Biomethane is the fuel of the future, playing a key role in the energy transition and the development of sustainable energy.
💡 What are Biomethane Plants?
Biomethane plants are modern facilities that efficiently utilize biogas by purifying and upgrading it to biomethane. 💨 Biomethane can be fed into the gas grid or liquefied/compressed and sold as BioLNG fuel. 🚛
Biomethane is biogas purified to the standards of natural gas. It can be produced from various substrates, such as:
🌾 Energy crops
🌱 Plant and agricultural residues (including manure)
♻️ Waste and sewage sludge
🏭 Agro-food industry by-products
🗑️ Municipal bio-waste fraction
According to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (u.o.z.e.), biomethane is a gas obtained from biogas, agricultural biogas, or renewable hydrogen. After purification, it can be:
injected into the gas network 🔌
transported in compressed or liquefied form 🚚
used for fueling vehicles without the need for transport ⛽
💡 Poland has enormous potential for biomethane production!
According to the Polish Biomethane Organization, our country could produce up to 8 billion m³ of biomethane annually, significantly reducing dependence on imported natural gas. 🌟
🛠️ Administrative Procedures
The investment process for biomethane plants is largely similar to the construction of biogas plants, as a biomethane plant is essentially a biogas plant with an additional biogas purification system.
However, there are some key differences that investors should be aware of:
🔗 Connection to the gas network – requires additional technical and formal requirements.
📝 Type of permit – obtaining the necessary permit for business activity in the production of biomethane.
💰 Support system – biomethane benefits from separate support mechanisms compared to biogas.
🔗Connecting Biomethane Plants to the Gas Network – What You Need to Know
Connecting a biomethane plant to the gas network is a key step in the investment process. It consists of several stages:
📝 Obtaining connection conditions to the gas network.
🤝 Signing the connection agreement.
📜 Signing the gas distribution agreement.
🛠️ Connection Conditions to the Gas Network
Connection conditions are documents issued by the gas system operator. They specify the technical details for connecting the biomethane plant and reserve a "space in the network" for the project for 24 months.
📌 What’s important to know?
The operator is not obliged to publish information about the availability of connection capacity.
Before submitting the application, it is advisable to ask the operator about the connection possibilities at a specific point in the network.
✍️ How does the application for connection conditions look?
The application is submitted to the gas distribution or transmission system operator. It should include:
Applicant’s data and installation location 📍
Proposed connection point 🔗
Expected connection capacity and the amount of biomethane to be delivered 💨
Attachments such as a site map and an excerpt from the KRS 📜
The operator assesses the technical (e.g., network capacity) and economic (funds for network expansion) feasibility.
⏳ How long does the procedure take?
🕒 The application is processed within 90 days from submission. The connection conditions are valid for 2 years.
💡 Important Information for Investors
The investor must install gas quality measurement devices, such as hygrometers and chromatographs 🌡️.
Biomethane injected into the network must meet specified quality parameters 💎.
In case of refusal, the operator will suggest an alternative connection location.
Connecting a biomethane plant to the gas network is a complex process, but proper preparation helps avoid obstacles and ensures the successful implementation of sustainable energy projects. 🌱
🤝 Connection Agreement – The Key to Integrating Biomethane Plants into the Gas Network
The connection agreement to the gas network is an essential document that enables the formal connection of a biomethane plant to the gas infrastructure. It is signed between the investor and the distribution or transmission system operator.
📄 What does the connection agreement include?
The agreement is based on the previously issued connection conditions and defines:
The scope of connection works, including the reconstruction of the local gas network and technical equipment 🛠️.
Technical details of the cooperation between the investor and the operator ⚙️.
The estimated cost of the connection works 💰.
🔧 How is the agreement executed?
Under the agreement, the operator commits to preparing the gas network in a way that allows for the reception of biomethane generated in the investor’s installation. This includes:
Reconstructing transmission equipment.
Adapting local technical infrastructure.
🚀 Next Step: Distribution Agreement
After signing the connection agreement and completing the connection works, the investor can sign a distribution agreement. This allows the biomethane to be delivered through the gas network to end consumers.
💡 Thanks to the connection agreement, biomethane plants become part of the sustainable energy system, contributing to CO₂ emissions reduction and energy independence. 🌱
Got questions? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to help! 😊
📜 Changes in the Law Regarding Biomethane – A Step Toward a Green Future
The year 2023 brought significant legislative changes that support the development of biomethane plants in Poland. With the amendment of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (dated August 17, 2023, Dz. U. poz. 1762), the legislator created more favorable conditions for biomethane production.
🏛️ Key Changes
Among the most important legislative updates are:
Biogas Producers RegisterA separate register was introduced for entities engaged in biogas production for biomethane or the production of biomethane from biogas. This facilitates the management and oversight of activities in this sector.
Biomethane Production Support SystemA dedicated support system was established for biomethane producers. It is based on a negative balance coverage mechanism, as outlined in Article 93, Section 2, Item 3 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act. This solution provides greater financial stability for biomethane producers.
🌱 Why is this important?
These new regulations are a response to Poland's growing potential in biomethane production. They make it easier to implement investments in sustainable energy, which can contribute to increased energy independence and a reduction in CO₂ emissions.
Summary:
Biomethane is the future of sustainable energy – a clean, renewable fuel derived from biogas, which can power the gas network or serve as BioLNG. With a potential production capacity of 8 billion m³ annually, Poland has the opportunity to significantly reduce natural gas imports. Thanks to new regulations such as the biogas producers register and the negative balance coverage support system, the development of biomethane plants is becoming easier. Network connection processes and new legal regulations open the door to a cleaner, greener future. 🌍💚 #Biomethane #RenewableEnergy #SustainableEnergy #EnergyTransition #EEI1