Sustainability Assessment and Resource Utilization of Agro-Processing Waste in Biogas Energy Production

Abstract

Biogas production from agricultural waste reduces methane emissions and addresses climate change challenges by converting livestock and organic waste into energy. This study analyzed biogas production in agricultural enterprises under the European Green Deal, the advantages of biogas as an energy source, and the use of digestate in agriculture. The raw material for biogas production from agro-industrial wastes in Ukraine has been investigated, showing that the country’s biogas production potential amounts to 34.59 billion m³, including 0.65 billion m³ from processing plant wastes. The main types of biomass that can be used for biogas production in Ukraine are crop residues (71.4%), manure (26.6%), and food industry waste (2.0%). The implementation of biogas production projects will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3.98 billion tons of CO₂ and increase profits through electricity sales. This study examines the barriers and prospects for the development of electricity generation from biogas in Ukraine in the context of the integration of Ukraine’s energy system into the EU energy space. Directions for developing the biogas industry, focusing on electricity production within the framework of European decarbonization initiatives, will enhance the energy security of Ukraine and the EU. Estimating the energy production from agricultural waste allows for determining biogas output from organic waste. A regional biogas cluster model was developed based on the agro-industrial complex, which combines the production of biogas, electricity, water, and biofertilizers with increased efficiency and regional sustainable development.

1. Introduction

Biogas production, especially from agro-industrial waste, helps reduce the climate impact of agriculture. Agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gases, predominantly methane and nitrous oxide [1].

Treating agricultural organic waste with biogas makes it possible to reduce methane emissions generated while decomposing waste in landfills and converting it into useful energy. This reduces the carbon footprint and contributes to a more sustainable use of resources in agricultural production, helping to protect the climate and combat climate change [2,3]. Moreover, the most pressing issues are ensuring energy security and transitioning to a low-carbon economy since the raw material is the basis for biogas production and its use in electricity generation [4,5]. Significant opportunities for the development of biogas production as a renewable energy source not only contribute to reducing dependence on imported energy resources but also help solve environmental problems, which correspond to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9, 12, 17) and can partially ensure the EU’s energy independence.

The anaerobic digestion of organic waste, particularly waste from agro-industrial complexes, is a promising direction for biogas production. It is necessary to develop a scheme for eco-efficiently meeting the energy needs of an agro-industrial complex enterprise through anaerobic digestion of waste, which would cover the entire cycle of waste processing, from collection and transportation to the production of biogas, thermal, and electrical energy, as well as processing into biofertilizers. Its implementation will help to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, solve the problem of waste disposal, and develop organic farming [6,7].

This study aims to analyze biogas production in Ukraine and identify ways to integrate it into the European energy market. The research aims were as follows:

RQ1. To conduct an analysis of biomass resources and their potential for biogas production and projected values for the development of biogas production in the EU.

RQ2. To review biogas production and purification technologies for biomethane by developing a biogas cluster model based on an agro-industrial complex for integrating energy, heat, and biofertilizer production through the synergy of agricultural enterprises and the community.

RQ3. To conduct an analysis of the impact of biogas production on the environment and its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

RQ4. To analyze European experience in biogas production and its use, and identify opportunities for exporting Ukrainian “green” electricity and biomethane.

Ukraine has a significant but underutilized potential for biomass feedstocks, mainly agricultural and industrial waste, for biogas production that could meet part of the EU’s energy demand. The development of a regional biogas cluster model based on agro-industrial complexes and the integration of advanced technologies for biogas production and conversion to biomethane will provide more effective synergy between agribusinesses and local authorities (municipalities) and make it possible to optimize energy, heat and biofertilizer production compared to fragmented approaches [8]. The implementation of advanced biogas production technologies from agro-industrial waste has a positive impact on the environment, allowing for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions generated from waste decomposition and the substitution of fossil fuels.

Utilizing successful European case studies in the production and utilization of biogas and biomethane provides an opportunity to identify promising models of state-support technological solutions applied by leading European biogas producers, which can be adapted for the development of the Ukrainian biogas sector and will open up opportunities for the export of “green” electricity and biomethane to the EU market [9]. The issue of ensuring energy security and transitioning to a low-carbon economy is exceedingly relevant for Ukraine and the European Union. Biogas production from existing raw material potential emerges as a crucial direction, serving as a renewable energy source that reduces dependence on imported energy resources and addresses environmental challenges.

