ENGIE has announced the acquisition of its first biomethane production facility in Belgium, further enhancing its biomethane production capacity in Europe. This strategic move follows recent acquisitions in the Netherlands and England, aligning with ENGIE's goal to establish a robust European production platform for biomethane.
The newly acquired plant, located in Bree, Flemish region, has been operational since 2013, generating heat and electricity through cogeneration from biogas. It is set to become the first facility in Belgium to transition to biomethane injection into the local gas network by October 2024. The plant will have an annual biomethane production capacity of 68 GWh, sufficient to supply approximately 6,000 households.
ENGIE is a leader in biomethane development in Europe, boasting an annual production capacity exceeding 1 TWh from 22 facilities in France, two in the Netherlands, and four in the UK. This acquisition marks a significant entry into the Belgian biomethane market, a region where ENGIE has a historical presence, serving 2.7 million customers.
Cécile Prévieu, executive vice president overseeing ENGIE's Networks activities, stated that the acquisition exemplifies the company's accelerated strategy in renewable gases, which are crucial for the energy transition and the decarbonization of the European economy. She added that this move reinforces ENGIE's position in a fourth growth country for biomethane production, emphasizing the importance of local renewable energy sources.