The first Ukrainian biomethane is already in the Ukrainian gas grids
Congratulations to UABIO member VITAGRO Group and Khmelnytsky Gas Distribution System Operator on the successful supply of biomethane to the Ukrainian gas transmission system (GTS). This is a step towards further exports.
This is the first and only experience for the entire energy sector of Ukraine. According to experts’ estimates, this year Ukraine may reach an annual production and export volume of 80-100 million cubic meters of biomethane.
At the same time, VITAGRO Group is striving to establish biomethane export. The company already has all the necessary permits and as soon as it accumulates sufficient volumes in its gas storage facilities, it will be able to start selling biomethane to foreign buyers.
Capacity and raw materials
The plant is currently operating at 60-70% of its planned capacity. The daily volume of gas that is pumping into the GDS is up to about 6 thousand cubic meters. The plant will reach its full capacity by the end of October 2024.
To produce biomethane, VITAGRO will use both its own and purchased raw materials. First of all, it is animal and crop residues.
In addition to biomethane, the plant will produce solid and liquid digestate, which will be used by the company as organic fertilizers.
Comments of VITAGRO representatives
“If everything works correctly, in November we will be able to talk about exporting Ukrainian biomethane abroad. We also expect this to be a significant step towards harmonizing the domestic and European biomethane markets, similar to the electricity market. In addition, I would like to recognize the coordinated work of all market participants, partners and employees of the company, who have made incredible efforts to make this event happen”, said Volodymyr Ivakhiv, Head of Renewable Energy at VITAGRO Group.
“The total investment in our biomethane plant is EUR 6 million. The Group invested its own funds, and we planned to return the investment in 5 years of full operation. Now the timeline is slightly shifted due to the past delay in government regulation of biomethane exports. However, now all procedures have been developed and approved by law, so, we can more accurately predict our work and create new investment projects. We also plan to involve foreign partners in such projects”, said Sergiy Savchuk, Director of Development and Investments at VITAGRO Group.
VITAGRO Group started building the biomethane plant in 2022, after the full-scale russian invasion. The first launch of biomethane as part of the commissioning took place in the winter of 2024. For six months, the plant was forced to stop its operation due to the unresolved legislative issues of biomethane exports.
Source: Energoreforma.
