{"id":1019775,"date":"2026-07-31T15:03:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T12:03:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/?p=19775"},"modified":"2026-11-09T22:04:48","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T20:04:48","slug":"interv-yu-anny-pastuhbiogazovyj-ta-biometanovyj-sektor-ukrayiny-zakonodavstvo-stijkist-ta-zrostayucha-rol-zhinok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/news\/19775\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Anna Pastukh on Ukraine\u2019s biomethane sector: legislation, sustainability, and the role of women in the industry"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Effective legislation creates the foundation for the sustainable development of biogas and biomethane. In turn, biogas and biomethane are part of Ukraine\u2019s energy independence, climate goals, and EU integration&#8221;.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the interview with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/biogas-shadow-war-stowarzyszenie-biogas-women-9noqf\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/biogas-shadow-war-stowarzyszenie-biogas-women-9noqf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stowarzyszenie Biogas Women<\/a><\/strong>, Anna Pastukh, a legal expert at UABIO, discussed the development of Ukraine\u2019s biomethane legislation, the industry\u2019s growth during the war, and the opportunities the sector offers to women.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2160\" height=\"1240\" src=\"https:\/\/uabio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/banner_D_3x2_EN-1.png\" alt=\"Interview with Anna Pastukh on Ukraine\u2019s biomethane sector: legislation, sustainability, and the role of women in the industry\" class=\"wp-image-1019815\" style=\"width:800px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uabio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/banner_D_3x2_EN-1.png 2160w, https:\/\/uabio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/banner_D_3x2_EN-1-768x441.png 768w, https:\/\/uabio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/banner_D_3x2_EN-1-1536x882.png 1536w, https:\/\/uabio.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/banner_D_3x2_EN-1-2048x1176.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2160px) 100vw, 2160px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since joining the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine in 2015, she has led its legal work and contributed to the development of the country\u2019s bioenergy sector. Her areas of expertise include: drafting laws and legislative amendments, developing subordinate acts on bioenergy, providing comprehensive analyses of Ukraine\u2019s renewable energy legislation, supporting the implementation of regulations in the biogas and biomethane sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anna has been actively involved in drafting amendments aimed at aligning Ukrainian legislation with the EU energy acquis. She also advises on the practical implementation of laws governing biogas and biomethane, contributing to the development of an effective energy policy that supports the sector\u2019s continued growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building Ukraine\u2019s legal framework for biomethane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 You are a Legal Expert working for UABIO, the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine. What is the main focus of your work? How does your day-to-day work in biogas look?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 My main focus is improving the legal framework for biogas and biomethane in Ukraine. In practice, that means drafting legal proposals, working with government bodies, and helping create rules that make it easier for the sector to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A big part of my work is also supporting UABIO members with specific legal questions. Sometimes that means reviewing a problem they are facing and looking for a practical solution; sometimes it means pushing for changes in legislation or regulation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most important milestones was the development of Ukraine\u2019s first biomethane rules. Before 2021, there was no real legal framework for biomethane production. UABIO helped start that process, and I worked on the first drafts. Later, other experts joined, and the main law was adopted in 2021. I also worked on the government resolution that created the biomethane registry, which was approved in 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2024, we worked on the legal changes needed to allow biomethane exports from Ukraine to the EU. I helped draft amendments to the Customs Code for that purpose. In February 2025, Ukrainian producers made their first deliveries to the EU market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The legal challenges<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the moment, six Ukrainian companies are producing biomethane, but there are still legal questions to resolve, especially regarding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>export procedures,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the connection between Ukraine\u2019s biomethane registry and the EU\u2019s UDB,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the recognition of Ukrainian guarantees of origin in the EU.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This remains an important part of my work today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We also often receive requests from members about specific legal barriers. For each case, we gather the facts, analyse the problem, prepare legal proposals, and advocate for changes with the authorities so companies can operate without legal gaps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A strategically important and resilient energy sector<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 How do you see the Ukrainian biogas and biomethane industry? What is the main key-success factor for so fast development? What is the main difficulty during the war?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 I see Ukraine\u2019s biogas and biomethane industry as a strategically important and resilient part of the country\u2019s energy system.<br><br>Before the war, the sector was already growing steadily, and now it is gaining additional relevance because it supports the circular economy. energy security and rural development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ukraine has a very large feedstock base:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>agricultural residues,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>livestock waste,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>food-industry by-products,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>organic municipal waste.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Studies show that the country could produce <strong>more than 1 bcm\/y of biomethane by 2030<\/strong>. The cost of raw materials in Ukraine is lower than in the EU, making Ukrainian biomethane competitive.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What made fast development possible?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main key success factor for the sector\u2019s relatively fast development has been the creation of a legal framework where none existed before. This legal foundation, I mentioned previously, together with gradual harmonisation with EU standards, gave investors and producers the minimum level of certainty they needed to move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The industry during the war<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the war, the biggest challenge has been the security situation and the direct damage to infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least two agricultural biogas plants in the east and south had to stop production, and two landfill gas recovery systems were lost, with a total loss of about <strong>5\u20137 MW of installed electrical capacity<\/strong>. Overall, about <strong>5% of biogas and biomass capacity was damaged or destroyed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even so, the sector remains resilient because it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>is decentralised,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>relies on widely distributed feedstock,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>is increasingly aligned with EU law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main challenges now are war-related risks, the need to finalise export rules, and the development of the domestic market.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Women in Ukraine\u2019s biogas industry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 How many women work in your country in the biogas sector? Which roles do they choose? What are the opportunities Ukrainian biogas offers to women? What are the obstacles?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 Ukraine does not have separate official data for the biogas sector. The closest available figure is for energy overall, where women make up about <strong>27% of the workforce in Ukraine<\/strong>.<br><br>That is close to the global average of around <strong>31% in energy companies<\/strong>. In biogas, the share is likely similar, but I want to be clear that there is no exact number for the sector alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which roles do women choose?