Biogas, bio-CNG and bio-LNG: which rules apply?

From biogas to transport fuel

Biogas comes from biomass, for example through the digestion of manure or organic waste. It can be upgraded to biomethane, also called green gas. Bio-CNG is compressed gas; bio-LNG is liquefied biogas.

The feedstock determines the ERE type. Manure and certain organic waste streams qualify as advanced and can generate ERE-G. Other feedstocks may fall under B, C or O. The word 'biogas' does not establish a category.

CNG supplied through the gas grid

A supplier can deliver CNG to Dutch transport and substantiate the renewable quantity with VertiCer guarantees of origin, known as GvOs in Dutch. These must cover biomethane produced in the Netherlands. The actual supply must be sufficient to cover the certificates used.

The NEa sets specific conditions:

• Gas production is certified under a recognised sustainability scheme.
• No SDE operating subsidy was received for the relevant production.
• The connection serves transport exclusively, or the separate delivery point has the required MID meter.
• The guarantees of origin are transferred to the NEa's VertiCer account before booking.

The emissions value on the guarantee helps determine the number of EREs. For this route, the NEa specifies at least 60% lifecycle emissions saving, increasing to 65% for installations that started from 1 January 2021.

A direct pipeline from the production installation to the refuelling point can also qualify. Appropriate guarantees and measurements are still needed. Producing gas and injecting it into the grid does not, by itself, establish a transport supply by the producer.

Bio-LNG requires physical supply

Since 2026, a supplier can no longer use separate guarantees of origin to make fossil LNG eligible for ERE booking. Physical bio-LNG follows the liquid biofuel rules. These require an authorised booking party, sustainability evidence, a mass balance and proof of the biogenic quantity.

A biomass verification at the production location can, under conditions, support that last requirement. Direct imports also have a specific exception to the normal mass balance requirement for the final storage location. Check the chosen route before the first delivery.

Record the route and destination

Retain the quantity, date, destination and evidence for each supply. For CNG, this includes meter readings and guarantee numbers. For bio-LNG, it includes the physical supply chain and PoS.

Shipping also has sector restrictions: conventional biofuels are excluded from inland shipping; maritime shipping permits only G and O. A biomethane certificate suitable for a CNG station therefore does not establish eligibility for an LNG bunker delivery.