Opportunities for Biogas in Mexico – Experiences from Germany

On November 24, the forum “Opportunities for Biogas in Mexico – Experiences from Germany” was held at the Ministry of Energy (SENER), a space aimed at strengthening energy cooperation between Mexico and Germany and promoting the exchange of knowledge on the sustainable use of biogas.

The event was jointly organized by the Mexican-German Energy Partnership of GIZ Mexico and SENER, and featured experts from the German Energy Agency (DENA) and the German Biogas Association. The forum was inaugurated by Jorge Marcial Islas Samperio, Undersecretary for Planning and Energy Transition, along with representatives from the German Embassy in Mexico. Around 40 participants from the public and private energy sectors attended.

During the opening session, speakers emphasized that biogas plays a strategic role in the global energy transition due to its flexibility, storage capacity, and potential to strengthen energy security. Germany shared its experience, noting that nearly 10,000 biogas plants are currently in operation with a combined capacity of 6 GW, used primarily for electricity and heat generation.

The agenda included presentations on:

1. An overview of bioenergy and distinctions between biogas and biomethane.
2. The current state of bioenergy in Mexico, presented by SENER.
3. Progress on the National Assessment of the Production and Use Potential of Biomethane in Mexico, led by the IDEA/ICM project.
4. European legislation and sustainability requirements applicable to biogas production, presented by the German Biogas Association.
5. Technical challenges related to manure fermentation, explained by DENA experts.
6. Technical and regulatory requirements for injecting biomethane into natural gas grids.

This exchange made it possible to deepen the understanding of biogas opportunities in Mexico, both for emissions reduction and for strengthening the national energy sector.

The Mexican-German Energy Partnership, a project commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, reaffirms its commitment to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to the energy transition in both countries.