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Home SolutionsBiogas & Biomethane Biogas plants at sugar factories

Biogas plants
at sugar factories

We convert sugar beet pulp into energy and fertiliser instead of spending money on drying

Without a biogas plant:

  • Costs of drying pomace and unstable sales.
  • Dependence on the feed market.
  • Logistics and storage issues.
  • Organic contamination in the case of open storage.
  • Unused potential of waste.

With it, you get:

  • Biogas production and stable income.
  • Guaranteed payments from the state through a Guaranteed Buyer.
  • Processing pomace without the need for drying.
  • Reducing CO₂ emissions and implementing a circular model.
  • Biomethane production and export potential.

When should you contact us?

01

You want to process pulp without drying — for your own energy consumption or for sale.

02

Need an investor to launch a biogas plant.

03

You have access to sugar beet pulp and are looking for ways to monetise it.

04

Consider your own biogas plant as an investment project with a payback period of up to 6 years.

About raw materials

Sugar beet pulp is a highly efficient raw material for biogas production. All types are suitable: primary, semi-pressed and deeply pressed. We implement solutions for all types: for liquid pulp — pumping systems, for solid pulp — screw or special bio-mix pumps.

The problem of open storage is solved by closed storage facilities and automatic loading systems. We use only proven technologies that meet the requirements of biogas plants in Ukraine.

We implement high-load reactors that reduce capital costs, speed up start-up and reduce the building area.

Biogas plants at sugar factories - photo — pro-energy.com.ua

Want to find out if a biogas plant project on pomace is right for you?

Book a free consultation, and our managers will provide comprehensive information regarding your questions.

Financing options:

  1. Turnkey development with full support.
  2. Support in EU grant programmes.
  3. Partnership with investors on a profit-sharing basis.
  4. EPC financing model (engineering, procurement, construction, and operation).
  5. Loans through Ukrainian and European banks.

Ways to recoup costs:

  • Sale of biogas.
  • Sale of electricity.
  • Sale of heat.
  • Export of biomethane.
  • Reduction in disposal costs.

Biogas technologies for sugar factories

For sugar factories, we recommend industrial CSTR reactors with a vertical axial agitator, metal roof and separate gas holder. This solution is optimal for large volumes of pomace and industrial loads: the diameter and height of the reactors can reach 24 m, which ensures stable hydrodynamics and a controlled fermentation process. If the bagasse is used as a co-substrate in a smaller agricultural project, classic agricultural-type CSTRs with flexible covers are used.

Before feeding into the reactor, the material is crushed and homogenised in a solid loading system. Pulp (fresh or silage) is a technologically convenient raw material, but it requires proper storage and preservation. The most effective solution is a system with a moving floor, which ensures uniform feeding without jamming or overloading. Additional hygienisation or separation is usually not required.

Biogas has a low H₂S content (up to ~50 ppm), so a standard purification scheme is used: adsorption on activated carbon and drying. Special desulphurisation technologies or complex siloxane removal systems are not required.

The priority option for gas use is electricity generation (CHP) to cover the plant’s own needs and sell electricity. Biomethane from pomace is not accepted on the EU market, as pomace is a feed resource. If pomace is used as a co-substrate in combination with other raw materials, the biogas produced from it can only be used for CHP to ensure biomethane production — this is an acceptable model.

We integrate all nodes into SCADA and a commercial accounting system with control over raw material supply, fermentation parameters, biogas composition and volume, electricity and heat production, and the energy balance of the enterprise.

Click on the image to enlarge
Your single partner for effective solutions

A systematic approach
from Pro-Energy

We provide a range of engineering and consulting services for project implementation. From concept to efficient operation of the plant using your raw materials and location.

More about the systematic approach

Our services:

Concept development and feasibility study
Project development and permits
Development of project documentation
Supply of technological equipment
Construction and installation
Start-up and commissioning works
Service maintenance

Biogas projects implemented

Generation of feed-in energy at an agricultural enterprise

Chernihiv region
The plant was put into operation: February 2022
More details
Biogas plants at sugar factories - photo 1 — pro-energy.com.ua
Project completed

Biomethane plant with a capacity of 750 Nm3/h of raw biogas

Khmelnytskyi region
Year of implementation: December 2023
More details
Biogas plants at sugar factories - photo 2 — pro-energy.com.ua
Project completed

Biomethane plant with a capacity of 600 Nm3/h of raw biogas

Ukraine, Chernihiv region
Commissioned: 2023
More details
Biogas plants at sugar factories - photo 3 — pro-energy.com.ua
Project completed

Why choose Pro-Energy?

We are committed to long-term partnerships!

More About us
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Many years of experience

We have been successfully operating in the bioenergy sector since 2014. We have the knowledge, experience and understanding of the specifics of working in the Ukrainian market.

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Unique partnerships

We have reliable partners. Therefore, we can offer solutions that will allow each project to reach its full potential.

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Reliable technologies

We use technologies with 90% availability for stable operation of installations, which guarantees efficiency and return on investment.

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Stable work

We do not leave our customers alone after commissioning the facility. We provide 24/7 technical support and remain available under any circumstances.

More About us

Ready to discuss the implementation of your project?

Leave a request for a free consultation.





    Frequently asked questions

    Is liquid pulp suitable for a biogas plant?

    Yes, but it takes up a large volume in the reactor. We design biogas plants taking into account the high moisture content of the raw material, maintaining a balance of organic matter for stable biogas production.

    What is the biogas yield from sugar pulp?

    On average, 1 tonne of semi-pressed pulp yields 80–120 m³ of biogas, depending on the dry matter content. Biogas production from pulp is an effective alternative to drying.

    How can heavily contaminated pulp be processed?

    This requires a separation system before loading into the biogas plant. We install pre-filters that separate stones, sticks and debris.

    Can fertiliser be obtained after processing the pomace?

    Yes, as a by-product, digestate is formed — a liquid organic fertiliser rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. It can be used on fields or composted.

    How much does a biogas plant for a sugar factory cost?

    The price of a biogas plant depends on the volume of raw materials, the type of reactors and the level of automation. Our solutions start at €1.5 million per 1 MW of electrical capacity.

    Can biomethane be sold abroad?

    Yes, if your biogas plant for producing biogas from pomace is adapted to purify biomethane to a high quality. We implement solutions with integration into the gas transmission system.

    What is the payback period for a biogas plant on pomace?

    Payback depends on the gas usage model (CHP or natural gas replacement), energy prices, and plant size. In industrial projects, the payback period is typically 5–8 years.

    Can an old dryer be modernised for a biogas plant?

    In some cases, part of the infrastructure can be used: warehouses, transport systems, concrete foundations. We audit the facility before starting the design phase to give a definite answer to this question.