The global biofuel industry is characterized by a wide range of legislative and regulatory measures for the development of bioenergy. In order to stimulate the production of biofuels, a set of measures has been developed, including legislative regulation, indicative planning of production volumes, preferential taxation and budget support. Ukraine is among the top ten largest consuming countries of energy resources. Weak and inconsistent state policy in the sphere of biofuels as well as inconsistent legislative provisions regulating activities in the field of production, circulation and use of biofuels, impede the effective development of the biofuel market in Ukraine. The purpose of this article is to determine the components of the system of state regulation of bioenergy and to identify effective mechanisms with regard to improving the legal regulation of the biofuel market in Ukraine. The management processes discussed in this article are provided by several methods, which particularly relate to the functioning of power structures and the end results or goals of the public administration system. Currently, there are significant inconsistencies in the formation and further functioning of the regulatory framework with the legislation of the European Union on the rational use of fuel and energy resources, the limitations of which increase due to inconsistencies between centralized and regional distribution. Therefore, further processes of effective economic development of Ukraine will largely depend on solving the problem of the sustainable provision of available renewable energy resources. Future development of the biofuels market in Ukraine will strongly depend on the institutional and legal conditions in the field of production, circulation and use of biofuels.

The development of the modern economic system is becoming increasingly dependent on the sufficient provision of quality energy resources due to the intensification and transformation of the mechanization and automation of all industries. The growth of the energy needs of society is parallel to the awareness of the need to ensure the environmentally friendly development of society. There are a number of reasons for the search for new energy sources, including the limited reserves of traditional sources, dependence on oil-exporting countries, the greenhouse effect due to the entry of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and air pollution by harmful gases. The biofuel sector offers the potential for both the development of national agriculture and for increasing its energy independence. Global trends in the rapid development of bioenergy in combination with the systemic crisis of the energy sector in Ukraine have necessitated a detailed study on the possibility of increasing the yield of biofuels from crops. The economic and mathematical modeling of the possibility of increasing the yield of bioethanol and vegetable oil from agricultural crops has been carried out. An economic optimization model has been formed, which made it possible to study an increase in the yield of bioethanol from sugar-containing and starch-containing crops and vegetable oil from oil crops from 1 ton per 1 hectare of area. Also, an assessment of the lost yield for the investigated crops has been carried out using the method of analysis of the functioning environment (Farrell’s method).

Pollution continues to experience a rapid increase so cities in the world have required the use of renewable energy. One of the keys that can prevent climate change with a sustainable system is renewable energy. Renewable energy production, especially for hybrid systems from biomass and wind, is the objective of the analysis in this work. The potential of feedstock for different biofuels such as bio-diesel, bio-ethanol, bio-methane, bio-hydrogen, and biomass is also discussed in this paper. The sustainability of the energy system for the long term is the main focus of work in this investigation. The configuration of the hybrid system between biomass energy and wind energy as well as some problems from various design factors are also presented. Based on the findings, this alternative energy utilization through biomass-based hybrids can save costs and improve environmental conditions, especially for the electrification of off-grid rural areas. This paper will provide important information to policymakers, academics, and investors, especially in carrying out the development and factors related to the utilization of wind-biomass-based hybrid energy systems.

The production of biofuels using wastewater as a microalgae culture medium is a little explored technology, but with potential for success. In order to contribute to the knowledge of these technologies and their technical feasibility for microalgae growth, in this work the Chlorella sp. strain was cultivated in two types of effluents generated in an experimental farm located in eastern Colombia, before and after a biological treatment process. The consumption of the main nutrients that regulate growth and lipid production was evaluated, in order to extract, quantify, characterize and convert them into biodiesel. The results showed that Chlorella sp. growth and lipid production is more favourable in R2 medium of treated water than in R1 medium of raw water, mainly due to phosphorus limitation and higher N-NO3 concentration in R2 compared to R1. In the R2 medium culture, a percentage of 42.54% of long-chain fatty acids was found, which is necessary to obtain a high quality biodiesel. Finally, the best transesterification experiment allowed reaching a fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) percentage of 90.1 ± 2.7%. In general, the results demonstrated the potential viability of using the wastewater generated in the San Pablo farm to produce biomass with lipid content to obtain biodiesel, finding that where the concentration of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, has a great influence on the microalgal metabolism for lipid accumulation.

