Overview of biomethane markets and regulations ... - Green Gas Grids

certificate scheme are considered to be less attractive for biogas and biomethane
producers.
Biogas and biomethane producers also benefit from measures such as
n Exemption from energy and carbon dioxide tax for CO2neutral
fuels and for vegetable and animal oils and fats
and biogas as a heating fuel implemented in 1991, up to
the end of 2013,
n Government directives on procurement of
environmentally friendly cars, implemented in 2005
n Requirement of retailers to sell at least one renewable
motor fuel implemented in 2006,
n 5 years exemption from vehicle tax for environmental
cars (meaning vehicles emitting below 120 g CO2),
implemented in 2010,
n 40% reduction in the amount of fringe benefit in the
income tax for environmental friendly cars using
electricity or gas as fuel, implemented in 2010 and
finishing in the end of 2012.
Several investment programs, e.g. the Local Investment Programmes (LIP) (1998-
2002), the Climate Investment Programme (KLIMP) (2003-2008), and the Grant
Programme for sustainable urban development (2009-2010) enabled municipalities
and other local actors to receive grants for long-term investments that reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
There have been investment programmes for biogas production plants (2009-2011)
which supported the generation, distribution and use of biogas and other renewable
gases for the purpose of new technology development. Aid for farm-based biogas
production from manure is included within the framework of Landbygdsprogrammet
(Rural Development Programme). Between 2009 and 2013 SEK 200 million has
been allocated for investments linked to this type of biogas generation. However,
since these programmes will expire in the coming years, from the perspective of
future project development, a political sign is required to encourage investments in
biogas projects.
Certification
The Swedish company FordonsGas Sverige sells vehicle gas and guarantees at least
50 % biomethane. Gas is certified by the Nordic Eco-labelling "the Swan". The label
sets requirements e.g. for maximum carbon emissions, sustainable production of
raw materials, and the quality of the produced fuel. There is no other third party
certification scheme in Sweden. To uphold the EU sustainability directive, the new
accounting system for reimbursement of the excise tax of biofuels will in a way
represent a certification of the biomethane sold in Sweden. All distribution
companies have guarantees to the effect stating minimum 50 % of the publically
sold vehicle gas should be renewable.
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