Biogas plant: permits, documents, deadlines — a complete checklist for launch in 2026

A biogas plant is not only an alternative source of energy, but also a comprehensive tool for reducing costs, improving energy security, energy efficiency, and solving problems with agricultural waste. Today, the launch of such plants in Ukraine is a trend that has both strategic and economic prospects. At the same time, entrepreneurs and agricultural producers are faced with the question: where to start?

Launching a biogas plant is a complex process where the focus is not on technology but on obtaining permits. Without properly executed documents, neither design nor construction is possible. In this article, the Pro-Energy team has systematised the entire process — from project preparation to obtaining all the necessary permits. Here is a step-by-step checklist, valid for 2025, with explanations of terms, requirements and nuances.

Why are permits not a formality?

Over 60% of delays in launching energy projects are related not to technical or financial problems, but to bureaucratic procedures. This applies to biogas production from agricultural raw materials, and the fact that over 90% of projects must undergo an environmental impact assessment, public consultation and verification of compliance with numerous environmental and technical standards.

For example, even if you have already purchased the equipment, installed it and are ready to start working, but do not have an integrated environmental permit, operation will be prohibited. 

What documents are needed, and how to collect them?

Launching a biogas plant is not just about design, equipment and construction. One of the most resource-intensive stages is preparing a complete package of documents, which covers technical, legal, environmental, urban planning and other aspects of the connection. It is important to understand which documents for a biogas plant to prepare, in what sequence, and what can be done in parallel.

The first step is to select a plot of land that meets the technical requirements and development plans. If necessary, the next step is to change the intended use of the land. This can be done in two ways: by developing a detailed plan of the territory (DPT) or by means of a reasoned conclusion. In the latter case, the document may replace urban planning conditions and restrictions, but this approach is only possible under certain conditions — for example, for energy facilities or relocated enterprises.

To begin construction, the project must undergo urban planning and technical review. The first step is to obtain urban planning conditions and restrictions (UPC) — a document that defines the permissible parameters for development on a specific land plot: the dimensions of the facility, density, height, safety zones for the biogas plant, sanitary zones, etc. At the level of state regulation, several urban planning instruments remain in force, depending on the type of territory. Within settlements, the basis is the master plan. If it does not provide for the development of a DPT, its provisions apply. Outside settlements, the key role is played by the comprehensive spatial development plan for the community, which in some cases replaces the functions of the DPT. If there is no such plan, the territorial planning schemes for the district or region are applied.

Previously, if a detailed territorial plan (DTP) had not been approved for a site within a populated area, it had to be developed before submitting an application to the UPC. The DPT was valid for a long period of time and covered calculations that were critical for the project: calculation of the area of the biogas plant, the required area of the biogas plant, calculation of the reserve area, logistics, access roads for equipment and service areas. Following changes in legislation, the development of a DPT for such projects is no longer mandatory.

Law No. 4321-IX provides for a transition period until 2028, which allows for flexibility in the urban planning procedure, even if the documents do not fully comply with the new requirements. This is an important tool for speeding up the process of obtaining permits for biogas in complex regional conditions.

Next — project documentation and expertise

After the urban planning block, the technical part is formed — project documentation, which describes all technological and engineering solutions. It covers the technological part, auxiliary structures of the technical area of the biogas plant, the location of fermenters, the area for the gas holder, connection to networks and communications, zoning and security infrastructure. Project documentation can be prepared in stages “P“ (project), “W“ (working) or “WP“ (working project). The choice depends on the complexity of the project and the customer’s wishes. The “WP“ stage makes it possible to combine the concept and detailed drawings, which is convenient for quick implementation.

After development, the documents undergo expert review — verification of compliance with construction, sanitary, and fire safety standards. For biogas stations belonging to the CC2 and higher impact class facilities, expert review is mandatory.

In parallel — technical specifications and connection project

Even before construction, it is necessary to obtain technical conditions for connection to electricity and gas networks from operators. For example, for a biogas-to-electricity project, the distribution system operator will be the regional electricity company. If the station is large (over 10 MW), the participation of NEC Ukrenergo (transmission system operator) may also be required. As for biomethane projects, technical specifications must be obtained from the gas distribution network operator (i.e. the local regional gas company issues technical specifications for connection to the medium/low-pressure gas distribution network) or the gas transmission system operator (Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine — if biomethane is to be supplied directly to high-pressure main gas pipelines).

Based on the technical specifications, a separate project organisation prepares the project documentation for connection. These separate projects include: specific decisions on the network route, connection diagrams, equipment location (transformer, gas pressure regulator, etc.), cost estimates and technical calculations. Therefore, determining the required capacity (electricity or gas consumption/output) is a critical condition. This stage can be carried out in parallel with the technical project, but with mandatory consideration of the logic of the entire engineering complex.