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The roles women choose tend to follow a clear pattern. Most work in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>legal support,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environmental and permitting issues,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>finance and investment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>grant writing,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carbon reporting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>communications,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>project management.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Technical and field jobs, such as operating biogas plants, handling equipment, and managing feedstock logistics, are still mostly done by men. This reflects the wider energy sector, where women are more often in administrative, financial, and communications roles than in technical ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New professional opportunities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opportunities are strong. Biogas is still a relatively new field, so there are fewer old barriers and more room for career growth. Ukraine\u2019s path toward the EU creates high demand for skills in areas where women are already strong:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>regulation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carbon markets,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sustainable finance,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the circular economy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The war has also changed the labour market. Many men have been mobilised, which has opened vacancies and increased interest in hiring women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rebuilding Ukraine on clean energy is a real chance to build a more balanced sector from the start.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Barriers that still exist<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The obstacles are real as well. The biggest one is that women are often present in middle roles, but still rarely reach top management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other barriers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the gender pay gap,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the idea that energy is a \u201cmale\u201d field,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the lack of visible role models,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the heavier family and caregiving burden that the war has made even harder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u201cThis sector needs you\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 How would you encourage other women to join the biogas and biomethane sector?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014 This sector needs you, and there is room for you right now. Biogas and biomethane in Ukraine are still being developed, which means there are no closed doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">I would also tell women that you do not need an engineering degree to belong here. The sector depends on many different skills:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>law and regulation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>finance and investment,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>environmental management,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>carbon reporting,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>communications,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>project coordination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are good at solving problems and learning new rules, there is a place for you. And if you are interested in the technical side, that path is open too. The field needs people and welcomes those who are ready to learn.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also helps to see this work as more than just a job. Biogas and biomethane are part of Ukraine\u2019s energy independence, climate goals, and EU integration. When you join the sector, you are not only building your own career. You are also helping the country rebuild on cleaner and more secure energy. That sense of purpose is what keeps many people in the sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take the first step<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practically, I would encourage women to take the first step:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Join a training programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Find a mentor already working in renewables or bioenergy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attend industry events.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect with networks of women in energy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And finally, I would say that your presence changes the sector itself. Every woman who takes a visible role becomes a model for the next one and helps make the field more open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should Biogas Women focus on?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u2014 What should the Association like Biogas Women focus on? How can we support Biogas Women around the world?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2014\u00a0I think an association like Biogas Women should focus first on visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest barriers women describe is the feeling that the sector is not really for them. Seeing other women lead projects, run plants, and speak at conferences can change that. That is why sharing women\u2019s stories through profiles, interviews, and awards matters so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second priority should be practical access through training and mentoring. Many women already have the right skills, but they do not always have a clear entry point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The association can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>connect newcomers with experienced mentors,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>offer courses on project management, regulation, and the technical basics,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>help members move into roles they may not have considered before.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cross-border networking is also very important. Biogas and biomethane develop at different speeds in different countries, and women can learn a great deal from each other. A global association can share experience on permitting, regulation and financing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can also give members in emerging markets like Ukraine access to knowledge from more mature ones, especially now, as Ukraine aligns with EU rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women can learn a great deal from each other.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A green suit or a green handbag?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2014 I chose the green handbag<\/strong>. I always carry a bag made from recycled materials and avoid buying plastic bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that bag is also green, it becomes a visible reminder of the mission behind renewable energy and biogas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sustainability,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>circularity,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>less reliance on fossil-based plastics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carrying a recycled green bag reflects UABIO\u2019s values, sends a clear environmental message in everyday life, and shows that small personal choices can support the wider clean-energy transition.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/biogas-shadow-war-stowarzyszenie-biogas-women-9noqf\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/biogas-shadow-war-stowarzyszenie-biogas-women-9noqf\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The original interview is available on the Stowarzyszenie Biogas Women page<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Biogas Women is an association that brings together experts, female scientists, business leaders, technical specialists, and representatives of government agencies working in the biogas and biomethane sector. The initiative supports the development of renewable energy sources, builds a strong community of women in the industry, and strengthens their tangible impact on the direction of the energy transition.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Effective legislation creates the foundation for the sustainable development of biogas and biomethane. In turn, biogas and biomethane are part of Ukraine\u2019s energy independence, climate goals, and EU integration&#8221;. In the interview with Stowarzyszenie Biogas Women, Anna Pastukh, a legal expert at UABIO, discussed the development of Ukraine\u2019s biomethane legislation, the industry\u2019s growth during the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1019780,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1000001,1000021],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1019775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1019775"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1020409,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1019775\/revisions\/1020409"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1019780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1019775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1019775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/uabio.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1019775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}