Türkiye has launched an international Biogas Declaration at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), calling on governments to strengthen cooperation and accelerate the sustainable production and use of biogas and biomethane.
Presented during COP31 in Antalya, the declaration outlines priority areas for expanding renewable gas deployment, including investment mobilisation, market integration, emissions mitigation and the development of common certification and measurement frameworks. It is open to endorsement by national governments and aims to strengthen the contribution of biogas to climate action, energy security, organic waste management and rural development.
The initiative was presented at the Türkiye Pavilion during a session involving representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the European Biogas Association (EBA) and Spain’s gas industry association Sedigas.
According to the European Biogas Association, Türkiye’s Deputy Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Nevzat Şatıroğlu, presented the declaration during the official session. Dr Bilal Düzgün, Head of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment at the ministry, subsequently signed it.
Declaration identifies five priorities for expanding renewable gas markets
The Biogas Declaration calls for coordinated action to increase the sustainable production and deployment of biogas and biomethane, recognising their potential to support lower-emission energy systems and improve the management of organic resources.
Its priorities include stimulating demand for renewable gases, improving access to international financing and facilitating the integration of biogas and biomethane into existing gas and transport markets.
The declaration also highlights the need to strengthen greenhouse gas emissions mitigation and develop common methodologies and certification systems. These measures are intended to improve the consistency of emissions accounting, support sustainability assessments and facilitate market development across national boundaries.
Implementation will depend on policies and investment frameworks adapted to individual countries’ circumstances, including their available feedstocks, infrastructure, energy requirements and regulatory systems.
Global biogas potential could reach 1,400 billion cubic metres equivalent by 2050
The declaration draws on the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane, which estimates that sustainable global biogas production potential could reach nearly 1,400 billion cubic metres equivalent (bcme) by 2050.
This would represent approximately 25% of current global natural gas demand. The IEA estimates that emerging market and developing economies account for around 80% of the world’s sustainable biogas production potential.
The resource base includes agricultural residues, animal manure, organic municipal waste and other suitable feedstocks. However, converting this potential into commercial production will require investment in processing facilities, feedstock collection, gas upgrading, distribution infrastructure and supportive policy frameworks.
The IEA also identifies India, China and Brazil among the countries with significant opportunities to expand sustainable biogas production.
Biogas and biomethane linked to waste management and rural development
Beyond energy generation, the declaration highlights the role of biogas systems in connecting renewable energy production with organic waste treatment, nutrient recycling and agricultural activities.
Anaerobic digestion can convert suitable organic materials into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity and heat. After upgrading to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities, biogas can also produce biomethane, a renewable gas that can be used in applications compatible with natural gas infrastructure.
The digestion process produces digestate, which can be processed and used as an organic fertiliser or soil amendment, subject to appropriate quality and safety standards.
These applications could provide additional economic opportunities in rural areas by connecting farmers, agricultural businesses, waste management operators and energy producers.
However, the environmental benefits depend on responsible feedstock sourcing, effective plant operation, methane leakage control and appropriate management of digestate and other residual materials.
UNECE to support follow-up ahead of COP32
The Biogas Declaration will remain open for further endorsement by national governments following COP31.
The UNECE Group of Experts on Gas is expected to support continued engagement with governments and other stakeholders to advance the initiative. Countries endorsing the declaration are expected to reconvene at COP32 to review progress and discuss further action.
The initiative provides an international framework for cooperation on renewable gas development, although its implementation will depend on national policy decisions, financing arrangements and concrete measures to expand sustainable production and consumption.
For the global biogas industry, the declaration places renewable gases more prominently within discussions on climate mitigation, energy security and circular resource management.
