Energy Partnership: The European Union is Ready to Expand Biomethane Imports from Ukraine.

The first experience of exporting Ukrainian biomethane to Europe via the gas transmission system proved successful, so its further expansion is expected. This was stated by the trade manager of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Anne Bersiо.She emphasized that for the first Time biomethane was exported to the European Union in February this year. Although the volumes were minor, this project is an example of compliance with EU requirements regarding sustainability and traceability of green gases.

At the moment, it may not yet be called an economically viable project, as the volumes were too small. However, it is a very good business case, as it demonstrates compliance with EU requirements regarding sustainability and traceability of all energy units along the value chain. And I believe that by 2025 we will see up to 10 different agricultural producers join this initiative.

According to Bersiо, biomethane can be pumped through the gas transmission system and further transported within Ukraine and Europe. In particular, Germany is one of the recipients, which has a high demand for environmentally friendly gases.

This is indeed possible, and now I am almost certain that, having the legislative and regulatory framework, the formation of which we are completing at this moment (the EU together with the Ukrainian side), we will see the expansion of this project, and the volumes will eventually be larger.

When asked about the risk of transferring biomethane through the gas transmission system, which is a target of Russian attacks, she noted that investments in a country at war are always associated with risk.Bersiо also emphasized that high-tech equipment is necessary for biomethane production, many elements of which are supplied from EU member states.According to her, there is great potential for biomethane in the Ukrainian agricultural sector; however, small farms cannot afford the capital investment in building a biogas plant.

But it is a great business case, demonstrating decarbonization and decentralization, while also adding extra value to the product consumed in Ukraine as an agricultural product. These waste materials can be used for profit.