Global Growth in Biomethane Production Contrasts with Africa's Stagnation in Energy Transition

The Global Gas Report 2025 highlights a significant increase in global biomethane production, which reached 9.6 billion cubic meters in 2024, growing at an annual average of 14% until 2040. It also notes that carbon capture capacity could rise dramatically by 2030. Despite these advancements, Africa lacks major biomethane and CCUS projects, hindered by a lack of regulatory frameworks and funding. Experts emphasize the urgent need for African nations to establish clear regulations and mobilize financing to initiate pilot projects and avoid being relegated to conventional gas supply roles.

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Published Sep 22, 2025

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According to the Global Gas Report 2025, released on September 10, 2025, by the International Gas Union in collaboration with Rystad Energy, the biomethane sector is witnessing rapid expansion. Global biomethane production reached an impressive 9.6 billion cubic meters in 2024, a sevenfold increase since 2014, and is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 14% through 2040. Furthermore, the capacity for carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) is expected to soar from 79 million tonnes per annum in 2025 to 577 million tonnes by 2030, driven by significant projects that have reached the final investment decision stage.

The report identifies biomethane as the most promising low-carbon gas, thanks to mature production technologies that seamlessly integrate with existing gas infrastructure. However, despite this global momentum, Africa lags behind, with no major industrial biomethane or CCUS projects recorded on the continent. Current initiatives remain limited to isolated announcements, and funding continues to flow predominantly into liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil-gas exploration.

The absence of suitable regulatory frameworks and incentives hampers the launch of large-scale projects, leaving Africa at risk of being confined to the role of a conventional gas supplier as international standards increasingly pivot toward biomethane and CCUS solutions. Recent studies, including the "Outlook for Biogas and Biomethane" by the International Energy Agency and the African Carbon Support Facility initiative by the African Development Bank, stress the urgency for African countries to adopt clear regulations and mobilize financing. This is essential for quickly launching pilot projects that can integrate Africa into this emerging energy landscape.