Ukraine opens new chapter in energy independence with biomethane export

Ukraine's Energy Customs Service processed the country's first periodic customs declaration for the export of biomethane to Europe via pipeline on Thursday, marking a historic milestone for the nation's energy sector. This achievement follows two years of legislative changes and opens new opportunities for Ukraine in the European renewable energy market, the customs reported.

"This is not just an important step in developing green energy and strengthening regional energy security. It is a significant breakthrough for Ukraine on the path to energy independence and European integration," the customs service stated.

The Ministry of Energy specified that the first export batch consisted of 67,000 cubic meters of biomethane. According to the industry publication Energoreforma, the exporter is the agro-holding Vitagro, which operates a biomethane plant in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

"The start of biomethane exports from Ukraine to the EU is a crucial step in strengthening energy independence and integrating our country into the European energy space. This not only opens new opportunities for our energy sector but also contributes to the decarbonization of the economy and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. Ukraine is ready to become a reliable supplier of clean energy for Europe," said Minister German Halushchenko.

In 2024, Ukraine passed a law allowing the export of biomethane. The technically feasible potential for biomethane production in Ukraine is estimated at up to 10 billion cubic meters per year, with a target of reaching 1 billion cubic meters annually by 2030.

In September 2024, the first biomethane plant of the Vitagro group of companies started operating in Ukraine, and in November, the second biomethane plant of Hals Agro was launched. In January 2025, another plant was launched in Ukraine, with twice the capacity of the first two combined.