Biomethane is a flexible and easily storable fuel that can be used wherever natural gas is used without the need to change any settings on equipment designed to use natural gas. In regions where a natural gas grid already exists, there is a ready-made system for the distribution of biomethane. In chapter 16 of the Biogas Handbook, Ecologic Institute's Dr. Wolfgang Urban briefly introduces the legal framework and technical standards of biomethane feed-in to the German gas network.

The chapter furthermore describes the different subsidy schemes and reliefs to encourage biomethane production or utilization; and the different available options for biomethane feed-in and feed-in facilities. It also looks at one of the most challenging aspects of biomethane feed-in – costs and energy efficiency – and outlines several options for improvement.

The Biogas Handbook: Science, Production and Applications

The "Biogas Handbook: Science, Production and Applications" provides a comprehensive and systematic guide to the development and deployment of biogas supply chains and technology. Following a concise overview of biogas as an energy option, part one explores biomass resources and fundamental science and engineering of biogas production. Plant design, engineering, process optimisation and digestate utilization are the focus of part two. Finally, part three discusses international experience and best practice in biogas utilization, including a review of market development and biomethane certification schemes.