The development of the biogas sector not only aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also holds the potential to partially secure the EU’s energy independence, making it a strategically important element in pan-European energy policy [10]. Anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste into biogas and electricity, supported by eco-efficient, full-cycle energy systems, reduces reliance on traditional sources, lowers emissions, and promotes organic farming.

The study results aim to address to research questions that will allow the expansion of the biogas industry in Ukraine and the EU. This section substantiates the theoretical foundations of the importance of processing waste from agro-industrial complexes into biogas and electricity for the climate protection.

Section 2 provides a critical review of research related to the production of biogas as an energy source and an analysis of keywords identified in the analyzed research. Section 3 describes the methods of anaerobic digestion and the efficiency of using various substrates for biogas production assesses the potential of biogas in Ukraine and the EU and considers the best practices of biogas projects. Section 4 develops a model of a territorial biogas cluster. Section 5 presents conclusions and recommendations for developing bioenergy in Ukraine, including improving technologies and using biogas for energy production and improvement.

2. Literature Review

It should be noted that “Biogas Production” occupies a central place in biofuel production research, emphasizing its key role. “Agro-Processing Waste”, “Sustainable Energy”, and “Bioenergy” are closely related to it, indicating that the research focuses on using waste for biogas production in the context of sustainable development. In the analyzed papers, 41 documents were identified, covering the period from 2015 to 2024 in Europe (Figure 1).

The efficiency of processing into bioethanol is capable of meeting the country’s energy needs and creating a stable market for agricultural products, contributing to the development of the agricultural sector. Owing to the active development of biofuel production from sugarcane and soy, it has become possible to meet the needs of petroleum products through biofuels, achieve energy independence, and create a robust biofuel industry, which is economically important. At the same time, biogas production is extremely appropriate from the point of view of resource efficiency because its raw materials include various organic wastes (crop residues, food waste, animal waste, and food processing waste) and cultivated crops (corn silage, triticale, sugar beets) [2]. This approach allows for the effective utilization of waste, reducing its volume and preventing environmental pollution, and obtaining a renewable energy source—biogas—reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. In addition, biogas production provides digestate, a valuable organic fertilizer that improves soil fertility.

Thus, biogas production combines energy, environmental, and agricultural tasks, contributing to complex and sustainable development. Subsequent studies [3] have determined the more significant economic stability of large biogas plants than small ones owing to the effect of scaling and the availability of access to sales sources and favorable price conditions in the EU market.

At the same time [4], research has identified the need to improve biogas production technologies focused on reducing carbon emissions. Analysis [5,6,7] has systematized the necessity of processing organic waste from enterprises and households into biogas by creating clusters based on agro-industrial processing enterprises and solid waste landfills. However, the prospects for biogas and electricity production in agro-industrial processing enterprises in Ukraine within the framework of creating bioenergy clusters have been the subject of few studies, determining the relevance of the research.

Considering studies [8,9,10,11], Latvia’s experience in biogas production within the context of the European Green Deal is beneficial for utilization. Ukraine should actively attract EU funding, stimulate the development of a circular economy through the use of agricultural waste, particularly manure, support low-CO₂ emission technologies such as anaerobic digestion and closed digestate storage, and integrate biogas into the country’s energy balance by creating a favorable state policy and regulatory framework for the development of this sector.

A study is needed to analyze global experience in assessing the potential and establishing a system for collecting and processing biomass into alternative energy sources.

Heck [12] argued that it is advisable to determine the optimal distribution of biomass for potential locations of biorefineries, taking into account the capacity constraints of biorefineries and the limited availability of biomass in supply sources. The results were exported to spreadsheet software for further analysis and visualization in ArcGIS Pro (Version 3.1.0).

Anaerobic digestion and biogas yield and composition are sensitive to numerous interconnected variables. These include the chemical makeup of the substrate, the presence of trace nutrients, and critical process parameters such as temperature and reactor configuration.

Both raw material characteristics and fermentation conditions significantly affect methane (CH₃) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. Effective strategies, such as technological process optimization, co-digestion of substrates, and fine-tuning fermentation parameters, can substantially enhance CH₄ concentration [13]. Tian [14] proposed a new high-level approach to assess the sustainability of renewable energy projects and determine which project-level decisions affect each Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) using the MS Excel tool.

A key feature of this approach is that it is cost-effective, allowing the relationship between project-level decisions and relevant SDGs to be determined by answering fewer than 63 “yes/no” diagnostic questions. Research conducted in [15] suggests measuring the methane yield from food waste depending on the chemical composition of the feedstock, particle size, temperature, mixing tool type, and reactor configuration, which may explain such large ranges.