Based on mathematical modeling and numerical simulations, applicativity of various biofuels on high temperature fuel cell performance are presented. Governing equations of high temperature fuel cell modeling are given. Adequate simulators of both solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) have been done and described. Performance of these fuel cells with different biofuels is shown. Some characteristics are given and described. Advantages and disadvantages of various biofuels from the system performance point of view are pointed out. An analysis of various biofuels as potential fuels for SOFC and MCFC is presented. The results are compared with both methane and hydrogen as the reference fuels. The biofuels are characterized by both lower efficiency and lower fuel utilization factors compared with methane. The presented results are based on a 0D mathematical model in the design point calculation. The governing equations of the model are also presented. Technical and financial analysis of high temperature fuel cells (SOFC and MCFC) are shown. High temperature fuel cells can be fed by biofuels like: biogas, bioethanol, and biomethanol. Operational costs and possible incomes of those installation types were estimated and analyzed. A comparison against classic power generation units is shown. A basic indicator net present value (NPV) for projects was estimated and commented.

The energy strategy of Ukraine until 2035 forecasts that 12% of energy production will be from biomass. Currently, the share of biomass energy in the total structure of energy supplies in Ukraine is only 2%. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the diversification of the energy sector became extremely important. Rising fuels prices, problems with the fuel supply and the availability of agricultural biomass make biofuels an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Ukraine has the potential to develop the production and use of all types of biofuels: solid, liquid and gaseous. Currently, the existing capacity and feedstock potential of biofuel production in Ukraine have not been fully realized. The experience of leading countries in the field of biofuel production shows that at the basis of the governments’ growing commitment to developing the biofuel sector is a desire to diversify the energy supply, create new jobs, improve energy security and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other gases that contribute to global warming. The aim of the study is to construct the theoretical and practical principles of the implementation of the strategy for biofuel production from agrobiomass in Ukraine. We came to the conclusion that the trigger for the development of the bioenergy industry is the adoption at the state level of the strategy for the production of biofuels from agrobiomass. The implementation of the strategy for biofuel production will help to increase the production and use of biofuels that will strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector, help to stabilize fuel prices and will have a positive impact on the economic development of the country.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical possibilities of converting waste lignocellulosic biomass to second generation bioethanol. Three substrates were used in the research: barley straw, rye straw and triticale straw. In the first stage of the research bacterial strains capable of converting waste biomass to produce sugars used to produce energy-useful ethanol were selected. Of the eight strains isolated the three with the highest potential were selected on the basis of activity index value. The raw materials were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using the simultaneous saccharifi cation and fermentation method (SSF process). Based on the conducted research, it was found that the examined waste biomass is suitable for the production of cellulosic bioethanol. As a result of distillation 10% and 15% (v/v) ethanol was obtained, depending on the strain and the type of raw material. It was demonstrated that the bacterial strain had a greater impact on the effectiveness of the process than the type of straw used.

The paper focused on the co-production of high-value-added product thermostable C-phycocyanin (C-PC) and biomass, further utilized in pyrolysis. The photobiosynthesis of CPC was carried out by the thermophilic cyanobacteria Synechococcus PCC6715 cultivated in the helical and flat panel photobioreactors (PBR). Despite the application of different inorganic carbon sources, both PBRs were characterized by the same growth efficiency and similar C-PC concentration in biomass. To release the intracellular C-PC the biomass was concentrated and disintegrated by the freeze-thaw method. The crude C-PC was then further purified by foam fractionation (FF), aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE), membrane techniques (UF) and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Each of the tested methods can be used separately; however, from a practical and economic point of view, a three-stage purification system (FF, FPLC and UF) was proposed. The purity ratio of the final C-PC was about 3.9, which allows it to be classified as a reactive grade. To improve the profitability of 3G biorefinery, the solid biomass residue was used as a substrate to pyrolysis process, which leads to production of additional chemicals in the form of oils, gas (containing e.g. H ₂) and biochar.

