The state enterprise UkrNDNC has adopted a national standard for biomethane injection into gas networks, both distribution and main ones. The document details the technical characteristics of biomethane for supply to the network. It has been developed following the EU requirements by specialists from the Regional Gas Company.
The new standard complies with the basic EU technical standard used to define the requirements for biomethane quality and the content of chemical compounds in it. From now on, DSTU EN 16723-1:2023 Natural Gas and Biomethane for Use in Transport and Biomethane for Injection in the Natural Gas Network have become part of Ukrainian legislation. It will be used to issue technical specifications for the connection of biomethane plants to gas distribution networks.
The SE UkrNDNC has approved this state standard. All network operators can use it in their work. This is important in terms of market development and technical improvement of procedures and regulations, which has always been one of the critical objectives of RGC as a production and technology company.
“Due to its origin, biomethane contains components not present in natural gas, such as silicon, ammonium, fluorinated compounds, etc. They can affect the gas distribution system. Until recently, Ukrainian legislation has not considered these specific qualities of biomethane,” said Ihor Hotsyk, Head of Decarbonization at RGC.
Combining biomethane quality requirements with the European standard is an essential step towards creating conditions for biomethane exports to European countries and further integration of gas markets. Biomethane is a sustainable decarbonized form of energy. Thus Ukraine, which is at the beginning of its market development, should lay the foundation for its development following the EU standards.
The standard was developed by the Technical Committee for Standardization of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas (IFNTUOG), involving specialists from Zhytomyrgaz JSC and the Technical Committee of RGC. The document will come into force on November 1, 2023.
