action plans.
• ADCS International – The certification scheme will be localised on a country-by-country basis to align with existing standards and legislation, supporting compliance and accountability.