Czech biomethane plant in Dobruška starts supplying renewable gas to GasNet’s network

People in Dobruška and the surrounding area started heating their homes with a unique renewable gas this winter. A biomethane plant has begun operating in the town, becoming the first in the Hradec Králové Region to supply its renewable gas to the public gas distribution network operated by GasNet. The plant in Dobruška uses mainly cow manure and leftover animal feed to produce gas. With an installed capacity of 3.4 MW, it can produce up to 3 million m3 of renewable gas annually.

The plant is part of ZD Dobruška a.s., which operates both crop and livestock production and is one of the leading Czech milk producers. In 2022–2024, ZD Dobruška invested an additional CZK 120 million to expand its original biogas plant and modernize it to produce biomethane. The biogas plant previously produced only electricity, heat and fertilizer as a by-product. Farmers have now also begun producing biomethane, which has the same properties as natural gas and can be injected into the gas network.

The biomethane plant in Dobruška is targeting annual production of up to 30 thousand MWh of energy. The investor aims to reach full capacity during 2026. “Production is currently running at half capacity, reflecting the gradual start-up of the plant, operational fine-tuning and the current economic viability of biomethane production. We are still producing heat and electricity from the remaining biogas for now. However, we firmly believe that we will double biomethane production next year,” says Ladislav Kocourek, director of ZD Dobruška.

GasNet is increasing the share of biomethane in its network

This is the eighth biomethane plant to be connected to GasNet’s distribution network. GasNet Group, the largest gas distributor in the Czech Republic, is further increasing the share of this green gas in its network. Last March, GasNet connected a plant in Rakvice, in South Moravia, followed by a biomethane plant in Vyškov in June 2024. The process of connecting more plants will continue this year.

“We have fully standardized the process for connecting biomethane plants, and the share of this renewable gas in our network continues to grow. Local biomethane production not only helps reduce the carbon footprint of a range of sectors, but also strengthens the Czech Republic’s energy self-sufficiency,” explains Andrzej Martynek, CEO of GasNet Group.

All eight biomethane plants currently connected to the GasNet gas network supply more than 9 thousand MWh of renewable energy per month. In 2024, biomethane plants supplied around 57 thousand MWh to the GasNet network.

Biomethane can replace natural gas in every respect

While biogas contains around 55% methane and 40% carbon dioxide, with the remainder made up of other substances, biomethane contains at least 95 percent methane. From the user’s perspective, it is therefore fully interchangeable with natural gas. It is produced from agricultural residues or waste from the food industry and restaurants.

It is a fully renewable energy source that can easily be produced locally. Biomethane also requires no technological modifications. Gas boilers, stoves and all other natural gas appliances can use it.

Biomethane has significant potential in the Czech Republic

There are currently more than 500 biogas plants operating in the Czech Republic, burning biogas in cogeneration units to produce electricity and heat. Thanks to state support for electricity production, biogas plant owners often have little incentive to switch to biomethane. However, this support is coming to an end, opening the way for biomethane.

“The Czech Republic needs to create an environment that encourages investors to convert to biomethane. Alongside introducing operating and investment support for its production, it is essential to implement fully market-based rules that stimulate demand. If the environment for biomethane production and trading is set up correctly and effectively, I believe that around half of the more than 500 existing biogas plants could be converted to produce biomethane,” explains Andrzej Martynek of GasNet, adding: “The total biomethane production potential in the Czech Republic is estimated at between 10 and 15 TWh, equivalent to as much as one-fifth of current domestic consumption. This volume of renewable energy would significantly contribute to energy security and independence, and help decarbonize industry, transport and heating.”