Project overview
This industrial project focuses on advancing low-carbon biomethane production through the integrated utilisation of crop residues and break/cover crops with technologies for biogas CO₂ utilisation. Biomethane production offers a dual solution to Ukraine’s energy and environmental challenges. As a green energy source, it reduces GHG emissions and supports Ukraine’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Furthermore, it enhances Ukraine’s energy security, addressing the ongoing reliance on natural gas import; supports efforts to diminish dependence on fossil fuels. With energy infrastructure damaged by the current conflict, Ukraine faces significant electricity deficits, up to 20-25% during peak-demand periods. Ensuring reliable domestic sources of renewable energy, especially decentralised ones such as biomethane, is Ukraine’s energy recovery priority.
Ukraine possesses large tonnages of material with potential for sustainable biomethane production, with break/cover crops and crop residues making up the largest share of available feedstock. These materials offer significant advantages, including high biomass yields per hectare, rapid growth, low costs. However, the lignin content, which forms barriers around key components of the feedstock, and the suboptimal carbon/nitrogen ratio for anaerobic digestion remain challenging.
This project aims to address these challenges by advancing the technology for biomethane production from crop residues and break/cover crops. Through the development of innovative approaches and biotechnologies for harvesting, pre-treatment, and digestion of these materials, we aim to maximise biomethane production efficiency. This optimised anaerobic digestion will be integrated with sustainable farming practices, including the use of break/cover crops. The project will also work to reduce waste by utilising CO₂ in biogas and converting digestate into valuable biofertilisers.
By scaling up biomethane production, the project will support Ukraine's energy recovery and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. It will create green jobs, particularly in rural areas, help farmers adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the country's green economy. The project is aligned with Ukraine's Energy Strategy and Europe's renewable energy goals, fostering energy autonomy, promoting regional economic development, and improving the resilience of the energy system.
This project represents a significant step towards decarbonisation of Ukraine’s energy sector, promoting sustainable agriculture while strengthening energy security. It positively impacts the country’s socio-economic and environmental sustainability and promotes diversity, inclusion and equality both within the team and among a wider range of stakeholders, such as biomethane producers and consumers. By offering leadership and technical training, the project fosters enhanced gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy and agriculture.
Ukraine possesses large tonnages of material with potential for sustainable biomethane production, with break/cover crops and crop residues making up the largest share of available feedstock. These materials offer significant advantages, including high biomass yields per hectare, rapid growth, low costs. However, the lignin content, which forms barriers around key components of the feedstock, and the suboptimal carbon/nitrogen ratio for anaerobic digestion remain challenging.
This project aims to address these challenges by advancing the technology for biomethane production from crop residues and break/cover crops. Through the development of innovative approaches and biotechnologies for harvesting, pre-treatment, and digestion of these materials, we aim to maximise biomethane production efficiency. This optimised anaerobic digestion will be integrated with sustainable farming practices, including the use of break/cover crops. The project will also work to reduce waste by utilising CO₂ in biogas and converting digestate into valuable biofertilisers.
By scaling up biomethane production, the project will support Ukraine's energy recovery and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. It will create green jobs, particularly in rural areas, help farmers adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the country's green economy. The project is aligned with Ukraine's Energy Strategy and Europe's renewable energy goals, fostering energy autonomy, promoting regional economic development, and improving the resilience of the energy system.
This project represents a significant step towards decarbonisation of Ukraine’s energy sector, promoting sustainable agriculture while strengthening energy security. It positively impacts the country’s socio-economic and environmental sustainability and promotes diversity, inclusion and equality both within the team and among a wider range of stakeholders, such as biomethane producers and consumers. By offering leadership and technical training, the project fosters enhanced gender equality in traditionally male-dominated sectors like energy and agriculture.
