MOL Group opens first biomethane plant in Szarvas

MOL Group has inaugurated its first biomethane production facility in Szarvas, Hungary, following an investment of more than 2.7 billion HUF. The plant processes organic waste, manure, and agricultural substrates to produce biomethane with a purity level suitable for injection into the national natural gas grid.

The facility is expected to produce over 7 million cubic meters of biomethane annually, which is equivalent to the yearly gas requirements of approximately 8,500 households. This production will replace an equivalent amount of fossil-based natural gas. While the plant is currently in a testing phase, full-scale production is slated to begin in October.

This project is part of the MOL Group’s 'SHAPE TOMORROW' strategy to expand its green energy portfolio and enhance regional energy security. The technology for the project was supplied by the Italian company Gruppo AB. Beyond grid injection, the biomethane could potentially be used for sustainable mobility in the form of BioCNG or BioLNG, though further research and development are required for transport applications.