The technical and organizational aspects of connecting biomethane producers to the gas transmission system were discussed at a thematic seminar by representatives of business, the GTS operator and the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine. The seminar was also attended by key investors in the bioenergy industry – MHP EcoEnergy, Astarta, Clear Energy Group and others.

The adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the Law “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine on the Development of Biomethane Production” prompted a substantive professional discussion about future projects related to the development of production and use of biomethane in the Ukrainian economy. During the seminar, the connecting almost 25 biomethane plants throughout Ukraine were considered.

The participants discussed the specifics of the process of connecting to the network, the need for regulatory support and the possibilities of developing cooperation. After all, the implementation of the strategy for the development of biomethane production will contribute to the decentralization of the domestic energy industry and the creation of new industries in the regions of Ukraine.

Olga Bielkova, Director on Government and International Affairs of GTSOU, noted that the Gas TSO of Ukraine is interested in strengthening interaction with biomethane producers, because this area is a powerful export opportunity for the country and a good prospect on the way to decarbonization.

Also, the use of biomethane in the existing gas equipment makes it possible to load the Ukrainian GTS, which is extremely important today. The facts of the purchase of biomethane for own technological needs by the EU GTS Operators are also known, such a possibility is also being considered for GTSOU in the future. Yurii Ziabchenko, Chief Engineer of GTSOU, stressed that it is necessary to establish effective interaction with biomethane producers.

“The organizational aspects of applications submission for connection points and the completeness procedure have already been worked out. The process of issuing connection specifications for one of the biogas producers has been launched. We are and will be guided in our activities by the GTS Code, which sets out the current requirements for the component composition of natural gas”, – recalled Yurii Ziabchenko.