Ukraine’s biogas potential could reach 11.6 bcm of gas equivalent annually

Ukraine has significant potential to develop biogas and biomethane production from agricultural and organic waste. According to the International Energy Agency, the use of waste and residues alone could theoretically provide around 11.6 bcm of gas equivalent per year.

For agricultural businesses, biogas could serve not only as a way to process organic waste but also as a source of electricity and heat. Once upgraded, biogas can be converted into biomethane and used as a substitute for natural gas, while digestate, a by-product of the process, can be used as an organic fertilizer.

The strongest potential for such projects is concentrated in regions with a high number of livestock and poultry enterprises. Lviv region leads with 142 relevant companies, followed by Kyiv and Kyiv region with 114, Cherkasy with 66 and Poltava with 55.

Despite the large feedstock base, Ukraine’s biogas potential remains underused. The main constraints include high upfront investment costs, difficulties connecting to energy grids, regulatory barriers and limited awareness among some agricultural producers about the economics of such projects.

At the same time, Ukraine is gradually building the infrastructure needed for biomethane development. A Biomethane Registry was launched in February 2026, while the sector development programme through 2035 envisages integration with European renewable fuel accounting systems and mutual recognition of guarantees of origin.

Tags: Ukraine, biogas