This week, the European Commission presented a €1.85tn recovery plan. According to the Commission, the recovery plan, along with a revamped EU budget, provides the instruments to build a modern, clean and healthy economy.

The Commission is proposing to create a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EU (€750bn), and also unveiled its adjusted work programme for 2020.

Speaking about the plan, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said: “The recovery plan turns the immense challenge we face into an opportunity, not only by supporting the recovery but also by investing in our future: the European Green Deal and digitalisation will boost jobs and growth, the resilience of our societies and the health of our environment.”

Green deal

In a statement, the Commission said: “Relaunching the economy does not mean going back to the status quo before the crisis, but bouncing forward. We must repair the short-term damage from the crisis in a way that also invests in our long-term future.”

The EU recovery plan focuses on EU Green Deal initiatives, including renewable and decarbonised gases, as well as clean and sustainable mobility and the circular economy.

The European Biogas Association (EBA) also welcomed the Commission proposal for an EU recovery plan, noting that the proposal includes crucial support for the biogas industry.

In a statement, the EBA sai: “The recovery plan proposed by the European Commission will be determinant to ensure there is not a step back in the path towards climate-neutrality.

"The COVID-19 crisis is seriously affecting renewable energy industries, which are a key pillar for the decarbonisation of our economy.

"Biogas and biomethane are an optimal solution for the fast and deep decarbonisation of multiple sectors of our economy, including heating, transport and energy.”

Green gas

According to the EBA, the scale-up of renewable gas in Europe will be essential to guarantee a faster deployment of renewable energy supply across the region.

The EBA stated that green gases facilitate unique synergies with the circular economy and the bioeconomy, and provide green jobs.

By 2050, the production of biomethane from anaerobic digestion and thermal gasification could create 452,000 direct jobs and 600,000 indirect jobs, the EBA claimed.

“Our industry will need all possible support to maintain its firm commitment to the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient EU,” the EBA said.

It will be also key to balance the electricity system, by ensuring energy storage.

The statement was also welcomed by Irish bodies, including the Renewable Gas Forum of Ireland.