Introduction

Municipalities are actively seeking cleaner alternatives to decarbonize the way we move around. In this context, biomethane has emerged as one of the most promising solutions, as it causes fewer CO₂ emissions than petrol. Moreover, since biomethane is a purified version of biogas, its higher calorific value translates into greater efficiency when powering engines.

That’s why, in this blog, we want to highlight successful case studies across Europe—soon to be joined by two new biomethane-powered buses that will circulate through the streets of Barcelona, thanks to SEMPRE-BIO and its Case Study 1.

Paris, France

The public transport company RATP has committed to converting part of its diesel fleet to BIOGNV (renewable natural gas for vehicles). So far, it has adapted 13 of its bus depots to operate with biomethane, and by 2025, it plans for 25% of its buses to run on biomethane—significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and local pollution. Moreover, part of the biomethane used is sourced from organic waste collected in the Île-de-France region, effectively closing the loop locally.

Nottingham, United Kingdom

Nottingham City Transport operates the world’s largest fleet of double-decker buses powered by biomethane. By 2022, the fleet had grown to 143 Enviro400 CBG vehicles, acquired in several phases since 2017.

Sweden

Linköping

This Swedish city began transitioning its fleet in the 1990s and is now one of the first in the world to operate a bus network entirely powered by biogas. Today, all urban buses in Linköping run on biomethane produced from agricultural waste and sewage sludge. The success of this model has also led to its adoption in taxis, trucks, and municipal vehicles.

Malmö

Malmö uses biomethane produced from urban organic waste, including leftovers from supermarkets and households. Its biomethane-powered bus fleet has significantly reduced emissions from the transport sector. Additionally, the digestate from the process is returned to the fields as fertilizer, promoting a circular agri-food model.

Stockholm

Stockholm has been a pioneer in adopting biomethane-powered buses as part of the Baltic Biogas Bus project. This initiative, led by Stockholm’s public transport authority, aims to increase the use of biogas in urban transport across the Baltic region.

Pamplona, Spain

In 2022, Pamplona became the first city in Spain to operate a 100% renewable gas-powered urban fleet. The biomethane used is produced from sewage sludge and organic waste, and it powers more than 140 buses. This results in a 90% reduction in emissions compared to diesel.

Bologna, Italy

In Bologna, four urban buses and twenty taxis run on locally produced biomethane derived from organic and pruning waste. The project involves the public transport company TPER and the taxi operator CO.TA.BO.

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn has introduced new buses powered by biomethane and plans to continue using this fuel beyond 2030, even as other EU countries shift toward electric buses.

It is worth highlighting the case of Sweden, where since 2008 the Public Transport Agreement Committee has been working toward a shared vision of sustainable mobility. Today, the country’s public coach fleet is almost entirely fossil fuel-free. Anna Grönlund, Deputy Director of the Swedish Bus and Coach Federation, attributes this success to the ability to align public procurement requirements with their own standards and recommendations for the tendering process.

At SEMPRE-BIO, we believe that examples like Sweden’s can help pave the way and contribute their successes to a more sustainable global mobility future.

Fonts:

Biomethane in the Paris region to power RATP buses | natrangroupe.com

Nottingham City Transport – Wikipedia

Biogas – the natural choice for city buses

Green project in Bologna: 4 city buses – Sustainable Bus

Estonia wants to continue using biomethane in buses after 2030 | News | ERR

Biokaasu & GoO ET:n kaasumarkkinatoimikunnan tapaaminen 2.12.2019 Susanna Pflüger

Sweden’s buses are now nearly 100% fossil-free | IRU | World Road Transport Organisation

Moventis TCC Pamplona adquiere 13 buses Scania propulsados por biometano | Scania España

Author: Oria Pardo

Editorial: Lucía Salinas and Laia Mencia

Date: June, 2025