Main points
- The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a program for the development of biomethane production until 2035, which provides for investments, new plants, and exports to the EU.
- By 2030, it is planned to achieve production of 1 billion cubic meters of biomethane per year, with a further increase to 2.1 billion cubic meters by 2035.
Biomethane production / Photo by Pexels
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a long-term program for the development of biomethane production until 2035. The document provides for large-scale investments, new plants, and export to the European Union.
Ukraine is betting on biomethane and energy independence
The government has approved a biomethane development program along with a detailed implementation plan, the Ministry of Energy reports. The Ministry of Energy has been identified as one of the key implementers, which will coordinate the implementation of initiatives in the industry.
According to First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, this direction opens up an opportunity for Ukraine to become a powerful biogas producer and strengthen its position in the European market. It is expected that the development of biomethane will help Europe reduce its dependence on Russian energy sources.
In addition, the implementation of the program should strengthen Ukraine's energy sustainability and stimulate the development of renewable energy by attracting investment in the sector.
New plants, investments and clear goals until 2030
The program envisages the construction of new biomethane plants and the modernization of existing biogas plants. It also plans to create favorable conditions for business, in particular through the deregulation of producers' connections to gas transportation and distribution infrastructure.
The government is setting ambitious goals: by 2030, biomethane production should reach 1 billion cubic meters per year, and in another five years, it should increase to 2.1 billion cubic meters. The first stage plans to launch eight new plants and form a full-fledged institutional base for the industry.
In the near future, Ukraine plans to gain access to European databases of renewable fuels, initiate an agreement with the European Union on mutual recognition of guarantees of origin for biomethane, and define gas quality standards. This should pave the way for full-fledged exports and integration into the European energy market.
What is biogas?
Biogas is a mixture of combustible gases: methane (CH4) 50 ÷ 70%, carbon dioxide (CO2) 30 ÷ 40% and a small amount (up to 1%) of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen N2, ammonia (NH3), hydrogen (H2), water and oxygen, which is formed from organic biogenic substances during the microbiological anaerobic process – methane fermentation without access to oxygen.
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