Ukraine’s commitments under the international framework agreements to reduce CO ₂ emissions and the Global Climate Change Initiative provide the basis for the implementation of bioeconomy mechanisms in the country’s Energy Development Strategy until 2035. One of the goals of this strategy is to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and switch to alternative fuels. The agriculture of Ukraine is assigned the leading role in ensuring the replacement of fossil fuels with biomass of plant origin. The bioenergy potential of the agro-industrial sector of the economy requires extensive research in order to determine and integrate it into the country’s energy sector. The essential characteristics of energy efficiency in the context of the cluster model of organizing the activities of enterprises for the production of biofuel as stable interactions of geographically concentrated economic entities are investigated in this article. Peculiarities of introduction of bioenergy clusters as stable interactions of geographically concentrated business entities (enterprises, suppliers and organizations, including scientific institutions, etc.) have been determined according to a pre-defined and agreed development strategy for all participants without exception at the stage of formation of which the competitive environment is supported taking into account the energy, ecological and socio-economic parameters of the sustainable development of territories. A model of a territorial bioenergy cluster for the production of biofuels from crops and waste was formed and the advantages of creating bioenergy clusters were analyzed. Furthermore, a matrix of a PEST analysis of the formation of bioenergy clusters in Ukraine was formed.

In 2008, the European Union adopted the climate and energy package. It foresees the three most important goals to achieve by 2020 in the field of energy: 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, 20% share of energy from renewable sources in total energy consumption in the EU, 20% increase in EU energy efficiency. Therefore, individual countries were obliged to move away from fossil fuels for renewable energy production. Depending on the capabilities of each country and the development of renewable energy, various goals have been set for individual countries. For Poland, the share of RES energy in total energy consumption has been set at 15% (Directive 2009). The Polish energy policy until 2030 includes state strategies in the field of implementation of tasks and objectives in the area of energy resulting from the need to build national security and EU regulation. The challenges of the current national energy industry include increasing demand for energy and implementation of international commitments in the area of environmental and climate protection (Policy 2009). Contemporary domestic energy is characterized by a high share of fossil fuels, mainly coal, in the production of electricity and heat, and the different share of RES energy in individual technologies and energy sectors. Poland has significant natural resources, which are a source of biomass for energy purposes. Large energy units dominate in the national consumption of biomass while the share of heating plants is still insignificant (Olsztyńska 2018). The aim of the article is to analyze, based on available data and own observations of the author, the share of biomass in the national energy and heat, as well as defining factors affecting the level of biomass use in the area of Polish power industry.

This paper considers modern production technologies of solid biofuels from the point of view of compliance with labor protection and environmental safety measures. The relevance of the study lies in the fact that environmental safety, in our opinion, supported by the results of the analysis of literature sources and their research, covers almost all residential areas of the community. The purpose of this scientific research is to develop theoretical foundations and practical management solutions to ensure environmental safety when producing solid biofuels. Thematic works of domestic and foreign specialists form the theoretical and methodological basis of the research. The following methods of scientific research were used as objective methods: logical analysis of knowledge, scientific generalization, deduction and analogies. The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the application of established models and emergency situations as well as environmental safety in practice. An environmental safety system was developed that regulates the state in its natural conditions based on established production control models for solid biofuels. The article presents recommendations for students of higher educational institutions (technical areas) to study materials on labor protection and the environmental safety of our time.

