Analysis of the structure of Ukraine's biomass energy potential and directions of its use

Abstract

The structure, current and prospective directions of using the bioenergy potential of Ukraine are analyzed. The relevance of the issue is associated with the urgent need to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels through the accelerated development of renewable energy sources. One of such sources is biomass, which already provides about 9% of the total supply of primary energy in the world and more than 11% in the European Union. The most sustainable types of biomass for energy needs in Europe are considered waste, residues, lignocellulosic biomass, which are types not competing with the production of food and feed. The production and use of liquid and gaseous biofuels from these feedstocks leads to the greatest reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This is particularly important for transport, which is difficult to decarbonize compared to the heat and electricity sectors. According to the performed estimation, the economic potential of biomass in Ukraine is estimated at almost 34 Mtoe/y according to 2021 data (the latest pre-war data). During the war years, the volume of the potential decreased, but not critically, which indicates its resistance to negative external factors. Thus, it can be expected to gradually recover to the 2021 level. In addition, the potential has a high level of sustainability, since a conservative approach is used in its assessment, taking into account various aspects of sustainability. The largest components of the bioenergy potential in Ukraine are agricultural residues as solid biomass (10.8 Mtoe/y based on 2021 data) and biogas from intermediate/cover crops (7.9 Mtoe/y). Ukraine has some experience in growing intermediate/cover crops, but the direction of their use as feedstock for biogas is new. A promising segment of bioenergy development is also the production of biogas/biomethane from primary agricultural residues, but in this case, they require preliminary processing as lignocellulosic feedstock. Further research may comprise identifying and developing methods of pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass that are most effective for the conditions of Ukraine from a technical and economic point of view. In addition, it is necessary to work towards ensuring technical and economic conditions for the launch of production of advanced biofuels for transport, including sustainable aviation biofuels and biofuels for maritime transport. In this case, it is also often a question of using lignocellulosic biomass as a feedstock for obtaining second-generation biofuels.