P = (M A S SVS/VS) × M E TVS

(1)

where the following hold: P—methane yield per day (m³/day); M A S SVS—mass of volatile solids of the substrate (kg VS/day); and M E TVS—methane yield (m³/kg VS).

Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic face specific risk management challenges due to their historical dependence on fossil fuels and aging energy infrastructure.

Consequently, they must develop risk assessment approaches that account for these factors, often leading to the implementation of a mix of traditional and contemporary methods for integrating renewable energy sources [16].

Energy efficiency and climate protection have shaped the environmental debate. Study [17] examines the potential of waste heat utilization. It clarifies the methods of their quantification based on physical and technical optima while ensuring economic production conditions (cost minimization, plant utilization maximization, product quality preservation, and competitiveness).

EU countries have successfully implemented comprehensive waste separation systems and established robust processing infrastructure, enabling the efficient conversion of waste into energy. This integrated approach has resulted in high waste processing rates, reduced environmental impact, and promoted sustainable development. In contrast, Ukraine’s waste separation systems are significantly weaker. This disparity motivates scientists, economists, and politicians from Ukraine and Latvia to develop a joint national strategy for the integrated use of waste for energy production. As highlighted in the research, the increasing per capita waste generation further emphasizes the need for expanded waste disposal methods [18].

At the same time, in Ukraine, the primary method of waste management is landfilling, which is unproductive and negatively affects the ecosystem. However, large landfills should be used for biogas production, thereby reducing the burden on the environment, and the revenues generated should be used to implement recycling and a gradual transition to European waste management policies [19].

One type of biofuel that can be used is biomethane, which is formed by converting biogas produced in the fermentation process of the organic waste contained in sewage sludge. Biogas, purified to a methane content of about 95%, can be used in vehicles that burn gaseous fuels [20].

Previous research has established that improving preferential tariff policies for promoting green energy in Ukraine based on assessing the economic efficiency of investment projects under existing state support mechanisms requires improvement [21].

At the achieving decarbonization goals may be possible by stimulating the transition to green energy through the production of biofuels [22].

The feasibility of transitioning to clean farming methods will ensure increased agricultural crop productivity and provide partial energy independence for agro-industrial complex [23,24]. One of the promising directions for carbon dioxide utilization is the production of environmentally friendly energy carriers by converting carbon dioxide into valuable products or synthesizing hydrocarbons [25].

For example, carbon dioxide generated during biogas production can further produce synthetic methane under pressure. Also, individual scientists propose introducing a strategic, systematic approach to solving pressing environmental protection and industrial waste management problems in conditions of financial resource scarcity at both the state and regional levels. The introduction of phased planning for the phased solution of environmental problems and attracting the necessary external financial resources for the development of biofuel production is proposed [26].

At the same time, attracting further funds from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund is proposed to finance alternative energy development projects since this area is promising and ensures increased competitiveness of countries in globalized world markets [27]. As part of the research, an analysis of studies devoted to biogas production, electricity production from this resource, and its potential and impact on the economy and ecology was conducted, and gaps were identified. These include the lack of a detailed comparative analysis of different technologies for biogas production and purification to biomethane, which limits the possibility of choosing optimal solutions for specific conditions in Ukraine.

In addition, the economic feasibility of investments in biogas plants has not been sufficiently studied, and the state of infrastructure (e.g., gas networks and energy systems) for the integration of biogas and biomethane has not been considered, which may be a key barrier to the development of the industry. Despite the availability of data on agricultural production and organic waste suitable for biogas production, a deeper analysis is required. Existing studies do not fully cover environmental aspects such as the impact of biogas on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potential risks, and other environmental benefits.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Analysis of Biogas Production Technologies

A systematic analysis of the state of the biogas production industry in Ukraine and the EU for 2021–2023 was conducted in the research process. This study relied on the statistical base of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, EBA SAF report, data on the implementation of biogas production by Ukrainian and European enterprises, and research by scientists in the field of biogas production focused on determining optimal substrates for biogas production and prospects for its use [28,29].

This study aimed to assess the potential of biogas production in the agro-processing industry by collecting data from various enterprises that generate organic waste. This research covers food processing enterprises, agricultural waste processing plants, and other relevant sectors.

Data collection included visits to enterprises to study waste generation processes, energy costs, and biogas production potential and surveys by managers, engineers, and waste management specialists to assess current waste disposal and energy consumption practices. An important stage was the analysis of the composition of the organic waste to determine its biochemical composition and methane potential.

