05.05.2026
Barometer for renewable gases in Switzerland, edition 9, April 2026
Geopolitical tensions, volatile energy prices, and ambitious climate targets continue to put pressure on the energy market. European natural gas prices have risen significantly in the short term due to the conflict in the Middle East, but far less sharply than during the 2022 energy price crisis triggered by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The futures market (TTF futures) currently anticipates a marked easing of the market by 2030. The short-term increase in natural gas prices temporarily strengthens the competitiveness of renewable gases.
To enhance this competitiveness, the European Union has defined various strategic directions. In neighboring countries, the competitiveness of biomethane injection into the gas grid is currently improved by the fact that grid connection costs are not borne exclusively by producers but are partly socialized through the network. As long as no federal Gas Market Act (Gas-VG) is in force, the Swiss gas industry plays a key role in regulating cost allocation and the market integration of biomethane.
According to the DeCIRRA research project, whether and where renewable gases can be used effectively depends strongly on local infrastructure, resources, and available alternatives—uniform target models fall short. In cantons where energy legislation is closely aligned with MoPEC 2025, the use of renewable gases in the building sector is significantly restricted. In contrast, Germany adopts a more open transformation pathway in its Building Modernisation Act, based on the so-called “Biotreppe” (bio-step mechanism), although its specific timeline remains subject to considerable uncertainty.
Link to the publication Link to the subscription (VSG website) To enhance this competitiveness, the European Union has defined various strategic directions. In neighboring countries, the competitiveness of biomethane injection into the gas grid is currently improved by the fact that grid connection costs are not borne exclusively by producers but are partly socialized through the network. As long as no federal Gas Market Act (Gas-VG) is in force, the Swiss gas industry plays a key role in regulating cost allocation and the market integration of biomethane.
According to the DeCIRRA research project, whether and where renewable gases can be used effectively depends strongly on local infrastructure, resources, and available alternatives—uniform target models fall short. In cantons where energy legislation is closely aligned with MoPEC 2025, the use of renewable gases in the building sector is significantly restricted. In contrast, Germany adopts a more open transformation pathway in its Building Modernisation Act, based on the so-called “Biotreppe” (bio-step mechanism), although its specific timeline remains subject to considerable uncertainty.