Axpo injects first biomethane from Grottole facility into Italian grid

09.07.2026 – Axpo has successfully injected the first gas produced by its biomethane plant in Grottole, southern Italy, into the country’s national grid, it was announced today. This marks a significant milestone in the company's renewable gas expansion strategy. 

In brief:

• Grottole plant in Basilicata begins injecting biomethane into Italy's gas grid; it will produce 45 GWh/year.

• Biomethane facility converts agricultural by-products into low-carbon gas and fertiliser, supporting Europe's decarbonisation, energy security and circular economy.

• Strengthens Axpo's biomethane position across Europe.
   

The Grottole biomethane plant in southern Italy, acquired by Axpo in 2024 as a ready-to-built project, has commenced operations and started feeding the company’s first fully owned biomethane into the national grid. The ramp-up to full capacity is expected to take up to six months, with the plant ultimately producing 45 GWh of renewable energy a year for decades. This volume is equivalent to the average gas consumption of approx. 3200 Italian households, helping to avoid around 9,000 tonnes of direct CO2 emission annually, compared to the usage of natural gas. 

The facility's long-term gas offtake contract has been signed with leading Italian paper mill, Cartiere del Garda, underscoring the strong market demand for renewable gas. 

Axpo Head of Generation & Distribution and Deputy CEO Andy Heiz said: "Biomethane is central to Europe’s energy transition, and Grottole is central to our growth strategy. This moment represents years of strategic planning, careful execution and close dialogue with local authorities. A significant demonstration of our continued commitment to renewable energy solutions, this is energy infrastructure that works, feeds the grid, and powers communities."        

Energy security meets circular economy 

The Grottole biomethane plant uses agricultural by-products from regional farms to produce low-carbon gas and fertiliser, directly supporting Europe's decarbonisation goals while strengthening energy security and the circular economy. 

Axpo Head of Biogas International Véronique Abrate said: "This injection of first gas represents more than a technical achievement. It proves that Axpo's biomethane strategy is delivering real, tangible results. We now start producing renewable gas at scale in Italy, and this is just the beginning of our expansion." 

Cartiere del Garda Mill Director Antonio Di Blas added: "For us this contract represents a great opportunity to reduce the CO2 emissions from our production facilities and strengthens the long-term cooperation with our partner Axpo."

Biogas leadership in Europe 

Axpo is an industry leader in biomass and biogas/biomethane operations, with deep expertise across Switzerland, Italy, Poland and Spain. In Switzerland, the company operates 15 plants using dry fermentation technology to produce renewable energy and natural fertilisers.