Unlocking biomethane production in the Ukraine: A new BIP Task Force

Brussels, 29th of June. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the EU and Ukraine on a Strategic Partnership on Renewable Gases, including biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases, the Biomethane Industrial Partnership is set to establish a new Task Force on Ukraine. This new Task Force will contribute to unlock the biomethane production in the country, contributing to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports from Russia and building stronger energy cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the EU and Ukraine on a Strategic Partnership on Renewable Gases, including biomethane, hydrogen and other synthetic gases, has set the stage for deeper cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, both in promotion of energy security, as well as in accelerating the deployment and use of renewable energy sources in line with the EU’s sustainability framework.

A response to the urgent need to phase out the dependency on energy imports from Russia, and in line with the REPowerEU Plan of the European Commission, the Partnership will explore and tap the potential to provide support under all relevant EU-Ukraine energy cooperation formats. This includes implementing EU legislation in Ukraine, including the Renewables Directive and the Gas and Hydrogen Package, encouraging EU-Ukraine public and private-sector cooperation and investment, setting up direct involvement of Ukraine in Horizon Europe’s projects, providing a direct regulatory and technical framework for renewable gas infrastructure, and working together on cross-sectoral aspects that cover agriculture, industry, water and waste management and other sectors. Cooperation should focus on identifying and removing administrative, technical, and regulatory barriers to the production, transport, storage, and use of biomethane, hydrogen, and other synthetic gases, including licensing, permitting, and technical requirements.

In line with the commitments of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Biomethane Industrial Partnership is set to establish a new Task Force – Task Force 6, which will be focused on supporting Ukraine in accelerating biomethane production and jointly develop with the EU economies of scale needed for the roll-out of biomethane. The work programme of the Task Force is currently being drafted and is expected to be focused on several key areas, including integrating best available practices for advancing biomethane production in Ukraine and assisting in the creation of a regulatory and administrative framework for a competitive and transparent cross-border market.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Union and Ukraine marked a significant step forward in strengthening energy cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. Focused on unlocking Ukraine’s biomethane potential, Task Force 6 will work towards the MoU’s objectives, contributing to build stronger energy cooperation between the EU and Ukraine.

Would you like to learn more about this new Task Force? Please send an email to secretariat@bip-europe.eu