E-Methane Emerges as Key Player in Energy Transition, Says Study Commissioned by GasTerra and Gasunie

E-Methane Emerges as Key Player in Energy Transition, Says Study Commissioned by GasTerra and Gasunie

(IN BRIEF) A new study by Roland Berger, commissioned by GasTerra and Gasunie, highlights the potential of e-methane as a viable and infrastructure-ready solution to support the Netherlands’ energy transition. Produced from green hydrogen and CO₂, e-methane can be fed into the existing gas network without modification, making it a cost-efficient and realistic option for hard-to-electrify sectors. While the report confirms that hydrogen and other green carriers will also be essential, it urges collaboration across industries to scale up e-methane production, improve DAC technology, and foster supportive regulation for long-term deployment.

(PRESS RELEASE) GRONINGEN, 17-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Electro-methane (e-methane) is poised to play a significant role in supporting the Netherlands’ journey toward a CO₂-neutral energy future, according to an independent study by consultancy Roland Berger. Commissioned by GasTerra and Gasunie, the study outlines how e-methane could complement hydrogen and other green energy carriers by offering a scalable, infrastructure-ready solution for sectors where electrification remains a challenge.

E-methane, produced by combining green hydrogen with CO₂ captured from biomass or through Direct Air Capture (DAC), offers compatibility with existing gas networks, enabling immediate use without the need for new infrastructure or end-user adaptations. The study’s comparative analysis of renewable energy carriers—including biomethane, hydrogen, LOHC, ammonia, and methanol—assesses key factors such as costs, emissions, safety, land use, and transport viability across the full value chain.

GasTerra CFO Flip van Koten emphasized the importance of maintaining multiple options in the transition to net-zero emissions: “The energy transition is uncertain in its trajectory, and we need to explore all viable paths. E-methane provides an effective route to cut emissions in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize.”

Hans Coenen, Executive Board Member at Gasunie, added, “The ability to inject e-methane directly into the existing gas infrastructure offers a highly efficient and realistic alternative to fossil gas. For certain applications, it will be the most cost-effective solution.”

The study points to e-methane’s strong potential in sectors such as industrial process heat, residential heating, and centralized electricity production—where the energy carrier’s chemical compatibility and transportability offer critical advantages.

However, further development is needed to unlock its full potential. Scaling up production, reducing costs, and increasing access to sustainable CO₂ sources, particularly through DAC, remain key challenges. Policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders are urged to collaborate to stimulate innovation and investment in e-methane technology and regulation.

“Joint action across the energy value chain is essential,” said van Koten. “We need to accelerate research and incentivize large-scale deployment to secure e-methane’s role in our future energy system.”

E-methane feasibility report.pdf

Media Contact:

Arjen Snoekc
Tel. +31-(0)6-26032004
arjen.snoekc@gasterra.nl

SOURCE: GasTerra