Biogas is a renewable energy source that is produced by the decomposition of organic materials (such as plant residues, manure and food waste) and is primarily composed of methane, along with carbon dioxide and other compounds. The new unit will purify the biogas by removing these latter components, producing high-purity, high-energy biomethane. Biomethane is not only suitable to replace natural gas as a carrier of fossil energy, but also represents a product with much higher added value thanks to the associated green certificate (ISCC). The 7 million cubic meters of biomethane are equivalent to the annual gas consumption of approximately 8,500 average homes.
The MOL Group is expanding the Szarvas biogas plant with a new biomethane unit capable of producing more than 7 million cubic meters per year, enough to meet the gas needs of around 8,500 homes. The project, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, will feed purified biomethane into Hungary’s natural gas network, boosting energy security and MOL’s green energy portfolio.
Locally produced energy is not only an advantage, but also a strategic factor. In Central and Eastern Europe, biomethane is seen as a promising solution because it can be built on a strong agricultural base, an existing gas network and real industrial demand.
MOL will actively apply the experience gained in the operation of the Szarvas plant both when evaluating future acquisition opportunities and when planning new greenfield investments.
“Through the new investment, we are providing an effective response to the energy trilemma: we are increasing energy security and at the same time producing an energy carrier in an affordable and sustainable way.” said Ádám Horváth, Vice President of New and Sustainable Businesses at MOL Group. “To unlock the potential of biomethane at the national level, an effective support system, clear and supportive regulation, and cooperation between the agricultural and energy sectors will also be necessary.”
The MOL Group acquired the Szarvas biogas plant in 2023. Biogas is currently used in gas engines: they produce almost 24 GWh of green electricity per year and also provide combined heat. The waste processing facility uses organic waste to produce electricity and heat through cogeneration, with a maximum electrical energy capacity of approximately 4 megawatts. The plant processes more than 40,000 tonnes of waste each year from meat production in the region, and a further 53,000 tonnes of residual waste (such as slurry and manure) from neighboring meat and livestock processing farms. In addition, around 18,000 tons of agricultural substrate are used as raw material for the plant, which produces almost 12 million cubic meters of biogas.
Your agricultural partners and raw material suppliers play a key role in ensuring a stable and efficient supply of raw materials. Therefore, MOL intends to further strengthen the solid and reliable cooperation with the agricultural sector in the future.
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ALCHEMPro news desk (RM)
