DEPA Trade has obtained an installation permit for Greece’s first biomethane production unit at an existing biogas plant in the western region of Epirus. The project at Farma Chitas in Filippiada will convert surplus biogas into compressed biomethane for transport. Once operational, the bio-CNG is expected to be distributed through DEPA Trade’s Fisikon refuelling network.
Existing biogas capacity to supply the unit
The project will use spare production capacity rather than require a new biogas plant. Farma Chitas is licensed for 3 MW of electricity generation, while its biogas production potential is equivalent to about 3.6 MW. That leaves approximately 609 kW of biogas capacity 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.
Trial operation and commercial plans
The installation permit allows the project to move towards trial operation. After successful testing, DEPA Trade plans to seek an operating licence and is targeting early 2027 for commercial production.
DEPA Trade views the project as a test of the commercial potential for renewable gas in Greece. The company also sees it as a way 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.