Shuhalo V. Ecological and Economic Efficiency of Biogas Production and Utilization in the Agricultural Sector of the Economy

The dissertation presents results of possible ways to solve problems in order to provide ecological and economic efficiency of biogas production and usage as a utilization product of agro-industrial wastes. Possibilities of potential formation of biogas production and utilization in the agrarian sphere of economics and the corresponding raw material base have been estimated. Approximate indicators of the cost of current methods of biogas purification and the cost of biomethane have been provided. Possibilities of using small biogas plants in private households have been substantiated. The payback period for a small biogas plant is calculated on the example of HomeBiogas project. The conditions of its effective usage have been established, the problems that may arise and possible solutions for the efficient operation of a small biogas plant have been identified and systematized. The results of the study of possible energy crops growth for the reclamation process in radiation-contaminated and damaged areas have been presented. The results of the key indicators of efficiency of biogas plant utilization for poultry industry waste in PJSC "Oril-Leader" have been provided, taking into account the dynamics of changes in tariffs for electricity, natural gas, cost of liquid and solid biofertilizers, environmental effect and cash flow discounting. It is suggested to create a market for the sale of organic waste that will stimulate development of biogas production and reduce environmental pollution by waste. The thesis substantiates steps to create a system of state support for the biogas production and utilization, obtained from waste disposal of the agro-industrial complex, including improvement of the regulatory framework that should ensure adequate regulation. The following stages have been provided, i.e. to keep to the rights and responsibilities of stakeholders, the entire chain of waste disposal and biogas production and utilization, to create conditions to guarantee investment protection, to harmonize biogas standards with those ones established in the EU, to develop the market for biofuels in Ukraine, to balance fines and taxes and make them proactive. The research suggests introducing minimum mandatory quotas for biogas consumption (or other ways of received energy) in the form of biomethane for consumption by population and industry as well as fuel for vehicles (auto-gas), replacing the share of natural gas with biogas and increasing the total share of renewable energy sources.