Denmark’s Biogas Boom Is Redrawing Europe’s Gas Grid

A massive Danish biomethane plant shows how renewable gas can scale fast by plugging straight into Europe’s existing gas grids

6 Feb 2026

Europe’s energy transition is often linked to wind turbines and solar panels, but a large biogas plant in southern Denmark is offering a quieter alternative by feeding renewable gas into the national grid.

The Tønder Biogas facility, supplied by agricultural manure and organic residues, is producing biomethane that is injected directly into Denmark’s gas system. The gas can be used by households and industry without changes to pipes or appliances, replacing fossil gas within existing infrastructure.

The plant first delivered biomethane in late 2022 and reached full commercial operation in 2025. At capacity, it processes close to 1mn tonnes of waste a year and produces about 41mn cubic metres of biomethane, a volume large enough to have an impact beyond the local area.

Its development comes as European governments face pressure to cut emissions quickly while limiting disruption to energy systems. Biomethane is seen as one of the few low-carbon options that can be deployed at speed, particularly for heating and industrial use where electrification is slower.

The Nordic Investment Bank, which supported the project, has described Tønder as evidence that renewable gas can operate at infrastructure scale. Developers such as Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners say larger, centralised plants help lower costs, stabilise output and make projects easier to finance.

Supporters also point to benefits outside the energy system. Farmers gain a regular outlet for manure, reducing methane leaks and local pollution. Municipalities see improved waste treatment. Consumers receive lower-carbon gas without changing daily behaviour.

Biogas still faces constraints. Securing enough feedstock, transporting waste efficiently and providing long-term policy support remain challenges. Supply can also vary, limiting how far biomethane can substitute for fossil gas on its own.

Even so, projects such as Tønder suggest a shift in how renewable gas is viewed. Once treated mainly as a niche waste solution, biomethane is increasingly being positioned as a complement to wind and solar as Europe looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.