With the recent decision by the Ukrainian parliament to lift export restrictions on biomethane, new doors are opening for enhanced cooperation between Germany and Ukraine. Zukunft Gas welcomes this step and sees it as a significant advance for the energy transition and a German-Ukrainian energy partnership.
The voice of the German gas and hydrogen industry appeals to the federal government to promptly establish the regulatory foundations in Germany to enable the import of biomethane from Ukraine.
In March, the Ukrainian parliament passed a law that paves the way for the export of Ukrainian biomethane to Germany. Law No. 9456 "On Amendments to the Customs Code of Ukraine for the Customs Clearance of Biomethane" came into effect today with the signature of the Ukrainian President. This decision, significantly supported by Zukunft Gas and other stakeholders, marks an important milestone in promoting sustainable energies and strengthening a biomethane cooperation between Germany and Ukraine.
Last fall, Zukunft Gas and the Centre for Liberal Modernity published a joint policy paper identifying export restrictions as a hurdle to establishing a German-Ukrainian biomethane cooperation. Following Ukraine's adherence to the recommendations, Zukunft Gas is now urging the German government to take the necessary steps to quickly start a biomethane cooperation. This includes adjusting the regulatory framework in Germany to facilitate the import and use of Ukrainian biomethane. Additionally, an agreement with Ukraine on the recognition of certificates of origin is needed to apply the high sustainability criteria established here in Ukraine as well.
Ukraine and Germany both aim to be climate-neutral by the middle of the century. Biomethane plays an often underestimated role in this. It is indispensable in parts of the industry, transportation, and also in electricity and heat supply, and can simultaneously strengthen the resilience of the overall system. With its 33 million hectares of agricultural land, Ukraine has a total potential for biomethane production of up to 220 TWh.
