#Part4CM Sustainable energy development, energy efficient technologies, renewable and alternative energy sources

Sustainable energy development, energy-efficient technologies, renewable and alternative energy sources are among the topics covered by the RO-UA Partnership for Climate Change Mitigation project. Among alternative energy sources, the use of biofuels is growing. One of the types of biofuels that can be produced in Ukraine is biogas. It is produced by the microbiological decomposition of biomass or biowaste in sealed reactors. This process is called methane fermentation. The result is a mixture of gases in which methane predominates (55 to 75%).

The rest is carbon dioxide and minor impurities of other gases. In other words, biogas is identical in composition to natural gas. It may be inferior or superior in calorific value, depending on the method of production and subsequent purification. The fundamental difference is in the method of production. Natural gas is extracted from the subsoil, while biogas is produced from biological waste or specially grown raw materials. Thus, biogas is a renewable energy source. In contrast, natural gas is not renewable.

Experts estimate that its global reserves will last about 50 years at current consumption rates. Therefore, a replacement should be sought today, and biogas can be an equivalent alternative. Especially if it is purified to the point where it is called "biomethane". Biomethane has a methane concentration of 95-98%. It can be supplied to the gas distribution system along with natural gas. This is not currently practiced in Ukraine, but is only planned. But the production of this alternative fuel has significant prospects in our country.

The RO-UA Partnership for Climate Change Mitigation project is funded by the European Union through the European Neighborhood Instrument and co-financed by the countries participating in the ENI CBC Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020 Program.