Next step — EIA biogas Ukraine (environmental impact assessment)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a mandatory procedure for analysing environmental risks and scenarios. It is carried out after the approval of urban planning documentation and the project, although this work can be done in parallel if, for example, a feasibility study was carried out before the design, and a significant part of the information about the processes and waste is available. The report analyses the impact on water, air, soil, CO₂ emissions, noise, vibrations, the safety of residents, waste management methods and the protection of the biogas plant.

The procedure is accompanied by public hearings and official publication on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. Without its completion, it is impossible to proceed to the next step — obtaining a building permit.

Permit for construction works

After all checks and approvals, an application is submitted to the State Inspection of Architecture and Urban Planning of Ukraine (SIAUP) to obtain a building permit for biogas — official permission to carry out construction work. Obtaining this permit paves the way for the immediate start of the project.

And only then, the integrated environmental permit (IEP)

Integrated environmental permit (IEP) is a final permit granting the right to operate and expand a facility. It is required for all biogas stations from 2025 onwards, in accordance with Law No. 3855-IX. The package of documents for the IEP contains a description of the technology, emission calculations, diagrams of the main facilities (reactors, gas holders, technical area of the biogas plant, safety zones, logistics, access roads for equipment, calculation of the area of the biogas plant), land rights, EIA results, and biogas plant protection plan.

If, during the verification of the IEP report, it becomes necessary to supplement the materials or correct errors, the documents can be revised without starting the procedure from scratch — this provides flexibility and speeds up the process of obtaining biogas permits.

📌 Tip: Start preparing documents for a biogas plant at the stage of developing a business plan or feasibility study. This will allow you to take into account restrictions, avoid wasting time and mistakes that cost thousands of dollars.

If biomethane production is planned

A biomethane production project is not just a modernized module of a biogas plant — it represents an entirely new level: traceability, export potential, access to the European market, new regulatory requirements, and expanded opportunities.

A separate block of documentation appears — connection to Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System (GTS). This involves both the technical connection and verification that the biomethane meets all GTS criteria.

Important: the connection to the GTS can be completed before obtaining the Integrated Environmental Permit (IEP), but injecting biomethane into the grid without the IEP is prohibited. Therefore, the processes of obtaining the IEP and formalizing the GTS connection should be launched in parallel to avoid delays in commissioning the facility.

Additional requirements to consider:

• Certificate of conformity — confirmation that biomethane complies with GTS standards (in terms of composition, purity, pressure).
• Technical connection agreement with Ukrainian TSO — the basis for connecting. 
• Confirmation of equipment compliance with pressure, safety and material requirements.
• Customs declarations — if you plan to export biomethane to the EU.

As of August 2025, the biomethane market in Ukraine is already operational:

• over 5 million m³ of biomethane supplied to gas networks;
• 3 manufacturers provide stable supplies to the network;
• February 2025 — first export of biomethane to the EU (Germany, VITAGRO case).

Do not forget about the connection to the power grid

Even if your project does not involve the sale of electricity, a backup power supply is critical for safety and the continuous operation of the station. This requires:

• Obtain technical conditions for connection to the power grid — based on calculated energy consumption and/or generation.
• Develop a separate electrical connection project, independent of the main technical design of the station.
• Determine the power category, backup requirements, accounting system, etc.

Connecting to electricity and gas networks are processes that should be initiated before the completion of the design stage “P”. Not only do they take a long time, but they also have a critical impact on the timing of obtaining biogas permits, so they should be part of the overall implementation plan.

Timeframe: how long does it take?

You should expect it to take at least 10 months. This is the ideal scenario, assuming that all documents are collected on time and correctly. In reality, due to clarifications, comments from the community, or technical corrections, the process often takes up to 12-14 months, or even longer. 

Given the state of war, it is worth allowing extra time for force majeure and launching the project earlier in order to obtain all permits in time and enter the construction site in spring-summer. A common mistake is to start preparing a project without taking into account the time needed to obtain permits for a biogas plant. 

Want to learn more about biogas plants and debunk popular myths? Read our article “10 most frequently asked questions about biogas plants“.

Public hearings: key specifics

This stage is required by law. If public hearings are not held or the procedure is violated, everything must be started over again. The announcement is published on official websites, in the media, and on information boards.

Meetings are held with local residents, and all questions are recorded. Typical questions concern the safety zones of the biogas plant, noise levels, odours, and logistics for vehicle access. Based on the comments collected, a list of requirements to be taken into account is prepared for the relevant type of documentation.

For clarification: public discussions are not only about EIA or IEP but they are also held when developing GP.

Summary checklist

Conclusion

Launching a biogas plant is a technically complex, lengthy, but realistic project. Success depends not only on the capacity or choice of equipment supplier, but also on proper project support and timely processing of the necessary permits and documents for the biogas plant.

To avoid mistakes, engage relevant experts and plan ahead. 

Ready to get started? Request a consultation on permitting support from Pro-Energy. We will support your project at all stages — from submitting an application to the IEP to connecting to the gas transmission system and full launch.