Georgii Geletukha: Ukraine should not delay the production of biomethane
The article of the Head of the Board of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine Georgii Geletukha for the Green Deal online media about producing biomethane in Ukraine (in Ukrainian). Key issues:
- Biomethane production in the EU.
- Biomethane production potential in Ukraine.
- Feasibility study for biomethane production.
- Law of Ukraine on the development of biomethane.
- Prospects for biomethane production in Ukraine.
What are the advantages of biomethane for Ukraine?
- One of the world’s largest potentials of agricultural raw materials for biomethane production.
- No costs for equipment upgrades (gas burners, engines, turbines).
- Production of quality organic fertilizers and revival of the fertility of Ukrainian soils.
- Developed gas distribution network and powerful gas transmission system.
- Transportation of biomethane by existing gas networks.
- Decarbonization of energy and economy.
- Biomethane is the cheapest of the potential renewable gases. Biomethane at a price of $ 700/1000 m3 is three times cheaper than green hydrogen at a price of $ 6-7 / kg.
EU plans
By 2050, biomethane could cover up to 30-40% of the EU’s natural gas needs (over 100 billion m3 CH4 / year).
Potential of Ukraine
Ukraine’s biogas/biomethane production potential for fermentation technology is estimated at 9.7 billion cubic meters of methane/year. This is about 1/3 of all natural gas consumption in Ukraine and is almost equal to the annual import of natural gas to the country. In 2050, the total potential for biomethane production may increase to 17 billion m3 / year.
Profitability
The cost of biomethane production varies in the range of 630-660 euros / 1000 m3. In the case of a market price of biomethane of 900 euros / 1000 m3, the internal rate of return (IRR) of projects will be in the range of 23-28%. This is interesting for investors.
Perspectives
Biomethane production in Ukraine will reach 1 billion m3 / year in 2030 and 4.5 billion m3 / year in 2050. In the early stages of the development of the biomethane industry in Ukraine, the most likely development scenario is the export of the vast majority of produced biomethane to EU countries, where it has already formed a stable demand and premium price.
Source: The article of the Head of the Board of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine Georgii Geletukha for the Green Deal online media: https://bit.ly/326NpVI.
