National Contact Point for Renewable Energy Sources

The investment process for large-scale biomethane systems of this type is almost identical to that for small systems, i.e., it includes, among others, the need to obtain a decision on environmental conditions, environmental permits, and concludes with an entry in the register of biogas producers.

Obtaining a decision on environmental conditions (environmental decision) constitutes the first stage in the investment and construction process for this type of biomethane system.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Decision on Environmental Conditions

In the Polish legal environment, the most important role is played by: Local Spatial Development Plans (MPZP), and in areas not covered by these plans, during the transitional period following the entry into force of the spatial planning reform (Act of 7 July 2023 amending the Act on Spatial Planning and Development and certain other acts (Journal of Laws 2023, item 1688)) – Decisions on Land Development Conditions. An additional solution introduced by the reform is the Integrated Investment Plan (ZPI).

Since the operation of a biomethane system may cause emissions that negatively affect the environment, the investor should obtain the environmental permits required to conduct their activity.

Obtaining environmental permits is independent of the prior issuance of an environmental decision.

The type of required environmental permits is strictly related to the technical parameters of the biomethane system.

Conditions for connection to the gas grid are a type of document issued by the operator of the gas distribution or transmission system, specifying technical details and costs related to connecting the biomethane system to the gas grid.

If, within 24 months of obtaining the conditions for connection to the gas grid, the producer does not conclude a connection agreement, the conditions lose their validity.

Unlike connection to the electricity system, in the case of connection to the gas grid, the operator is not obliged to publish information on the availability of connection capacity/network absorption.

Therefore, before submitting an application for the issuance of conditions for connection, it is recommended to submit a request to the operator for information on the possibility of connection to the operator’s network. Based on this request, the operator prepares information on the possibility of connection at the network point specified by the investor. After obtaining confirmation from the operator regarding network capacity and the possibility of biomethane reception, the investor should submit an application for the issuance of conditions for connection.

A construction permit is an element of the investment process that constitutes the basis for commencing construction works on the biomethane system. Without this decision, construction works cannot begin, nor can the system be put into operation at a later stage.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Construction Permit

An operational notification is required in cases where the biomethane system is classified as a building. In such situations, it falls under category XVIII of the annex to the Construction Law, and its use, in accordance with Article 55 of the Construction Law, should be preceded by submitting an operational notification.

Another case requiring an operational notification is when the investor intends to commence operation of part of the biomethane system before completing all construction works. An additional exception requiring an operational notification is the legalization of unauthorized construction.

Business activity in the field of biogas or biomethane, involving the production of biogas for the purpose of producing biomethane or the production of biomethane from biogas, requires entry into the register of biogas producers.

A detailed description of this procedure can be found at the following link:
Entry into the Register of Biogas Producers