MOL to add biomethane capacity at Szarvas, targeting grid injection by end-2026

MOL Group is stepping up its renewable gas push in Hungary with plans to construct a new biomethane production unit at its Szarvas facility. The project is designed to turn upgraded biogas into grid-quality biomethane that can be injected directly into the country’s national gas transmission network, supporting Hungary’s shift toward cleaner energy solutions.

New unit scheduled for commercial start

The company expects the installation to reach commercial operation by the end of 2026. Once completed, MOL projects annual production of more than 7 million cubic meters of biomethane, which it says is sufficient to cover the yearly natural gas demand of around 8,500 households.

MOL also described the development as its first biomethane production project and only the third operational biomethane plant currently active in Hungary—an indication that the country’s biomethane market remains relatively early-stage compared with broader renewable gas ambitions.

Upgrading biogas from organic waste

At Szarvas, MOL already converts significant volumes of organic waste into biogas. The feedstocks include manure, slurry, agricultural residues, and waste from the food-processing industry. Under the expansion plan, the produced biogas will undergo additional upgrading processes intended to remove carbon dioxide and other impurities, converting it into biomethane suitable for injection into Hungary’s gas infrastructure.

What the existing site produces

The Szarvas facility was acquired by MOL in 2023 as part of a broader strategy centered on renewable energy and circular economy solutions. It currently operates gas engines with installed generation capacity of about 4 MW and produces nearly 24 GWh of electricity each year.

MOL said the plant processes substantial quantities of organic waste annually, including more than 40,000 tons tied to regional meat production, approximately 53,000 tons of livestock and meat-processing by-products, and roughly 18,000 tons of agricultural raw materials. These inputs currently generate close to 12 million cubic meters of biogas per year.

Experience aimed at future investments

Beyond adding capacity, MOL said operational experience from the Szarvas biomethane project will help guide its assessment of future acquisitions and potential greenfield investments across the rapidly expanding renewable gas sector.