EU Updates REPowerEU Roadmap: Full Phase-Out of Russian Gas by 2027

On May 6, the European Commission presented an updated REPowerEU roadmap, outlining a complete phase-out of the EU’s energy dependence on Russia by 2027. The plan includes ending all new contracts for Russian gas imports by the end of 2025 and ceasing all deliveries by 2027.

The shift is already underway: Russian gas imports have decreased from 150 to 52 billion cubic meters, while the share of oil has dropped from 27% to just 3%. Coal purchases are fully banned under sanctions, and EU member states are actively seeking alternatives to Russian nuclear fuel.

Biomethane has become a key element in the EU’s new energy strategy. By 2030, the EU aims to ramp up biomethane production to 35 billion cubic meters per year, enabling it to replace a significant portion of Russian natural gas imports.

Ukraine holds major potential in this sector. According to the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, the country could produce over 20 billion cubic meters of biomethane annually by 2050, covering up to 20% of the EU’s demand for this renewable fuel.

The Bioenergy Association of Ukraine and the European Biogas Association (EBA) support the updated strategy, which opens a window of opportunity for Ukrainian biomethane exports. If all planned production facilities are launched, Ukraine could produce more than 100 million cubic meters of biomethane annually as early as this year.

At the end of May, a biogas summit will take place in Budapest, bringing together government representatives, businesses, and industry associations to discuss the role of biogas and biomethane in Europe’s energy transition.

The coordinated phase-out of Russian energy imports is not only a step toward greater energy security for Europe — it also represents a chance to build a sustainable energy partnership with Ukraine.

Sources:
Official REPowerEU Roadmap — energy.ec.europa.eu
Biomethane Potential in Ukraine — uabio.org