Overview of biomethane markets and regulations ... - Green Gas Grids

electricity and gas system and the rules for operating them. Biomethane can enter
the distribution grid if it meets the technical requirements. There are no restrictions
on the feedstock the biomethane is derived from, but the producer is obliged to
prove that the gas does not cause any hygienic risks for the distribution network.
Augmentation with LPG or propane as well as the injection of upgraded biogas not
fully in line with the specifications is allowed in principle as long as the resulting
quality of the gas flow conforms to the requirements.
Even though no biomethane plant currently feeds the grid, the Slovak DSO
SPP - distribúcia a.s. is prepared for biomethane injection. The relevant regulations
have been implemented and the technical standards are in place. The requirements
and conditions for connection of biomethane facilities are published in Slovak and
English on the company’s webpage.
Support schemes
To comply with the ambitious targets on renewable energy, and to manage duties
under the respective Directives of the European Parliament and Council, the Slovak
Parliament adopted the Act No. 309/2009 Coll. on the Promotion of Renewable
Energy Sources and High Efficiency Cogeneration Production ("RES Promotion Act"),
which came into effect as from 1 st of September 2009. In 2010 and 2011 the RES
Promotion Act was amended, the rules that support electricity production were
revised, and new rules supporting the high-efficiency cogeneration of electricity
were introduced. The act now regulates the methods and requirements of the
promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources, in particular
n Priority connection of such energy facilities to the
regional distribution system,
n Priority access to the grid, transmission, distribution and
supply of electricity;
n Off-take of electricity at the price for electricity to cover
grid losses,
n Feed-in tariffs and
n Transfer of the liability for deviations (i.e. the difference
between the production of electricity and demand) to the
regional distribution system operator.
The amended Act also redefines rights and obligation for biomethane producers and
distribution system operators, such as priority access for the grid connection,
release of certificate for biomethane etc.
The operator of a biogas fueled CHP is entitled to receive feed-in tariffs of 9.308 to
13.633 €cent / kWh depending on the source of biogas (2012 figures). Even though
the Slovak NREAP announces legislative measures for a compulsory purchase of
biomethane for the case that biomethane integration needs to be strengthened, a
gas feed in tariff has not prevailed so far. Thus, the biogas to electricity feed-in
tariffs are valid for biomethane fueled CHP as well. In order to implement the
objectives of the RES Promotion Act effectively, the Slovak Government set
requirements on efficient use of renewable energy sources. High efficiency
cogeneration resulting in primary energy savings compared to separate heat and
electricity production is encouraged, while cogeneration with a low heat utilisation
rate results in reduction of feed-in tariffs.
Besides the feed-in tariff scheme, direct financial support for investment is also
offered, e.g. investment subsidy through the Structural Funds from Operational
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