{"id":12801,"date":"2026-08-14T07:46:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/co-czeka-wytworcow-biogazu-oraz-biometanu-omowienie-kluczowych-zmian-proponowanych-przez-rade-ministrow-do-ustawy-oze\/"},"modified":"2026-08-16T15:14:22","modified_gmt":"2026-08-16T13:14:22","slug":"what-lies-ahead-for-biogas-and-biomethane-producers-an-overview-of-the-key-amendments-to-the-renewable-energy-sources-act-proposed-by-the-council-of-ministers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/what-lies-ahead-for-biogas-and-biomethane-producers-an-overview-of-the-key-amendments-to-the-renewable-energy-sources-act-proposed-by-the-council-of-ministers\/","title":{"rendered":"What lies ahead for biogas and biomethane producers? An overview of the key amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act proposed by the Council of Ministers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

14 lipca 2026 r. Rada Ministr\u00f3w przyj\u0119\u0142a projekt ustawy o zmianie ustawy o odnawialnych \u017ar\u00f3d\u0142ach energii oraz niekt\u00f3rych innych ustaw (\u201eProjekt<\/strong>\u201d)[1]<\/sup><\/a>. Projekt obejmuje szereg rozwi\u0105za\u0144 istotnych w szczeg\u00f3lno\u015bci dla bran\u017cy biogazowej \u2013 przede wszystkim zak\u0142ada wprowadzenie wsparcia aukcyjnego w odniesieniu do produkcji biometanu i przewiduje u\u0142atwienia w budowie gazoci\u0105g\u00f3w bezpo\u015brednich. Obecnie prace nad Projektem s\u0105 prowadzone w Sejmie. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On 14 July 2026, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft act amending the Act on Renewable Energy Sources and certain other acts (the \u201cDraft Act<\/strong>\u201d)[1]. The Draft Act introduces a number of measures of particular relevance to the biogas sector \u2013 most notably, it provides for the introduction of an auction-based support scheme for biomethane production and facilitates the construction of direct gas pipelines. The Draft Act is currently being considered by the Sejm.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Current framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At present, support for biomethane production is based primarily on a feed-in premium<\/em> scheme[2], i.e. a premium paid on top of the market price of biomethane (Article 83l et seq. of the Act of 20 February 2015 on Renewable Energy Sources \u2013 the \u201cRES Act<\/strong>\u201d)[3]. This support is available only to installations with a total capacity, converted into installed electrical capacity, not exceeding 1 MW. However, this method of support appears to be detached from actual market conditions[4] and may restrict competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sale of electricity generated from biomass, biogas or agricultural biogas may also, subject to certain conditions, be covered by auctions conducted by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (\u201cPresident of URE<\/strong>\u201d) pursuant to Article 73 of the RES Act. Experience to date indicates, however, that interest in this mechanism within the biogas sector has been limited.[5]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proposed amendments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

a) Dedicated auctions for biomethane<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In response to these challenges, and in particular with a view to extending support to larger installations, the Draft Act provides for a new mechanism \u2013 dedicated biomethane auctions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • auctions would be organised by the President of URE at least once a year;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • the subject of an auction could be biomethane produced from feedstocks specified in the Act, injected into the gas network and meeting the sustainability criteria referred to in Articles 28ba\u201328bcb and Article 28bcc(1) of the Act of 25 August 2006 on Biocomponents and Liquid Biofuels[6];<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • auctions would be open to producers who generate biomethane and inject it into the gas network for the first time after the closing date of the relevant biomethane auction session;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • participation in an auction would also be conditional upon obtaining the relevant certificate issued by the President of URE;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • equipment used to produce biomethane sold under the auction scheme and installed during the construction of the installation would have to have been manufactured within the 48 months immediately preceding the date on which biomethane is first produced in that installation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • auctions would be divided into two baskets: one for installations with a total installed electrical capacity of less than 2 MW, and another for installations with a capacity equal to or greater than 2 MW.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    In line with the principles of the auction-based support mechanism, producers whose bids are successful would, during the support period, be entitled to settle the negative balance, i.e. the difference between the market value of biomethane, determined in accordance with the method set out in the Draft Act, and the price specified in the successful bid. Any positive balance would be carried forward and settled in subsequent periods in accordance with the rules laid down in the Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The support period would last for 20 years from the date of the first sale, following the close of the relevant biomethane auction session, of biomethane covered by the support scheme, but in any event no later than 31 December 2054. These measures are therefore intended to provide stable, long-term support and improve the bankability<\/strong> of biogas investments.[7]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    b) Electricity auctions \u2013 facilitations for the biogas sector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Draft Act also provides for an amendment intended to facilitate participation by biogas producers in electricity auctions. This concerns a reduction in the minimum volume of electricity that must be delivered in order to avoid a penalty being imposed by the President of URE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Currently, a penalty may be imposed where less than 85% of the volume of electricity specified in the bid is delivered. The Draft Act proposes reducing this threshold to 65% for renewable energy installations using biomass, biogas or agricultural biogas to generate electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    According to the analyses referred to by the drafters, the volatility and unpredictability of feedstock prices mean that the risk of penalties being imposed by the President of URE is one of the principal factors discouraging producers operating biogas installations from participating in auctions.