UGS Europe marks a new chapter in advanced biogas upgrading

In a major step forward for the renewable gas industry, the UGS Group—a global leader in gas separation and upgrading technologies—has launched UGS Europe GmbH. Officially founded in January 2025 and headquartered in Ratingen, Germany, the new entity joins the UGS Group’s international network, which includes Unconventional Gas Solutions LLC (Houston, USA) and H-Iron GmbH (Dortmund, Germany).

“This move marks a key milestone in meeting the growing demand for advanced biogas upgrading systems specifically tailored to the European market,” says Dr. Oliver Jende, Managing Director of UGS Europe.

A Changing Landscape for Biogas in Europe

Europe’s biogas industry is undergoing a significant transformation. There is a clear shift away from traditional energy crops towards more sustainable feedstocks such as agricultural residues, food production by-products, and organic waste. While this transition supports circular economy principles, it also introduces new technical challenges: anaerobic digestion processes are becoming more complex, gas compositions more variable, and impurity levels higher.
These changes place increasing demands on plant operators. To be viable in the long term, biogas upgrading technologies must not only be energy-efficient but also highly adaptable to fluctuating market and feedstock conditions.

Meeting Market Needs with Tailor-Made Solutions

Plant operators face several technical and regulatory hurdles, such as protecting membranes from contamination, meeting strict grid specifications for biomethane—especially when nitrogen or oxygen levels are elevated—and maintaining system efficiency during seasonal demand shifts.

“This is where UGS Europe sees its opportunity,” explains Dr. Jende. “We provide solutions engineered to meet these exact challenges—custom-built, market-ready systems that deliver performance, reliability, and adaptability.”

Compact, Cost-Optimised System Design

UGS Europe’s product development strategy was built around a detailed benchmark analysis of market needs. “We’ve created a compact, cost-optimised system concept with a strong emphasis on functionality and ease of use,” says Kris Salewski, Sales Manager at UGS Europe. “Our BUS 250 and BUS 500 biomethane upgrading systems are designed for biogas input volumes from approximately 150 to 550 Nm³/h.”

This output range corresponds to roughly 300 to 1,000 kW of electrical power in a conventional CHP (combined heat and power) setup. The design is also scalable, with capacities above 2,000 Nm³/h available based on project requirements. “With this concept, we’re addressing the core of the European biogas market,” Salewski adds.

Built for Long-Term Efficiency

Drawing on the UGS Group’s deep expertise in gas separation membrane technology, UGS Europe applies detailed process simulations to minimise stress on the system. Enhanced biogas pre-treatment, tailored membrane selection, and avoidance of strong pressure swings all contribute to extended membrane lifespan. Temperature control further optimises plant performance and long-term operational reliability.

Custom Engineering with a Focus on Sustainability

UGS Europe combines cost-effective standard modules with fully customised solutions, providing flexible system configurations to match individual project needs. This balance enables customers to benefit from proven technologies while achieving performance optimisation where required.

With its scalable systems, innovative engineering, and customer-centric approach, UGS Europe is set to play a key role in supporting Europe’s energy transition—driving growth and broader acceptance of renewable energy technologies across the continent.