By Gabriela Moreira

The energy transition has evolved rapidly, bringing innovations and new opportunities for building a more sustainable future. We are currently at an inflection point: either we adopt practices that favour decarbonization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or we face increasingly intense and unpredictable climate impacts. To ensure resilient cities, it is essential that they become more sustainable, efficient and focused on the well-being of their inhabitants.

The concept of smart and happy cities is intrinsically linked to the integration of technology, sustainability and quality of life. In this context, biomethane and decarbonization are emerging as strategic solutions to transform the energy matrix and improve urban waste management, promoting cleaner and more resilient development.

Biomethane as a Solution for Waste and Energy Management

Biomethane is emerging as a viable alternative for mitigating the environmental impacts generated by urban organic waste, industrial effluents and agricultural waste. Its production not only reduces the emission of methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, but also enables the generation of clean, renewable energy. The main applications of biomethane in smart cities include public transport to replace fossil fuels, reducing emissions of atmospheric pollutants; energy generation to supply local electricity grids with a decentralized and clean source; and industrial, making it possible to replace conventional fuels with a more sustainable alternative.

Figure 1: Biomethane plant (Low Carbon Fuels, 2025). Full reference: Low Carbon Fuels (2025). Biomethane plant. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://combustiveisbaixocarbono.pt/.

The Net-Zero Challenge for Biomethane Cities

The quest for carbon neutrality in cities requires the implementation of integrated and effective strategies. Biomethane plays a central role in this process, contributing to the electrification of urban mobility and strengthening the circular economy through the reuse of waste. By converting waste into a valuable resource, this solution reinforces the economic and environmental sustainability of cities.

In addition, the adoption of biomethane generates resources for investments in green infrastructure, such as ecological corridors and increased vegetation cover, promoting climate resilience. However, its widespread implementation still faces challenges such as the need to expand distribution infrastructure, public incentive policies, and adequate funding. Fortunately, significant progress can already be seen in various regions of the world, including Brazil.

Benefits for the population

The transition to sustainable cities provides tangible improvements in the quality of life of the population, including the reduction of air pollution, preventing respiratory diseases and improving public health; The generation of green jobs, stimulating sectors such as renewable energies, recycling and innovation; The increase in climate resilience, minimizing the impacts of extreme events such as floods and heat waves.

Success stories

Several cities around the world have adopted biomethane-based solutions to promote decarbonization. Among the most relevant examples are:

Stockholm (Sweden): uses biomethane in public transport, significantly reducing CO2 emissions; Germany: a leading country in biogas production, with thousands of plants converting organic waste into energy; Bonito (Brazil): the first ecotourism destination certified as Carbon Neutral in the world, highlighting the potential of biomethane in the environmental sustainability of tourist towns.

Building smart and happy cities requires innovative and sustainable solutions for energy and waste management. Biomethane is emerging as a viable alternative for reducing environmental impacts and promoting decarbonization, transforming organic waste into a valuable resource. Its adoption not only significantly reduces the disposal of waste to landfills, but also allows for a more efficient use of available resources.

With investments in innovation and urban planning, it is possible to develop more efficient, resilient and socially balanced cities. The future of sustainable cities depends on the transition to a model that combines technology, environmental responsibility and quality of life. Have you ever thought that organic waste could become an asset for a more sustainable world?

Gabriela Moreira is an environmental engineer specializing in sustainability and energy transition. With a focus on innovative decarbonization strategies, she is dedicated to addressing the challenges of the transition to sustainable energy sources. Her approach stands out for proposing creative and effective solutions to global environmental issues, as well as exploring the opportunities generated by the adoption of cleaner energy.