The biogas production process, methanogenesis, which occurs under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), was investigated. The optimal temperature for methanogenesis is usually 35–40 °C (mesophilic bacteria) or 50–60 °C (thermophilic bacteria). The optimal pH for methanogenesis is usually 6.5–7.5. Substrate composition, humidity, and nutrient availability also affect methanogenesis (

Table 1. Overview of biogas production stages.

Stage	Description	Reaction Equation	Enzymes/ Microorganisms	Products
Hydrolysis	Breakdown of complex organic substances into simpler ones (monosaccharides, amino acids, fatty acids)	(C6H10O5)n + nH2O = nC6H12O6	Bacteria, fungi	Simpler organic compounds
Acidogenesis	Conversion of simple organic compounds into organic acids (acetic, propionic, butyric)	C6H12O6 + 2H2O = 2CH3COOH + 4H2 + 2CO2	Acid-forming bacteria	Organic acids, hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2)
Methanogenesis	Conversion of organic acids into methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2)	CH3COOH = CH4 +CO2 (3), 4H2 + CO2 = CH4 + 2H2O	Methane-forming bacteria	Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2)

) [30].

A survey of leading Ukrainian biogas production enterprises was conducted, including “Yuzefo-Mykolaivska APK” LLC and “RAIZ-SKHID”. The study determined that the optimal substrate was a combination of molasses, chicken manure, and corn silage or crop residues. BMP tests were performed according to standard IEA and ASABE protocols.

A statistical analysis of crop areas, yields, livestock, and biogas raw material potential was conducted. The efficiency of biogas and biomethane production from different substrates was assessed, and their cost in the EU was analyzed. A comparative analysis revealed Ukraine’s potential against the background of EU countries and successful cases of biogas projects. System analysis tools were applied to study the comprehensive operation scheme of modernized agro-industrial processing enterprises and assess the impact of biogas production development on the economy and environment. A set of statistical data on agricultural production, energy consumption, and energy prices was used to assess biogas production potential and economic efficiency quantitatively. Using the balance method allowed for a comprehensive assessment of biogas production potential in Ukraine, considering all key factors, from the raw material base to economic efficiency and environmental impact. This made it possible to substantiate the feasibility of developing bioenergy clusters as an important step towards energy independence and sustainable development.

3.2. Combined Methodology for Biogas Potential Assessment

A combination of material balance methods and laboratory research was used to determine biogas production potential. A study was conducted on the amount of organic matter contained in agro-industrial waste and its conversion into biogas. The types of waste generated, their chemical compositions (content of dry matter, organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus), and the amount of biogas produced per unit mass of organic matter. This coefficient depends on the type of waste and the conditions of anaerobic digestion. These coefficients were investigated by scientists who conducted laboratory experiments on the anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial waste to determine the actual biogas yield in special reactors that create optimal conditions for the anaerobic process.

In the course of the research, the experience of Ukraine was compared with that of EU countries that are actively developing biogas production to identify best practices and determine directions for the further development of biogas and electricity production. A methodology was used to calculate the potential for electricity production from crop residues of the main crops by processing them into biogas, which has the following form:

P_vbp = A_c · Y· O_b· 2

(2)

where the following hold: P_vbp—volume of biogas production; A_c—the area of crops; Y—yield of dry matter of crop residues from 1 ha of crops; O_b—biogas output from 1 tonne dry matter of crop residues, 2—average electricity output from m³ biogas.

In addition, a cluster approach was applied for the organization and integration of various participants and processes into a unified system (a territorial biogas cluster):

• The main producers of biogas, electricity, heat, and biofertilizers include agro-industrial processors, territorial communities, agricultural enterprises, biogas and cogeneration plants, sorting facilities, and biofertilizer processors.
• The function of each participant and their relationships were investigated. It was revealed that they all have a common goal: efficiently using resources to produce energy and biofertilizers.
• Based on the analysis of functions and interrelationships, a territorial biogas cluster united all participants into a single system. The cluster approach created an integrated structure in which each participant performed their role, and their joint activities ensured the achievement of a synergistic effect.

The study was conducted based on an analysis of literature and existing studies on biogas production, the potential of organic raw materials, and economic efficiency. A definition of the raw material potential for biogas production in Ukraine was given, including identifying raw material types and assessing their volumes.

Biogas production technologies were investigated, including the study of modern technologies and analysis of anaerobic digestion processes. An analysis of the experience in implementing projects in biogas production allows for the identification of success factors and problems. Assessing challenges and prospects for biogas production in Ukraine includes identifying problems and developing recommendations.

