Development of bioenergy in the conditions of climate changе in Ukraine

Abstract

Bioenergy is a branch of the energy sector that involves the use of biomass as a fuel. Today, bioenergy confidently takes the place of the leader of the world's renewable energy, playing a significant role in replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is especially relevant in the context of global warming and climate change. The purpose of the study is to characterize the peculiarities of the development of bioenergy in the conditions of climate change in Ukraine. Research methods are monographic, statistical, graphical and tabular, methods of comparative analysis. The development of bioenergy does not involve deforestation, environmental degradation or loss of biodiversity. Among the most promising types of biomass in Ukraine, agricultural residues (straw of grain crops and rapeseed, by-products of corn production, sunflower) and energy plants (willow, poplar, miscanthus), which constitute agrobiomass, are distinguished. Agrobiomass is a large underutilized resource that can help achieve European energy and climate goals, while also contributing to the development of rural areas. Ukraine has a significant potential for agricultural residues and energy plants, the implementation of which can significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and increase the country's energy security. Although the share of agro biomass in the total energy potential of Ukraine's biomass is 75-80%, its practical use (except for sunflower husks) remains insufficient. At the same time, the rather limited energy potential of wood biomass is realized almost completely. It is necessary to change the structure of the use of biomass potential in Ukraine, giving preference to agricultural residues and energy plants, which corresponds to the trends laid down in the European Green Course. Therefore, bioenergy is one of the strategic directions of development of the sector of renewable energy sources in Ukraine as well.