Paris, France, May 22, 2024 – Air Liquide has recently adopted a proactive approach to the sustainable production of biomethane by publishing an internal charter developed in collaboration with WWF France and various industry experts. This charter, which goes beyond current regulations, commits the Group to measure and track its progress towards more sustainable production while contributing to the development of a global production framework.
Biogas, produced by the decomposition of organic waste, has the potential to play a key role in the energy transition, with production expected to quadruple by 2030. Its production through anaerobic digestion yields biomethane and biogenic CO2, which can be captured for later use, as well as natural fertilizers. This approach sits at the intersection of renewable energy production, waste management, and agriculture, with beneficial effects on climate, air, water, and soil quality.
Air Liquide is committed to a continuous improvement process to limit the potential environmental impacts of biomethane production. In partnership with WWF France and experts from the industry and academia, the Group has designed a sustainability assessment methodology based on four pillars:
1. **Energy transition**: Maximize the efficiency of facilities and promote the use of renewable and low-carbon energies.
2. **Agroecological practices**: Reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and diversify agriculture.
3. **Benefits for local ecosystems and circular economy**: Minimize competition between human and animal food, promote local sourcing of raw materials, and use digestate in crops.
4. **Biodiversity preservation and environmental risk prevention**: Help farmers and other stakeholders adopt industrial standards for safety and monitoring effects on soil, water, and air.
Thanks to this collaboration, Air Liquide now has integrated sustainability performance indicators in its investment governance and a clear roadmap for the development of its projects. A summary of the key lessons from this collaboration is available on biogas-solutions.airliquide.com, providing a lever for sustainable practices in the biogas industry and a starting point for new discussions with the entire ecosystem.
Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee overseeing innovation and Biogas Solutions activities, stated: “The success of the energy transition requires joint efforts and shared standards on a global scale. With its 30 years of expertise in biomethane technologies and its unique position across its entire value chain, Air Liquide is committed to playing a leading role in the development of sustainable biomethane production, for its own production and for the benefit of the entire ecosystem.”
Marie-Christine Korniloff, Deputy Director for the Economic World at WWF France, added: “We commend Air Liquide’s proactive approach and its commitment to go beyond existing regulations to progress towards more sustainable biomethane production. This partnership illustrates WWF France’s commitment to contributing concretely to a sustainable expansion of renewable energies: by using the most holistic approach at our disposal, we help economic actors develop and apply robust sustainability criteria.”