BIOMETHAVERSE: the seventh newsletter of the project

19/05/2026
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Here you will find the latest news from the biomethane, biogas and renewable energy sector. Download the Seventh 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.

Main points from the seventh newsletter

European industries release urgent call for EU leaders for fast biomethane rollout as a driver of competitiveness, energy security and defossilisation.

European industry is under mounting pressure from high energy prices and rising carbon costs, with some sectors already facing production cuts and closures. With 22 bcm of combined biogas and biomethane produced in Europe today, sustainable biomethane offers immediate, scalable relief, integrating seamlessly into existing energy systems and gas infrastructure.

Grid Ready Forum 2026: 60 experts formulate key recommendations to fast-track action on biomethane grid injection across Europe.

A high-level group of EU policymakers, national regulators, grid operators and industry representatives gathered today behind closed doors in a meeting hosted by the European Biogas Association to address the bottlenecks holding back biomethane deployment. Participants from multiple EU countries flagged persistent regulatory fragmentation and technical barriers that continue to hinder the injection of renewable gas into Europe’s energy system.

BIOMETHAVERSE showcased at CINEA’s clustering workshop on renewable fuels.

On 17 March 2026, BIOMETHAVERSE was presented by Stefano Proietti (ISINNOVA) at the Horizon Europe clustering workshop on aviation, maritime fuels and biomethane projects, organised by CINEA in Brussels. The event gathered more than 30 EU-funded projects working on advanced biofuels and renewable fuels for transport, offering a platform to exchange knowledge, discuss technical challenges and strengthen collaboration across the European research community.

BIOMETHAVERSE has released its new Biomethane Planning Decision Guide. This is a practical resource designed to support project developers, investors and plant operators in assessing the feasibility, scalability and long-term viability of innovative biomethane and e-methane solutions.

The guide brings together technical, market, policy, commercial and social considerations to help bridge the gap between pilot innovation and market uptake. Building on the experience of the project’s five demonstration pathways in France, Greece, Italy, Sweden and Ukraine, the guide highlights how renewable methane production can be enhanced through innovative upgrading and methanation routes that combine biogenic CO₂ streams with renewable power and green hydrogen

News from Ukraine

The Ukrainian biomethane industry has moved from conceptual foundations to real results in recent years.

After the adoption of the law on the development of biomethane production in 2021, the first plants appeared, and by the end of 2024, Ukraine produced the first million cubic meters of biomethane.

Biomethane for sugar production.

The Ukrainian agricultural holding “Gals Agro” is the first in Ukraine to use its own biomethane instead of natural gas for sugar production. This was announced by Serhiy Kravchuk, CEO of the “Gals Agro” at the Forbes Agro 2026 conference.

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.