To reduce dependence on fossil fuels, Germany plans to increase the share of biogas used for heating. To this end, Economy Minister Katerina Reiche proposes importing biomethane produced in Ukraine.
This was reported by Spiegel.
Balance between ecology and security
German parliamentary groups have reached a preliminary agreement on "gas" changes as part of the reform of the heating law. These changes involve allowing increased use of gas. In addition, the rule requiring homeowners to use at least 65% renewable energy for heating will be abolished.
At the same time, the country is striving not to deviate from its environmental values. The reform provides for certain quotas for the mandatory use of biogas and synthetic fuels for heat generation.
Germany plans to achieve its environmental targets by importing biomethane from Ukraine. Minister Reiche told reporters that Ukrainian producers are already offering large quantities of biogas for sale—it is already available and being sold on the market.
For now, regulatory barriers on the part of both Ukraine and the EU itself are preventing the full-scale import of biogas.
"But as soon as they are resolved, we can expect significant imports of biomethane," Kateryna Reiche emphasized.
Domestic natural gas – not environmentally friendly
Germany has significant deposits of fossil natural gas located in the North Sea. However, its extraction requires the use of fracking technology, which is quite controversial in terms of environmental protection. It uses high pressure and chemicals, so it has been banned in Germany since 2017. One of the reasons is its negative impact on water resources.
Nevertheless, the authorities are proposing to continue looking for ways to extract gas.
"Despite all the legitimate concerns about preserving the marine environment, this should also be possible on the German side," Reiche added.
EcoPolitic previously reported that during 2025, Ukrainian producers began to export their own biomethane abroad for the first time. Over the year, more than 11 million cubic meters of “green” gas were sold.
Major producers include large agricultural holdings that use their own organic feedstock to generate gas. Recently, the agro-industrial group “Pan Kurchak” announced its intention to build a biomethane plant with a capacity of 7 million cubic meters per year.
