Engie Enhances Biomethane Operations in Belgium with Plant Acquisition

Engie, the French energy giant, has recently announced its acquisition of a biomethane plant located in Bree, Belgium, which has an annual production capacity of 68 GWh. This move is part of Engie's strategic objective to produce 10 TWh of biomethane each year across Europe. The Bree facility has been operational since 2013, generating both heat and electricity through cogeneration utilizing biogas.

Starting this month (October 2024), the Bree plant will undergo modifications to become the first in Belgium capable of injecting biomethane into the local gas network. This enhancement is expected to provide enough energy to meet the annual consumption needs of around 6,000 households.

Cécile Prévieu, Engie’s Executive Vice-President responsible for Networks activities, stated that this acquisition exemplifies the company's commitment to accelerating its strategy for renewable gases. She noted that it strengthens Engie's market position by establishing a foothold in a fourth European country for biomethane production, which is renewable and locally sourced.

This acquisition marks Engie's entry into the Belgian biomethane sector, aligning with the company's recent investments in the Netherlands and the UK. These strategic moves are aimed at developing a comprehensive European production platform for biomethane and expediting the growth of this important sector.

Engie positions itself as a leader in the European biomethane market, operating twenty-two plants in France, two in the Netherlands, and four in the UK, which collectively provide an annual production capacity of 1 TWh. The company's ambitious target is to scale this capacity to 10 TWh annually.

Prévieu emphasized the critical role of green gases in supporting the energy transition and facilitating the decarbonization efforts across Europe. By entering another growing market for biomethane production, Engie not only strengthens its competitive stance but also plays a vital role in advancing renewable energy initiatives within the region.

Overall, Engie's acquisition of the Bree biomethane plant signifies a meaningful step toward expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The company is dedicated to promoting sustainable energy solutions and establishing a strong presence in the biomethane sector, thereby contributing to the broader goals of energy transition and carbon emission reduction throughout Europe.