The development of bioenergy, particularly the increase in biogas and biomethane production, is currently one of the top priorities for the Ukrainian energy system. The signing of the Memorandum on Strategic Partnership between Ukraine and the EU in biomethane, hydrogen, and other synthetic gases in February 2023 laid the groundwork for this. Following this Memorandum, relevant changes to legislation have already been adopted in Ukraine, allowing, in particular, customs clearance and export of Ukrainian biomethane to the EU. Concurrently, the Government is working on adapting the gas distribution system for biomethane transportation and developing the necessary biomethane registry.
The development of biofuel production in Ukraine will only gain momentum, as Ukrainian bioresources are of interest to the EU, where, according to RePowerEU, 35 billion m3 of biomethane is expected to be produced annually by 2030. Investment support for biofuel projects has already been declared at the level of various international programs, including the Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Program (UDEPP) and the InnovateUkraine Program between Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
Yaroslav Kovhan, Executive Director: “Increasing the capacity of biogas and biomethane generating facilities is extremely important for Ukraine. Firstly, it concerns a source of energy that is both clean and sustainable. Secondly, this means contributing to the energy independence of Ukraine, developing a new model of the natural gas market, and decentralizing the energy system. Thirdly, it involves preparing industries and enterprises for the introduction of the CBAM in Ukraine. That is why, our engineering and environmental team prioritizes assisting and maintaining such projects.”
MCL conducts comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for biogas and biomethane production projects. The business activities for the construction and operation of biogas/biomethane facilities involve undergoing EIA under article 3 of the Law of Ukraine “On Environmental Impact Assessment” which states that “waste treatment facilities that can process 100 tons or more, but aren’t hazardous, are classified as facilities of category I and those which could have a significant impact on the environment.”
How do biogas/biomethane plants impact the environment?
Biogas plants specialize in producing biogas by using anaerobic fermentation of organic waste, including agricultural residues, food waste, and wastewater. Biogas, a blend of 60-70% methane, CO2, and a few other gases, can be utilized as a renewable energy source for electricity and heat production, or transformed into biomethane, an eco-friendly alternative to natural gas. According to the Report “Ukraine’s Transition to Renewable Energy by 2050” from the Institute for Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the greatest bioenergy potential of Ukraine is represented by the following types of biomass from biogas: biogas from by-products of the agricultural complex (manure and food industry), biogas from landfills of household waste and biogas from wastewater.
The technological process of biogas production includes:
Girina Olesya, Environmental Specialist: “The construction of biogas and biomethane plants, as well as the technological process of biofuel production, can potentially cause negative effects on the environment. Just like any other planned activity in the energy industry. So, the EIA procedure, which we specialize in, is essential in anticipating and eliminating potential environmental pollution (air, water, soil), loss of biodiversity, and disruption of community life, as well as implementing appropriate strategies for managing potential risks from such projects.”
Following the EIA, MCL continues to support the relevant projects in monitoring their environmental impact, even in the operational stage.
Laws that are significant for bioenergy projects
In addition to the Law of Ukraine on Environmental Impact Assessment, MCL advises biogas and biomethane project developers to take into account such Laws as:
The development of Ukraine’s market
Bioenergy Association of Ukraine (UABIO) estimates the potential of biogas/biomethane production in Ukraine at 21.8 billion m3 per year. The DiXi Group, in turn, claims that under favorable conditions, the production of biomethane in Ukraine can reach 1 billion m3 per year by 2030, 4.5 billion m3 per year by 2040, and 20 billion m3 per year by 2050.
______________
MCL specializes in conducting Environmental Impact Assessments for categories I and II of planned activities and monitoring the further impact of facilities at the operational stage. We also provide a full range of design and permitting services, including permits for pollutant emissions.