The newly released Preliminary Sustainability Assessment and Eco-Design modelling (D3.3) marks a major step in understanding the environmental and social performance of BIOMETHAVERSE’s five innovative biomethane pathways. Even at this early stage, the findings point to a strong potential for reducing emissions and fossil energy use, especially when powered by renewable electricity.
Using a combined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Social LCA (S-LCA) framework developed by ENEA, the study analyses the full biomethane value chain — from feedstock to production — and examines factors such as efficiency, carbon conversion, social acceptance, and employment.
Results highlight high efficiency for the Greek thermochemical methanation pathway (ETM) and confirm that electricity sourcing is a key driver of sustainability across technologies. The S-LCA also identifies social opportunities and potential risks to guide future project actions.
The findings are preliminary but provide a solid baseline for optimisation and validation as pilot data become available in the next project phase.
