SUBLIME Energie inaugurates world's first system capable of liquefying biogas into a renewable fuel
SUBLIME Energie has inaugurated in Plélo (Côtes-d’Armor, Brittany, France) its demonstrator “Charlie,” the world’s first system capable of liquefying biogas directly on the farm. For the first time, on-farm anaerobic digestion can produce a renewable fuel without relying on gas grid infrastructure. By densifying and enabling the transport of biogas produced on-site—using a model inspired by the traditional milk collection system—the startup is deploying a decentralized industrial model. In this system, biomethane is converted into bioLNG for heavy-duty mobility, while bioCO₂, a co-product of biogas, replaces fossil CO₂ across a range of agricultural and industrial applications. With this demonstrator, SUBLIME Energie is scaling up to unlock the full value of a fragmented agricultural resource, turning it into renewable energy and biogenic CO₂.
Overcoming Structural Barriers in Anaerobic Digestion. A significant share of farms remains excluded from biomethane injection. Limited production volumes, distance from gas grids, and high capital expenditure barriers, continue to hinder the sector’s development.
SUBLIME Energie introduces a paradigm shift inspired by a simple and proven model: “the hub and spoke "milk run".” Biogas produced on farms is liquefied, then collected locally and transported to centralized hubs for purification and commercialization.
This approach enables smaller or remote farms to participate in renewable fuel production, while bypassing infrastructure constraints tied to gas networks. It also offers a transition pathway for existing cogeneration-based anaerobic digestion units nearing the end of their contracts, extending asset lifespan and improving profitability.
A Technological Breakthrough. At the core of the solution is a patented process that liquefies biogas directly on the farm, increasing its energy density and enabling off-grid transport. The liquefied biogas is then transported to centralized facilities, where cryogenic distillation separates and upgrades it into bioLNG and liquid bioCO₂. The “Charlie” demonstrator represents the final R&D milestone, integrating all technological building blocks on a single site under real operating conditions.
Installed at the Gazéa farm—one of Brittany’s pioneers in anaerobic digestion—Charlie processes biogas produced on-site, with an annual capacity of approximately 180 tons of bioLNG and 330 tons of liquid bioCO₂. Initial production will begin this year following commissioning and testing phases.
Decarbonizing, Producing Locally, Creating Value Differently. Beyond technological performance, the project contributes to a broader transformation of energy systems:
- Upstream, anaerobic digestion reduces greenhouse gas emissions from livestock waste and partially replaces the use of fossil-based fertilisers.
- Downstream, bioLNG provides a low-carbon alternative to diesel for heavy transport, reducing GHG emissions by up to 85%
- The solution is also relevant for agricultural and maritime applications, where electrification remains challenging
- bioCO₂ valorization replaces fossil CO₂ in sectors such as agriculture and the food industry.
A Lever for Energy Sovereignty and Farm Income. A significant share of biomethane potential remains untapped due to lack of access to gas networks. This resource, estimated at 26 TWh by 2050 in France, represents a strategic opportunity. SUBLIME Energie aims to capture part of this potential by producing renewable gases locally.
The model is based on purchasing raw biogas from farmers, providing them with a stable additional revenue stream without requiring upfront investment in upgrading infrastructure. Farmers are also welcome to participate in project ownership if they choose.
An Industrial Roadmap Already Underway. With “Charlie,” SUBLIME Energie completes its final technological validation phase and enters industrial deployment. The company is already preparing its next project, “Delta,” which will connect around ten farms to a shared processing hub in Côtes-d’Armor. This first commercial-scale unit is expected to be commissioned by 2028. Beyond that, SUBLIME Energie aims for rapid deployment across France and Europe, with the ambition to structure a new decentralized renewable gas industry.
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