The beginning of the XXI century was marked by a transitional period in the formation of the world energy system. The issue of energy saving is characterized by significant diversity and is a necessary strategic direction for the efficient use of production capacity with optimal energy costs. Intensive economic development and the use of non-renewable natural resources are currently of concern due to the danger of disturbing the ecological balance in the environment due to the burning of huge amounts of fossil fuels and emissions of various harmful substances. Biofuel production is becoming an alternative to traditional energy and can be a guarantee of solving problems of energy efficient and environmentally friendly development of rural areas. This work is a continuation of research work on the efficiency of biofuels production from energy crops and waste. The aim of the research is to assess the importance of biofuels production from the energy, economic and social aspects for sustainable development of rural areas of the world and Ukraine in particular. The conducted SWOT-analysis made it possible to determine the strategic directions of world biofuels production development. The results showed that biofuels production has a significant potential to decarbonize the economy, reduce reliance on crude oil, improve the environment by reducing emissions, create new “green” jobs in rural areas. The combination of social, economic and energy benefits will have a synergistic effect.

Today, ensuring energy security is becoming increasingly important. It has been proven that agricultural crops are currently the dominant feedstock for the production of biofuels and first-generation biofuels dominate both in Ukraine and around the world and can potentially pose a threat to food security. The research aims to analyze the state of food security in Ukraine in order to estimate the economic basis for the use of surplus food crops for biofuel production for substantiating the required areas for growing energy crops in the volumes that could ensure balance between the food and energy use of crops. An analysis of food security of Ukraine showed that the agricultural sector provides the population with most of the necessary food products, but it is advisable to modernize the food supply standards. It has been proven that crops that can be used for the production of first-generation biofuels in Ukraine are produced in sufficient quantities to ensure food security, and they are exported without compromising the food security of the state and export potential.
As calculated, Ukraine can use about 11–12 million hectares of arable land for growing energy crops with their subsequent processing into biofuels. It has been proven that in the future in Ukraine, it is recommended to develop the production of biofuels (biogas and solid biofuels) from crop and livestock waste, as well as organic waste from processing enterprises. This would not pose a threat to food security and would address a number of environmental issues related to waste disposal. Today, under the condition of war in Ukraine, food security and energy independence are priority issues and energy diversity, including the production and consumption of biofuels, is a top factor for further development.

The specificities of the sowing and harvesting campaign of 2022–2023 in Ukraine and its impact on the world energy and food market in the conditions of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation are analyzed in this paper. The purpose of the study is to determine the role of Ukraine in ensuring energy and global food security, to analyse the situation regarding the possibility of conducting a sowing and harvesting campaign in Ukraine in the conditions of hostilities and to provide recommendations on preserving the potential of Ukraine in meeting the energy and food needs of Ukraine and other countries. The provided analysis of data of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the State Customs Service and the State Statistics Service of Ukraine has confirmed the role of Ukraine in ensuring energy and food safety of many countries in the Middle East and North Africa, which are the main importers of agricultural products from Ukraine. It has been found that the 2022–2023 sowing and harvesting campaign in Ukraine is facing a number of problems, including: military operations over a large area, which makes it impossible to conduct agrotechnical activities in a timely manner; a lack of seed material due to its systematic destruction by the Russian military; problems with the supply of fuel and lubricants (systematic shelling and destruction of oil bases throughout Ukraine); problems with the supply of fertilizers; bombing wheat fields and food warehouses; blocking Ukrainian sea ports; mobilization of a significant part of the population in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; logistics problems. The study proposes recommendations to preserve the potential for meeting energy and food needs in Ukraine and for countries importing agricultural products from Ukraine.