[8]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    c) Direct gas pipelines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The Draft Act also proposes amendments to the Act of 10 April 1997 \u2013 Energy Law (the \u201cEnergy Law Act<\/strong>\u201d)[9], intended to support the development of the biogas sector by expanding the opportunities to use biogas, agricultural biogas and biomethane away from their place of production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The proposed changes concern the facilitation of the construction of direct gas pipelines<\/strong>, i.e. pipelines constructed for the purpose of supplying gaseous fuels directly to a customer\u2019s installation without using the gas system, within the meaning of Article 3(11e) of the Energy Law Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The construction of such a pipeline requires consent from the President of URE, granted by way of an administrative decision. Under the Draft Act, when granting consent for the construction of a direct gas pipeline intended to supply biogas, agricultural biogas or biomethane, the President of URE would only be required to determine whether the pipeline in question would supply biogas, agricultural biogas or biomethane directly to a customer\u2019s installation without using the gas system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Draft Act therefore proposes removing the requirement for the authority to consider factors relating to the possibility of using the existing network and any prior refusal to provide transmission or distribution services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Concluding remarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    In addition to the measures discussed above, the Draft Act provides for a number of other, more specific amendments, some of which address existing uncertainties and practical difficulties arising from the application of the RES Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The entry into force of the Draft Act should stimulate the development of the biogas sector and encourage new investment in this area, thereby supporting the achievement of energy transition objectives. However, given the broad scope and complexity of the proposed amendments, they are also likely to give rise to interpretative questions and practical challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In such cases, the lawyers at Jab\u0142o\u0144ski Ko\u017ami\u0144ski & Partners<\/strong> are ready to provide substantive legal support. Please feel free to contact us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    [1] Sejm Paper No. 2821.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [2] Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the Draft Act, p. 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [3] Consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2026, item 68, as amended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [4] See the Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the draft Regulation of the Minister of Climate and Environment on the reference price for biomethane (an implementing regulation to the Draft Act) \u2013 draft Regulation, p. 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [5] Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the Draft Act, p. 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [6] Consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2025, item 901, as amended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [7] Appendix 1 to the Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the Draft Act, p. 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [8] Regulatory Impact Assessment prepared for the Draft Act, p. 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    [9] Consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2026, item 43, as amended.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    14 lipca 2026 r. Rada Ministr\u00f3w przyj\u0119\u0142a projekt ustawy o zmianie ustawy o odnawialnych \u017ar\u00f3d\u0142ach energii oraz niekt\u00f3rych innych ustaw (\u201eProjekt\u201d)[1]. Projekt obejmuje szereg rozwi\u0105za\u0144 istotnych w szczeg\u00f3lno\u015bci dla bran\u017cy biogazowej \u2013 przede wszystkim zak\u0142ada wprowadzenie wsparcia aukcyjnego w odniesieniu do produkcji biometanu i przewiduje u\u0142atwienia w budowie gazoci\u0105g\u00f3w bezpo\u015brednich. Obecnie prace nad Projektem s\u0105…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[279],"tags":[],"obszary-praktyki":[],"ppma_author":[341,248],"class_list":["post-12801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-legal-alert"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":279,"label":"Legal alert"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2026-GRAFIKI-JKLAW_blog-91-1024x576.png",1024,576,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Administrator","author_link":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/author\/administrator\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":279,"name":"Legal alert","slug":"legal-alert","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":279,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":78,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","cat_ID":279,"category_count":78,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Legal alert","category_nicename":"legal-alert","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"authors":[{"term_id":341,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"jakub-kania","display_name":"Jakub Kania","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Jakub-Kania-800x1200-px_avatar.png","url2x":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Jakub-Kania-800x1200-px_avatar.png"},"first_name":"Jakub","last_name":"Kania","funkcja":"Paralegal","telefon":"+48 22 416 60 04","job_title":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jakub-kania-9b1b442b6\/","description":""},{"term_id":248,"user_id":0,"is_guest":1,"slug":"magdalena-tyka-jablonska-en","display_name":"Magdalena Tyka-Jab\u0142o\u0144ska","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/zdjecia-czlonkow-zespolu-800x1200-px-8.png","url2x":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/zdjecia-czlonkow-zespolu-800x1200-px-8.png"},"first_name":"Magdalena","last_name":"Tyka-Jab\u0142o\u0144ska","funkcja":"Attorney-at-law, Partner","telefon":"+48 22 416 60 04","job_title":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/magdalena-tyka-jab%C5%82o%C5%84ska-65b8317\/","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12801"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12803,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12801\/revisions\/12803"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12801"},{"taxonomy":"obszary-praktyki","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/obszary-praktyki?post=12801"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jklaw.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=12801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}