DIN EN 16723:2026-10 - Draft

Biomethane and renewable gases for natural gas networks and motor vehicles

The draft standard DIN EN 16723 specifies requirements for biomethane as well as other renewable and low-carbon methane-rich gases. The standard consolidates the previous DIN EN 16723-1 and DIN EN 16723-2 into one document and defines requirements for injection into the natural gas network as well as for use as a fuel in motor vehicles. It also describes the associated procedures for sampling, analysis and testing. The aim is to create a uniform basis for the quality, safety and comparability of renewable gases in Europe.

What is DIN EN 16723 about?

The standard defines requirements for renewable and low-carbon methane-rich gases, biomethane and their mixtures with natural gas. It focuses on gas quality for injection into networks, requirements for gas fuels used in vehicles and test methods for determining relevant quality parameters. In addition, it specifies requirements for sampling, monitoring and quality control.

Topics covered

• Specifications for biomethane and methane-rich renewable gases
• Injection into natural gas networks and gas infrastructure
• Use as fuel for motor vehicles
• Quality parameters such as methane number, Wobbe index and calorific value
• Requirements for impurities and trace components
• Sampling, analysis and test methods
• Monitoring and risk assessment procedures
• Requirements for biomethane, power-to-methane, pyro-gasification and hydrothermal gasification

Practical relevance

Biomethane and other renewable gases play an important role in decarbonizing energy supply and mobility. DIN EN 16723 provides a uniform basis for the safe injection, use and quality assurance of biomethane and other renewable gases. It supports operators, network operators and energy supply companies in integrating climate-friendly gases into existing infrastructures.

Changes compared with DIN EN 16723-1:2017-01 and DIN EN 16723-2:2017-10

The previously separate standards for injecting biomethane into natural gas networks and for using it as fuel for motor vehicles have been consolidated into one common standard. At the same time, the scope has been expanded to include pyro-gasification, hydrothermal gasification and power-to-methane. New analysis methods from ISO/TC 193/SC1 and calculation methods for the methane number have also been added. In addition, the standard has been editorially revised.

Target group

• Operators of biogas and biomethane plants
• Network operators and energy supply companies
• Manufacturers of gas upgrading systems
• Companies in the field of power-to-gas and power-to-methane
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies
• Vehicle manufacturers and operators of CNG and LNG infrastructures
• Specialist planners and engineers in the energy sector

Conclusion

The DIN EN 16723 defines the key requirements for the quality of biomethane and other renewable methane-rich gases for injection into networks and use as fuel. By consolidating the previous standards for network and fuel applications, it creates a uniform basis for the safe integration of renewable gases into existing infrastructures and promotes comparable gas quality throughout Europe.