Models of a territorial biogas cluster based on an agro-industrial complex processing enterprise were developed, which involved substantiating the feasibility of creating clusters and developing a scheme for their operation. The final stage is the formulation of conclusions and recommendations for the development of bioenergy in Ukraine.

The findings of this study include an assessment of biogas production potential, technology analysis, identification of problems and prospects, development of a cluster model, and formulation of recommendations. The practical significance of this research lies in the possibility of using the results to develop state policies, attract investments, and increase the efficiency of agro-industrial complex enterprises.

This study analyzes successful biogas production examples within Ukraine and internationally, with a detailed evaluation of technical and economic performance and identification of key success factors. Special attention is given to the European Union’s experience in biogas development, particularly the operation of large-scale biomethane plants. The study also explores the challenges and prospects for biogas and electricity production in Ukraine, noting obstacles such as high equipment costs, limited state support, and low public awareness, including developing government support programs, creating an effective organic waste management system, advancing research and development, and popularizing biogas benefits to address these issues.

The application of the cluster approach in this study consisted not of dividing data into groups but of uniting various participants and processes into a single system to achieve a common goal—sustainable development and energy independence.

A desk review of statistical data, the academic literature, and industry reports for biomass resource assessment was used to statistically model biogas production potential. A comparative analysis of biogas development forecasts in the EU was carried out to identify general trends and potential production volumes.

The conducted review of biogas production and purification technologies for biomethane will include a techno-economic analysis of various existing technologies. Based on this, a conceptual model of a biogas cluster based on the agro-industrial complex (AIC) will be developed, integrating the production of energy, heat, and biofertilizers through system modeling of the interaction between agricultural enterprises and the community. Expert surveys will be conducted to assess the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed model.

The environmental impact of biogas production will be assessed using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, allowing for the analysis of environmental consequences at all stages.

To study biogas production and utilization technologies, a survey of leading Ukrainian biogas production enterprises was conducted, including “Yuzefo-Mykolaivska BGC” LLC and “RAIZ-SKHID”. The optimal substrate for biogas production was determined to be a combination of molasses, chicken manure, and corn silage or post-harvest residues. To assess biogas yield from various substrates, BMP tests were performed according to the standard protocols of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). Information on substrate processing, biogas production, electricity production, and digestate volumes was obtained directly from “Yuzefo-Mykolaivska BGC” LLC.

To analyze the power generation, the plant’s capacity and average annual load data were used. The company provided information on the reactor size, capital investment, and annual revenue. Based on these data, the key performance indicators were calculated, including the efficiency of biogas production and the power generation capacity.

The obtained data were validated by checking their reliability and compliance with generally accepted standards and comparing them with data from other sources. In addition, the article mentions statistical data processing on sown areas, yields, livestock numbers, and the structure of raw material potential for biogas production.

Considering the research methods used, it is important to note the study’s potential limitations. The research on biogas production and utilization technologies was conducted using the example of two Ukrainian enterprises (“Yuzefo-Mykolaivska APK” and “RAIZ-SHID”). Although these enterprises are significant players in the market and demonstrate advanced practices, their experience may not fully reflect the diversity of approaches and technological solutions existing in other enterprises in the Ukraine and EU industry.

This limits the generalization of the conclusions to the entire population of enterprises. However, it is worth noting that the information obtained from surveys of managers, engineers, and specialists may contain elements of subjective assessments and opinions. Although the questionnaires were designed to minimize bias, the complete exclusion of subjectivity is complex. The use of statistical data from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the Bioenergy Association of Ukraine, and EBA SAF depends on the methodology used in their collection and processing by these organizations. Discrepancies in accounting methodologies or incomplete data may introduce certain limitations in the comparative analysis and assessment of the overall potential.

The analysis of European experience in biogas production and utilization involved a comparative study of support policies and incentive mechanisms in various EU countries. An analysis of biogas and biomethane markets in the EU was conducted to assess volumes, prices, and requirements.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Structure of Raw Material Potential for Biogas Production

Biogas products are naturally produced through the direct use of various energy products. The economic investment is a massive investment in the biogas sector, providing a favorable investment environment for investors. In addition, the economic feasibility of projects depends on the prices of traditional energy sources and the cost of raw materials.

Regulatory barriers include complicated licensing and insufficient government support, which hinders the development of the sector. Technological limitations are related to the efficiency of technologies and the variability of the composition of raw materials; it is necessary to create an infrastructure for the integrated transfer of biogas to the energy system and ensure the environmentally safe use of digestate. Unlike addressing these risks, a comprehensive approach includes government support, rationalizing regulations, encouraging innovation, and raising awareness of the benefits of biogas.

