The Bolivia-Brazil gas pipeline operator, TBG, discussed biomethane logistics on the second day of the 12th Biogas Forum at São Paulo Expo. CEO Jorge Hijjar spoke about the company’s Biomethane Hub project, designed to inject this energy source into the transportation system and expand flows, thereby encouraging commercialization.

“Four years ago, TBG began a study to inject biomethane into our gas pipeline network. We then developed a business model, called the Biomethane Hub, which will be able to receive biomethane in the most convenient way in each case, either through a dedicated pipeline or by truck, in compressed or liquefied natural gas form. The idea is to facilitate biomethane logistics and serve different producers, offering the possibility of scaling up commercialization, since our pipeline spans the entire country. Our proposed Biomethane Connection Agreement is now being reviewed by the National Oil, Natural Gas and Biofuels Agency (ANP),” explained Hijjar during the panel, held in Room 2 on the main stage.

TBG’s CEO pointed out that as soon as ANP approves the Biomethane Connection Agreement, it will be possible to start connecting biomethane. “As our project allows for intermodal integration, we will be able to connect biomethane even from plants that are up to 200 km away from the network,” he said.

In addition, Hijjar emphasized the BNDES Climate Fund’s key role in financing infrastructure for biomethane, including TBG’s project. He also spoke about the main challenge in negotiations – price. “As part of our biomethane model, the increase in the system’s overall tariffs would be around 0.26%. This is a negligible amount, given its contribution to the energy transition. According to studies by the Brazilian government’s Energy Research Company, EPE, transportation is the link that contributes the least to the final price of gas, approximately 10%. Therefore, this tariff increase to meet the needs of biomethane would raise the final price of gas by only 0.03%. It’s a very good solution,” he pointed out.

The panel, called “Biomethane Logistics: Necessary Connections,” was moderated by BNDES’ energy transition and climate superintendent, Elisa Salomão Lage. The other speakers were EPE’s oil, gas and biofuels research director, Heloísa Borges; TAG’s regulatory affairs manager, Cristina Sayão; the head of the Energisa Group’s gas division, Débora Oliveira; and White Martins’ gas commercial manager, Maurício Silva.

TBG was a gold sponsor of the 12th edition of the Biogas Forum, the largest event of its kind in Latin America. The event sought to present biogas and biomethane as tools for climate policy and the energy transition, boost business opportunities, explore Brazil’s potential and address international market developments. It also discussed the domestic and international industry landscape and future trends, among other topics. The forum brought together experts, companies and industry representatives on September 2 and 3 at São Paulo Expo.