Waga Energy signs a Biomethane Purchase Agreement (BPA) with Engie, marking a step forward in the development of local, low-carbon energy. This contract, the longest of its kind to date in France, converts biogas from the Claye-Souilly landfill into biomethane, which is injected directly into the local gas network.
Transition to an unsubsidized biomethane market
Since March 2022, Waga Energy has been transforming biogas into biomethane, which is now sold to Engie at a price higher than the rate subsidized by the French government. This transition to a non-subsidized market has enabled Waga Energy to secure financing for its production unit through a long-term loan from the CIC and Arkéa Banque Entreprises et Institutionnels banks.
Environmental and economic commitments
Biomethane sales are supported by the resale of guarantees of origin and sustainability certificates issued as part of ISCC certification, reinforcing the green value of this renewable gas. Veolia’s Claye-Souilly site, one of the largest biomethane production units in France, has an annual capacity of 120GWh, equivalent to the consumption of 20,000 households. This production avoids the emission of around 20,000 tonnes of CO2, thus reducing the use of fossil natural gas.
Partners’ declarations
Estelle Brachlianoff, Managing Director of Veolia, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in developing a European green gas production chain. Miya Paolucci, member of ENGIE’s Global Energy Management & Sales Executive Committee, sees this partnership as a major contribution to ENGIE’s ambitions to supply 30 TWh of biomethane per year by 2030. Mathieu Lefebvre, CEO of Waga Energy, is delighted with this historic agreement, the fruit of close collaboration with Veolia and ENGIE, and thanks the banks CIC and Arkéa for their support. Waga Energy’s patented and proven WAGABOX technology produces biomethane at a competitive cost by recovering gas from landfill sites. Waga Energy currently operates eighteen WAGABOX units in France, Spain and Canada, with a further sixteen under construction.
Looking to the future
This pioneering contract demonstrates the development potential of an unsubsidized biomethane market in France. It illustrates how strategic partnerships can accelerate the transition to renewable energies, while offering robust economic and ecological solutions.
