ISO 20675:2018

Overview

ISO 20675:2018 - "Biogas - Biogas production, conditioning, upgrading and utilization - Terms, definitions and classification scheme" provides a harmonized vocabulary and classification framework for the biogas value chain. The standard covers biogas produced by anaerobic digestion, gasification and power-to-gas (from biomass sources), and addresses conditioning, upgrading and utilization of biogas from safety, environmental, performance and functionality perspectives across project phases (design, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, operation, inspection and maintenance).

The document is primarily a terms-and-definitions and classification standard: it standardizes key concepts (e.g., biogas, biomethane, digestate, gasification, flares, storage) and describes parameters to classify installation size, type (domestic, industrial), and technique.

Key topics and technical scope

• Standardized terms and definitions for the whole biogas chain (production, conditioning, upgrading, utilization).
• Classification scheme for installations and processes (size categories, installation types, technique descriptors).
• Parameters and terminology to support health, safety and environmental protection guidelines for biogas installations.
• Coverage across life‑cycle phases: design, construction, commissioning, operation, inspection and maintenance.
• Informative annexes that explain the scope and provide biogas characteristics, processes and classifications.

Excluded topics (clearly listed in the standard):

• Boilers, burners or furnaces not specifically used for locally produced biogas.
• Gas‑fuelled engines for vehicles and ships, the public gas grid, and specifications that determine biomethane quality.
• Transportation of compressed or liquefied biogas and transportation of biomass or digestate.
• Assessment/determination of whether biomass is sourced sustainably.

Applications and who uses ISO 20675

ISO 20675 is used to improve clarity, safety and interoperability across the biogas sector. Typical users include:

• Designers and manufacturers of biogas equipment and installations.
• Project developers and engineering firms planning anaerobic digestion, gasification or power‑to‑gas plants.
• Plant operators and maintenance teams at wastewater treatment plants, landfills, food & beverage industries and agricultural digesters.
• Regulators, policymakers and certification bodies developing permits, incentive schemes or technical regulations.
• Safety and environmental managers preparing risk assessments, inspection protocols and reporting.

Practical applications include specifying procurement language, aligning contracts, developing regional regulations and ensuring consistent reporting and safety procedures for on‑site and small‑scale biogas installations.

Related standards (context)

ISO 20675 supports the work of ISO/TC 255 (Biogas) and references terminology resources such as the ISO Online Browsing Platform and IEC Electropedia. For downstream requirements (e.g., biomethane injection to gas grids or vehicle fuel specifications), users should consult specific technical standards that cover gas quality, grid injection and vehicle fuel regulations (ISO 14532 is cited in the document for related terminology).