Engie strengthens its biomethane presence in Belgium with plant acquisition

French energy giant Engie recently announced the acquisition of a biomethane plant in Bree, Belgium, with an annual production capacity of 68 GWh. The move is part of Engie's strategic goal to produce 10 TWh of biomethane per year in Europe. The Bree plant has been in operation since 2013 and produces heat and electricity through combined heat and power from biogas.

Starting in October 2024, the Bree plant is undergoing a transformation to become the first plant in Belgium capable of injecting biomethane into the local natural gas network. The transformation is expected to provide enough energy to meet the annual consumption needs of approximately 6,000 households.

Cécile Prévieu, Engie's executive vice president for network activities, said the acquisition reflects the company's commitment to accelerate its renewable gas strategy. She noted that the acquisition will strengthen Engie's market position as it establishes a foothold in the production of biomethane in the fourth European country, which is renewable and locally sourced.

The acquisition marks Engie’s entry into the Belgian biomethane sector and is in line with the company’s recent investments in the Netherlands and the UK. These strategic moves are aimed at developing a comprehensive European biomethane production platform and accelerating development in this important sector.

Engie is a leader in the European biomethane market, operating 22 plants in France, 2 in the Netherlands and 4 in the UK, which together have an annual production capacity of 1 TWh. The company has an ambitious goal to expand production capacity to 10 TWh per year.

Prévieu stressed that green gas plays a key role in supporting the energy transition and promoting decarbonization efforts across Europe. By entering another growing market for biomethane production, Engie not only strengthens its competitive position but also plays a vital role in driving renewable energy initiatives in the region.

Overall, Engie’s acquisition of the Bree biomethane plant marks an important step forward in expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The company is committed to promoting sustainable energy solutions and building a strong presence in the biomethane sector, thereby contributing to the broader goals of energy transition and carbon reduction across Europe.