Biomethane in the Agricultural Sector: How Ukrainian Farmers Profit from Waste in 2026

In 2026, for the Ukrainian agricultural sector, waste such as straw, manure, or pulp transformed from a complex logistical challenge into a valuable energy resource. Against the backdrop of unstable external energy supplies and rising gas prices, biomethane became the key to energy independence and stable profits for farmers.

This is reported by AgroReview

Mobile Biomethane Units — A New Reality for Farms

The main trend in February 2026 was the active implementation of mobile biomethane modules. Just a few years ago, the construction of biogas plants was only accessible to large agricultural enterprises, but today even farms with areas from 500 to 1000 hectares can install compact modules for biomethane production.

Modern technology allows for the processing of organic waste right at the site of its generation. After purification, the resulting biogas becomes biomethane — a full-fledged equivalent of natural gas. This opens up the following opportunities for farmers:

• Providing grain dryers with their own energy source during peak season;
• Heating livestock complexes and administrative buildings;
• Refueling agricultural machinery converted to gas, significantly saving on diesel costs with new excise taxes.

Biomethane in the Gas Transport Network and Currency Revenue

The most progressive farmers are no longer limited to their own consumption of biomethane but are injecting it directly into the Ukrainian gas transport system. Biomethane is a unique renewable gas that requires no modifications to existing pipelines.

This step opens a direct path for farmers to sign export contracts. European markets are willing to pay a premium for “green” gas, allowing farmers to earn foreign currency without the need to sell grain. Thus, biomethane energy has become an effective tool for diversification: in the face of fluctuating wheat prices, farmers remain financially stable by selling energy.

Digestate as an Additional Advantage of Biomethane Production

The production of biomethane offers another important advantage — digestate. This is the residual mass after biomass processing, which is used as a high-quality organic fertilizer. Digestate contains elevated concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a form readily available to plants.

By using digestate, farmers can reduce their purchases of mineral fertilizers by 30-40%. In conditions where the price of nitrate remains high in 2026, such savings directly impact the profitability of each hectare. Thus, biomethane installations provide a complete cycle: from energy production to increasing the yield of subsequent crops.

Note: Ukraine has the largest biomethane production potential in Europe due to the vast amount of agricultural raw materials. According to experts, by the end of 2026, the number of operational biomethane facilities in the country may double.