IEA releases a global tool for assessing biogas resource potential

What changed

The IEA introduced a global mapping tool for sustainable biogas and biomethane potential. It provides a resource-screening perspective across different feedstock groups.

Relevance to Indian projects

Our interpretation: use such tools to guide an initial regional review. They do not replace local checks of supplier willingness, competing demand, collection economics, quality or seasonal availability. A technically available resource is not automatically commercially procurable feedstock.

Move from regional potential to a procurement plan

A resource map helps identify where a detailed survey may be worthwhile. The next step is to establish who controls the material, what share is available after existing uses and whether collection and storage are practical at the proposed scale. Technical potential and contracted supply are different measures.

For a local survey, compare candidate catchments using the same delivered-cost and quality basis. Distance alone is insufficient: road access, vehicle utilisation, harvesting windows and material density can change the collection economics.

Evidence to take into the field

Use the screening result to guide questions and sampling, not to replace them.

• Identify material sources and existing users.
• Check supplier willingness and seasonal quantities.
• Sample the material in the condition expected at delivery.
• Review storage losses, handling needs and working capital.
• Test an alternative supply case before fixing plant capacity.