Biomass is a renewable source of energy that can be used to produce electricity, heat, and fuels. Biomethane is a type of biogas that has been upgraded to have similar properties as natural gas. It can be injected into the existing gas grid or used as a vehicle fuel.

Mexico has a large potential for biomass and biomethane production, especially from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and wastewater treatment plants. These sources are abundant, available, and low-cost. They also have environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, landfilling, and odors.

However, Mexico has not yet exploited this potential. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Bioenergy report, bioenergy contributed only 0.54% of the total electricity supply in Mexico in 2019. Most of the bioenergy came from direct combustion of solid biomass, followed by biogas generation for either combustion or electricity. The alternative of transforming biogas into biomethane and selling it to current and future natural gas power plants is not used in the country.

This is unfortunate, because biomethane could help Mexico reduce its dependence on imported natural gas, which accounts for more than half of the domestic demand. Natural gas is the main fuel used for electricity generation in Mexico, and the electricity sector claims most of that. Biomethane could use the same infrastructure as natural gas and be stored in salt caverns and aquifers.

Moreover, biomethane could compete with imported natural gas in price, if production costs are reduced and policies are implemented to support its development.

A recent study by Nuñez et al. (2021) carried out a prospective economic analysis of biomethane for electricity in Mexico, comparing different scenarios and policies. The study found that biomethane could achieve a positive net present value and internal rate of return under certain conditions, such as high carbon taxes, low feedstock costs, high electricity prices, and high biomethane yields.

Another recent study by Hernandez et al. (2021) performed a techno-economic and environmental assessment for biomethane production from OFMSW in Mexico at different scales.

The study found that large-scale plants (>100 ton/day) have lower specific costs and higher environmental benefits than small-scale plants (<50 ton/day). The study also identified the main barriers and opportunities for biomethane production in Mexico, such as lack of regulation, incentives, awareness, and technical capacity.

These studies show that biomass and biomethane production in Mexico is a promising opportunity that could bring economic, social, and environmental benefits to the country. However, it requires more research, development, and innovation to overcome the existing challenges and barriers. It also requires a supportive policy framework that recognizes the value of biomethane as a renewable energy source and encourages its integration into the energy system.