BIOMETHAVERSE: The third newsletter of the project

10/05/2024
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Here you will find the latest news from the biomethane, biogas and renewable energy sector. Download the Third International Newsletter of the BIOMETHAVERSE project..

BIOMETHAVERSE (Demonstrating and Connecting Production Innovations in the Biomethane Universe) sets out to diversify the technology basis for biomethane production in Europe, increase its cost-effectiveness and contribute to the uptake of biomethane technologies.
To this aim, 5 innovative biomethane production pathways will be demonstrated in five European countries: France, Greece, Italy, Sweden and Ukraine.

The newsletter contains information about the project activities and ideas of the BIOMETHAVERSE research group, as well as news of the project itself, and is also available in two languages: Ukrainian and English.

We advise you to read the newsletter, in which you will find information about increasing the production of renewable gas in Europe, strengthening the position of the sector, further development of the energy system, project news and the main areas of activity of BIOMETHAVERSE.

In 2022, biogas production in Europe amounted to 21 billion cubic meters, and biomethane production increased from 3.5 billion m³ in 2021 to 4.2 billion m³ — by 20%. The installed biomethane production capacity is currently 4.5 billion m³. Production is provided by 1,323 biomethane plants in 24 European countries.

In addition, in 2022, Europe received 31 million tons of digestate, using which Europe can avoid emissions of 10 million tons of CO2-equivalent and reduce natural gas consumption by 2 billion m³.

According to the policy of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the biogas sector is recognized as necessary to increase the sustainability of the system – a “win-win solution”.

Last February, the European Commission published its Proposals on the Climate Target until 2040, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90%, according to which the development of renewable gas production is a priority to support and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness and mitigate the consequences climate change.

Several working meetings and presentations took place within the BIOMETHAVERSE project.

A workshop was held in Milan in December 2023, simultaneously with the general meeting, where advanced technologies that will be tested within the project were presented and evaluated.

Participants presented an overview of innovative directions of production within the project, considered technological achievements in terms of the current level of European biomethane production and legal regulation.

In May 2024, a summary of pilot project reports is scheduled to be published in order to attract future investments. Features of the design of each pilot plant are presented, including mass and energy balances. Read more about it in the newsletter.

News from Ukraine

In the third newsletter, the key issues of the sector are updated, and there is also news about the biomethane plant of the VITAGRO group of companies.

Biomethane plant of VITAGRO ENERGY company

In 2024, the second biomethane plant was built in Ukraine. This is a plant of VITAGRO ENERGY, located in Khmelnytskyi region. The raw material for the production of biomethane is the remains of crops (harvest residues, straw) and livestock (cattle manure, chicken droppings).

Problems of biomethane market development

Ukrainian manufacturers face many problems inherent in new markets. This is the unsettled legislation, the unwillingness of officials to take responsibility for the necessary decisions, the lack of regulated procedures and answers to practical questions that arise.

Ukraine is one of the project’s strategic partners and a demonstration site. The importance of replacing natural gas and production of renewable gases, primarily biomethane, increased with the russian invasion of Ukraine. As a result, on February 2, 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Kyiv between the European Union and Ukraine on strategic partnership regarding biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases. This partnership should focus on the green transition and decarbonisation of energy sectors. In particular, it should facilitate the production, trade, transportation, storage and use of biomethane.

The project involves the company MHP Eco Energy, on the basis of which research will be conducted, as well as the team of the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, whose experts will accompany the project. The biogas plant of MHP Eco Energy has an installed electrical capacity of 12 MW, produces biogas from 330 t/d of chicken manure and other agricultural waste, producing 85,000,000 kWh of electricity per year. Today, the demonstration site has already started its work.