In these times of the climate crisis surrounding us, the improvement of technologies responsible for the emission of the largest amounts of greenhouse gases is necessary and increasingly required by top-down regulations. As the sector responsible to a large extent for global logistics and supply chains, the fuel sector is one of the most studied in terms of reducing its harmful impact. The development of the next generations of fuels and biofuels, produced by companies using increasingly modern, cleaner and sustainable technologies, is able to significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. In this case, the most effective solution seems to be the use of closed loops. Due to their low, often zero emission balance and the possibility of using waste to produce materials that can be reused, a circular economy is used in many sectors of the economy, while ensuring the emission purity of technological processes. One of the innovative solutions proposed in recent years is the installation created as part of the BioRen project, implemented under the Horizon 2020 program. The cooperation of European institutes with companies from the SME sector has resulted in the creation of an experimental cycle of modern technologies for the production of second-generation biofuels. The project involves the processing of municipal solid waste into second-generation drop-in biofuels. The entire process scheme assumes, in addition to the production of biofuels, the processing of inorganic fractions, the production of carbon material for the production of thermal energy, and the simultaneous treatment of wastewater.

In this study, the environmental impacts of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) treatment and its conversion in anaerobic digestion to glycerol tertiary butyl ether (GTBE) were assessed. The production process is a part of the innovative project of a municipal waste treatment plant. The BioRen project is funded by the EU’s research and innovation program H2020. A consortium has been set up to implement the project and to undertake specific activities to achieve the expected results. The project develops the production of GTBE which is a promising fuel additive for both diesel and gasoline. It improves engine performance and reduces harmful exhaust emissions. At the same time, the project focuses on using non-recyclable residual organic waste to produce this ether additive.

The aim of this paper is the evaluation through Life Cycle Assessment of the environmental impact GTBE production in comparison with a production of other fuels. To quantify the environmental impacts of GTBE production, the ILCD 2011 Midpoint+ v.1.10 method was considered. The study models the production of GTBE, including the sorting and separation of municipal solid waste (MSW), pre-treatment of organic content, anaerobic fermentation, distillation, catalytic dehydration of isobutanol to isobutene, etherification of GTBE with isobutene and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

The results indicate that unit processes: sorting and hydrothermal carbonization mostly affect the environment. Moreover, GTBE production resulted in higher environmental impact than the production of conventional fuels.

Energy production from renewable sources is one of the main ways to fight against global warming. Anaerobic digestion process can be used to produce biogas containing methane. In the light of the growing demand for substrates, a variety of raw materials are required. These substrates should be suitable for anaerobic digestion, and processing them need to provide the desired amount of energy.
This paper aims to discuss the agricultural biogas market in Poland, its current state, and the possibility of development during energy transformation, in particular in terms of using waste as a substrate for energy production. In February 2022, there were 130 agricultural biogas plants registered in Poland. On the other hand, in 2020, 4,409,054.898 Mg of raw materials were used to produce agricultural biogas in Poland. Among all the substrates used, waste played a special role.
With the right amount of raw materials and proper management of a biogas plant, it is possible to produce electricity and provide stable and predictable heat supply. Bearing in mind the development of the Polish and European biogas markets, attention should be paid to ensure access to raw materials from which chemical energy in the form of biogas can be generated. Due to limited access to farmland and the increasing demand for food production, one should expect that waste will be increasingly often used for biogas production, especially that with high energy potential, such as waste related to animal production and the meat industry.

The article describes the results of combustion of a mixture of PCOME (purified cooking oil esters) and bioethanol in the compression ignition Perkins 1104C-44 engine. The engine was prepared for use with the classic type of fuel – diesel oil, not biofuels. That is why bioethanol was added to ester in tests so that the basic physicochemical properties of the obtained mixture were as close as possible to diesel fuel. Thanks to this, the use of such fuel in the future would not require reworking or adjusting the settings of selected elements of the engine power supply system. During this case study, the engine performance and heat release rate were analyzed. For comparison, tests were carried out while powering the engine with ester fuel, 10 and 20 per cent mixtures of bioethanol and PCOME. The speed and load characteristics for each fuel were determined. This article presents selected characteristics where the biggest differences were noticed.