A research by World Biogas Association
Globally, humans produce over 105 billion tonnes of organic waste each year from food waste, animal manures and slurries, crop residues and human sewage. Currently, only 2 per cent of these organic wastes undergo treatment.
Left untreated, these wastes release methane, a short-lived greenhouse gas that is 86 times more potent than CO2 over 20 years, significantly contributing to climate change. Untreated waste also pollutes rivers and oceans, harms the biodiversity they support and disrupts essential weather patterns, further intensifying climate change.
Capturing and recycling organic wastes is, therefore, critical to meeting the Global Methane Pledge and other climate commitments. At full potential, Anaerobic Digestion (AD) can deliver half of the Global Methane Pledge, avoid nearly 0.15°C of global warming and cut Global Greenhouse Gas emissions by 11 per cent by 2030.
To reach this potential, significant accelerated growth of the biogas industry is required. To catalyse global action, WBA launched its groundbreaking #MakingBiogasHappen programme in 2024, with support from the Global Methane Hub (GMH), TotalEnergies and GHD, along with legal advisors at DLA Piper. In January, WBA delivered phase 1 of the programme:
Global Biogas Regulatory Framework (GBRF): a comprehensive regulatory framework encompassing the necessary policies, regulations and standards for creating a high-performing biogas industry. The framework can be adapted by any country to address challenges and grow the industry at a national, State, or local level.
Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS) International: which the world’s first biogas
specific international certification scheme. The scheme sets the minimum health and safety, environmental and operational standards for AD facilities. It also aims to incentivise the plant operators by increasing revenue through maximising operational efficiency. WBA has entered phase 2 of the programme which aims to implement the #MakingBiogasHappen programme, translating these tools into stale-level action plans.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding between WBA and the Department of New and Renewable Energy in Madhya Pradesh, we are collaborating to create a Biogas Action Plan which will provide a practical roadmap for sustainable and achievable growth of the biogas sector.
This Action Plan will serve as a blueprint on how these tools can be used. They will include: We will work in partnership with State Government to implement the tools from phase 1 (GBRF and ADCS) to create Biogas Action Plans which will help support growth of the industry by:Translating GBRF into state-level policy and regulatory recommendations that create an enabling environment for investment. Modelling the supply chain.
Modelling of skills needs to identify opportunities for capacity building and job creation. Technology benchmarking to support adoption of efficient and high-performing technology. A clear roadmap for implementation.
Adapting ADCS International certification to India context maximising revenue and ensuring the industry is built safely and sustainably. These Action plans will be developed in close consultation with industry to ensure alignment of priorities.
Why do Countries/States need action plans?
A detailed action plan that has taken a consultative approach will: Provide policy and regulatory coherence. Alignment with other departments/industries. Biogas is not only an energy solution, but also requires alignment with agriculture, waste management, circular economy, water management. etc policies. Unlock investment by providing clarity and signalling Government’s commitment to biogas.
Provide a clear pathway for action, enabling implementation of policies and regulations. Provide stakeholder buy-in, promoting collaboration and shared ownership. lEnable monitoring, evaluation, and accountability - ensuring the action plan can adapt to evolving needs.