Ahlstrom Advances Renewable Gas Agenda

Ahlstrom, a global leader in fiber-based specialty materials, has signed multiyear biomethane supply agreements with two energy producers, reinforcing its commitment to decarbonizing industrial energy use. The agreements, representing the largest volume signed in Italy to date, cover seven biomethane production plants and enable a partial substitution of fossil natural gas with renewable biomethane.

Italy is a key part of Ahlstrom’s global footprint, representing approximately 13% of the asset base and 9% of the total workforce. The agreements therefore represent an important step in Ahlstrom’s broader operational decarbonization efforts.

Under the agreements, the two energy producers will supply biomethane from renewable sources, certified with guarantees of renewable origin, in line with recognized certification schemes. The biomethane will be used as a drop-in fuel in Ahlstrom’s existing infrastructure, allowing immediate reductions in fossil gas consumption without the need for major asset modifications.

The agreements contribute directly to reducing Ahlstrom’s Scope 1 carbon emissions by replacing fossil natural gas used in combustion processes at its Italian sites. The multiyear contracts are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 44% across Ahlstrom’s industrial operations in Italy. Based on the volume of natural gas replaced, the agreement is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 65,000 tonnes of CO2e yearly.

“This agreement represents a concrete step in the execution of our industrial energy transition strategy,” says Juan García‑Marquina Prieto, Vice President Energy Procurement and Energy Transition at Ahlstrom. “By replacing part of our natural gas consumption with biomethane, we are achieving immediate and scalable CO2 reductions while making use of existing assets and infrastructure.”

“At site level, the transition to biomethane translates ambition into action,” said Marco Bellezza, Head of Special Projects, FLS & Technical Manager. “By integrating biomethane into day-to-day operations in our operations in Italy, we are reducing fossil fuel use while maintaining reliability and operational efficiency. It is a practical step that supports both our local operations and Ahlstrom’s climate targets.”

From the partners’ perspective, the agreements reflect the growing role of biomethane in supporting the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries through reliable, long-term renewable energy solutions. The collaboration with the two producers highlights how industrial companies and renewable energy providers, supported by strong government policy signals, can work together to accelerate the transition to lower-carbon energy systems in Europe.