Ukraine may produce up to 8 bcm of biomethane per year – Energy Ministry

Ukraine has significant potential for the biofuel market development and may produce up to 8 billion cubic meters of biomethane per year, according to the Ministry of Energy.

"In the long term, according to our estimates, as well as the estimates of relevant associations, biomethane production, may reach about 8 billion cubic meters per year. That is, it is a very promising industry, and the state pays considerable attention to its development," said Yulia Pidkomorna, Deputy Minister of Energy.

She emphasized that despite the war, the Ministry of Energy and authorities continue to work towards the bioenergy and biogas development. In particular, in early February, Ukraine and the EU signed a memorandum on a strategic partnership on biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases, while in early March, Ukraine and Poland signed a memorandum to cooperate on improving the pipeline interconnection

"The relevant documents give a significant impetus to the development of the industry and open opportunities for close cooperation of Ukrainian biomethane producers with European partners," the deputy minister stressed.

As reported, on March 16, Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System Operator (GTSO) and Poland’s GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. signed a memorandum to improve cooperation between the Ukrainian and Polish gas markets.

In addition, the Ukrainian government and the European Commission concluded a Memorandum on a strategic partnership on biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases.

With the support of the European Investment Bank, Ukraine plans to build five biomethane plants by the end of the year, as well as five more next year, which will bring Ukraine closer to replacing natural gas imports.