Commercial Biogas Plants: Lessons for Ukraine

Valerii Havrysh, Antonina Kalinichenko, Grzegorz Mentel and Tadeusz Olejarz
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Valerii Havrysh: Department of Tractors and Agricultural Machines, Operating and Maintenance, Mykolayiv National Agrarian University, 54020 Mykolayiv, Ukraine
Antonina Kalinichenko: Institute of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Opole, 45-040 Opole, Poland
Grzegorz Mentel: Department of Quantitative Methods, The Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Tadeusz Olejarz: Department of Management Systems and Logistics, The Faculty of Management, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 10, 1-24

Abstract: Ukraine has enough biomass resources for biogas production. However, this energy potential is not used sufficiently. This research is aimed at examining the current experience of commercial biogas systems in the Europe Union and its adaptation for Ukraine. Special attention was paid to economic indicators, such as specific investment costs, production costs (biogas, biomethane, and electricity), and incentives. Using statistical data for the European Union and Ukraine, the biogas potential for Ukraine (based on European experience) was determined. The economic competitiveness of biogas production was evaluated compared to alternatives, such as photovoltaic, wind power, biomass, conventional fuels, and liquid biofuels. The results showed that biogas complexes have higher specific investment costs and produce more expensive electricity. It was highlighted that agricultural residues and industrial waste are sustainable feedstocks for biogas systems. A perspective biogas plant is a plant that is an integrated part of the circular bioeconomy that is based on organic residues. Biomethane production (as a substitution for vehicle fuel) combined with capture and utilization of carbon dioxide is a more profitable pathway. Awareness and perception of the importance of biogas are key factors for the development of the biogas industry. To develop an effective strategy for the biogas industry, it is necessary to create a positive image in order to raise awareness and knowledge of biogas technologies.

Keywords: anaerobic digestion; bioenergy; biomethane; incentives; investment; profitability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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