Since September 2024, two Ukrainian producers have supplied over 5 million cubic meters of biomethane to Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System (GTS). This was announced by Kateryna Kovalenko, Head of Strategy at GTS Operator of Ukraine (OGTSU), during a conference on the development of biomethane production in Ukraine, organized by the Energy Community and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
A key role in the development of the sector belongs to the Ministry of Energy, which was responsible for creating the regulatory framework for the production, certification, and export of biomethane, as well as coordinating technical procedures with GTS, underground storage (PSG), and gas distribution network (GRM) operators. As Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Energy Mykola Kolisnyk noted, “Biomethane is an example of how Ukraine is capable of creating new markets, integrating into European systems, and modernizing its energy sector without losing its competitive advantages in agriculture.”
Kateryna Kovalenko pointed out that the method of connecting a producer to the GTS — either directly or via gas distribution networks — does not affect the ability to export biomethane. Specifically, the mentioned producers are connected via GRM and have already begun exporting biomethane to European countries through the gas transmission system.
“Ukrainian biomethane producers already have the opportunity to transport biomethane through the Ukrainian GTS for export. Since September 2024, the GTS Operator has accepted over 5 million cubic meters of biomethane into the system. Once connected to the GTS, a biomethane producer can sell the produced gas to any consumer, either domestically or abroad,” Kovalenko explained.
To further support this emerging industry, OGTSU, together with GRM operators, is exploring the possibility of creating biomethane producer clusters based on zoning and interlinking of gas networks to increase the limited capacity of the distribution system.
Currently, the Ministry of Energy is working on implementing biomethane traceability and preparing for the integration of the GTS Operator of Ukraine into the EU’s Union Database (UDB), which will enable Ukrainian producers to receive green premiums in the European Union.
Background:
In February this year, Ukraine and the EU signed a Memorandum on Strategic Partnership in the field of biomethane, hydrogen, and other renewable gases. It is a joint action platform designed to synchronize policies, projects, and standards.
