The European Renewable Energy Directive is evolving! After the implementation of the RED II certification, guaranteeing strict sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria for biofuels and biogas, the European Union has adopted the RED III directive. This new regulation strengthens climate ambitions and imposes increased requirements on renewable energy producers, including those in the methanisation sector.

What is RED III certification?

Published in November 2023 under Directive 2023/2413, RED III aims to accelerate the energy transition by increasing the share of renewable energy to 42.5% of gross final consumption by 2030 , with an additional target of 2.5% to reach 45%.

In the methanization sector, this directive implies:

• A strengthening of sustainability criteria for raw materials used in the production of biomethane.

• Further reduction in greenhouse gas emissions , with stricter thresholds to ensure better environmental performance.

• New traceability and certification requirements to ensure the compliance of production units with European standards.

Impacts on biomethane producers

Methane operators will have to adapt to the new requirements of RED III, in particular by improving the carbon footprint of their installations and proving the sustainability of their inputs. Voluntary certifications such as SURE (Sustainable Resources Verification Scheme) are currently aligning themselves with these new requirements and preparing their assessment criteria accordingly.

Furthermore, compliance with RED III will be mandatory to access subsidies and feed-in tariffs for biomethane in several EU Member States. Producers therefore have every interest in anticipating these regulatory developments to avoid administrative blockages or financial losses.

When will RED III be implemented?

The RED III Directive entered into force in 2023, but Member States have until May 2025 to transpose it into their national legislation. This transition period is crucial for methanisation players, who must prepare for the new standards now.

How to prepare?

1. Monitor regulatory developments : Producers must keep informed of updates to RED III and the national directives that will result from it.

2. Contact certification bodies : Certifications such as ISCC, SURE or REDcert will help ensure compliance with the directive.

3. Optimizing environmental performance : Reducing emissions, choosing raw materials, improving yields... all these actions will help anticipate the increased requirements of RED III.

Conclusion

RED III certification marks a new step in the energy transition in Europe. For methanisation players, it represents a challenge but also an opportunity to improve their environmental impact and ensure their access to biomethane markets. Anticipating and adapting now is the key to remaining competitive in a rapidly changing sector.