Green gas, also known as renewable or sustainable gas, is a type of energy derived from organic waste, agricultural residues, and other biological materials. It is produced through a process called anaerobic digestion or biomass gasification, where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing biogas.

In the Netherlands, the production and use of green gas have gained significance as part of the country’s efforts to transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system. Green gas is considered a viable alternative to natural gas, as it can be injected into the existing gas grid and used for various applications, including heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

The Dutch government has set ambitious goals for the use of green gas. One of the key objectives is to produce 2 billion cubic meters (bcm) of green gas by 2030. This goal is part of the broader aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards a more circular and renewable energy system.
For example, with 36,000 tons of roadside grass, approximately 6 million cubic meters of green gas can be produced, equivalent to the gas consumption of about 2,000 households. Suppliers of roadside grass have primary access to Guarantees of Origin (GoO), allowing them to enhance the sustainability of their own energy consumption. This also complies with the proposed blending obligation of 20% green gas in the natural gas grid, as outlined in the coalition agreement. This local green gas aligns with the Friesian self-supply model. Gas from roadside grass provides a high degree of price and supply certainty, making it a viable alternative to contracts with foreign gas suppliers.