Greece is preparing its first renewable biomethane production facility after DEPA Trade obtained an installation permit for a renewable gas unit at an existing biogas plant in Epirus. The project will be developed at Farma Chitas in Filippiada, in the country’s west.
The facility will convert surplus biogas into compressed biomethane for transport use. Once operational, the resulting bio-CNG is expected to be distributed through DEPA Trade’s Fisikon refuelling network. Rather than building a new biogas plant, the project will use spare capacity at the existing site.
Project will use spare biogas capacity
Farma Chitas is licensed for 3 MW of electricity generation, while its biogas production potential is equivalent to about 3.6 MW. This leaves approximately 609 kW of biogas capacity available for biomethane production without increasing electricity output.
The processing installation will cover close to 500 square metres and is designed to produce a maximum of around 2.28 tonnes of biomethane per day. The gas will be purified to raise its methane concentration before being compressed for use as vehicle fuel.
DEPA Trade views the project as a test of renewable gas’s commercial potential in Greece. It is also intended to make greater use of domestic energy resources and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Trial operation targeted before commercial production
The installation permit enables work to proceed towards trial operation. After successful testing, DEPA Trade plans to apply for an operating licence, with commercial production targeted for early 2027.
The project is small compared with conventional natural gas supply volumes. It could establish a regulatory and commercial model for larger biomethane developments as Greece seeks to diversify its gas sector.