Greece is preparing its first biomethane production facility after DEPA Trade received an installation permit for a renewable gas unit at an existing biogas plant in Epirus. The project will convert surplus biogas into compressed biomethane for transport use.
The unit will be developed at the Farma Chitas facility in Filippiada, in western Epirus. Rather than building a new biogas plant, the project will use spare production capacity at the existing site. Once operational, the resulting bio-CNG is expected to be distributed through DEPA Trade’s Fisikon refuelling network.
Farma Chitas is licensed for 3 MW of electricity generation, while its biogas production potential is equivalent to about 3.6 MW. Around 609 kW of biogas capacity is available for biomethane production without increasing electricity output. The processing installation will cover close to 500 square metres and is designed for maximum daily production of around 2.28 tonnes.
Biomethane production and commercial plans
The gas will be purified to increase its methane concentration before being compressed for use as vehicle fuel. The installation permit allows the project to proceed towards trial operation. After successful testing, DEPA Trade plans to apply for an operating licence, with commercial production targeted for early 2027.
DEPA Trade considers the project 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. Although small compared with conventional natural gas supply volumes, the project could provide a regulatory and commercial model for larger biomethane developments as Greece seeks to diversify its gas sector.