Taastuvgaaside

Taastuvgaaside (Estonian for renewable gases) is a term used to describe a category of gases produced from renewable energy sources or renewable feedstocks intended to replace fossil natural gas in energy systems. The main types include biogas upgraded to biomethane suitable for injection into natural gas networks; renewable hydrogen produced by electrolysis using renewable electricity; and synthetic methane produced via power-to-gas processes by combining hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide.

Power-to-gas technologies store excess renewable electricity by converting it into methane or other methane-like fuels, enabling long-term storage and use in existing gas infrastructure. These gases can be distributed through current gas networks and used for heating, electricity generation, and as transport fuels, including renewable methane and hydrogen blends.

Environmental and energy benefits include potential lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions and the ability to decarbonize sectors that rely on gas. However, challenges remain, such as production costs, feedstock sustainability, methane leakage risks, and the need for standards, certification schemes, and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Policy and market development are advancing in Europe, with initiatives to integrate renewable gases into energy systems, ensure gas-quality and safety standards, and align incentives with decarbonization goals. While adoption varies by country, renewable gases are increasingly viewed as a key component of a flexible, low-carbon energy mix that leverages existing infrastructure while enabling greater use of renewable energy.