However, it should be noted that, unlike the European Union, the system of separate collection and disposal of waste in Ukraine is poorly developed, which may affect the vision of the European Union as a source of biogas with energy independence.

This prevents the efficient use of waste as a feedstock for biogas production. Waste disposal in Ukraine is widespread and inefficient, and the transition to biogas production requires waste management and investment changes. Economic problems include insufficient studies of the economic feasibility of investments, failure to take into account the state of the infrastructure for biogas integration, high equipment costs, lack of government support, and low awareness of the benefits of biogas.

Technological challenges include the absence of a comparative analysis of different biogas production technologies. Other factors, such as the need to improve preferential tariff policies and attract significant financial resources, are also important. These challenges may slow down the development of the biogas industry in Ukraine and its integration into the European energy market.

Bioenergy development contributes to realizing opportunities for agrarian countries to become food producers and energy carriers. Crops, animal husbandry, and the food industry generate large volumes of waste, which can be used as raw materials for biogas and/or biomethane production. A well-developed agro-industrial complex infrastructure and agriculture and food industry infrastructure can be adapted to produce this type of biofuel. At the same time, biogas production at the local level can contribute to regional energy independence and reduce the load on centralized energy systems. Ukraine has significant potential for biogas production as the country has diverse sources of organic raw materials suitable for this purpose. Among the main types of raw materials, the following can be distinguished:

• Organic waste residues of agricultural production (hay, crop residues of crops), food waste in the form of food scraps from households, grocery store chains, and markets, and the organic part of municipal waste that ends up in landfills.
• Plant biomass is certain types of plants which, due to their high content of organic matter, can serve as a source of biogas. Energy crops such as corn, sorghum, and energy willow are promising.
• Animal waste, manure, slurry, and other animal wastes generated on farms and agricultural enterprises can also be effectively processed into biogas.
• Industrial organic waste is food industry waste (expired food products, non-standard goods) or organic waste from the main activities of agricultural enterprises.
• Clean biological waste comes from forest park areas and gardens and vegetation residues from urban areas that require disposal (Figure 2).

To ensure efficient biogas production at large plants, we researched different types of organic raw materials, systematically summarizing data on biogas yield and considering their composition and properties. The analysis results (

Table 2. Potential for biogas production from different types of organic raw materials.

Raw Material Silaged Beet Pulp	Weight Without H2O Content, %		Biogas Yield, m3/t		Methane Content in Biogas, %
	min	max	min	max	min	max
Beet pulp (pressed)	10	17	53	90	54	55
Fresh beet pulp	18	22	95	115	54	55
Organic waste from cattle (liquid fraction after washing)	6	9	34	50	54	55
Organic waste from cattle (litter)	5	6	15	18	55	58
Chicken manure (non-litter)	14	17	42	50	55	58
Litter chicken manure	20	25	90	100	58	60
Molasses (sugar)	45	60	150	160	58	60
Pig slurry	76	80	390	400	54	55
Beer draff	4	5	13	17	57	60
Distiller’s grains (corn grain)	22	24	103	115	55	59
Distiller’s grains based on molasses	6	11	46	52	54	56
Wheat stillage	11	12	42	45	54	56
Corn silage	6	11	42	49	54	56
Raw material	28	33	180	200	52	54

Source: based on [31].

) showed that the optimal substrate combines molasses, chicken manure, and corn silage or crop residues.

Biogas production from organic waste is a promising direction for the development of renewable energy in Ukraine, which contributes to reducing dependence on traditional fuels, improving the environment, and developing agriculture.

The economic feasibility of biogas production is determined not only by output volumes but also by economic factors such as raw material costs, investment expenses, and energy prices. In Ukraine, unlike EU countries, there are certain challenges, including insufficiently developed infrastructure for waste collection and processing, which can increase the cost of biogas production. To successfully implement projects, it is necessary to create favorable economic conditions and attract investment.

A biogas project was successfully implemented in Ukraine at “Yuzefo-Mykolaivska BGC” LLC, where a sugar factory was modernized and efficient biogas and organic fertilizer (digestate) production was established (

Table 3. The main production and financial indicators of the Yuzefo-Mykolaivka (Ukraine) biogas plant in 2021.

Indicator	Value	Unit of Measurement
Production Characteristics
Substrate processing capacity	138,700	tons/year
Biogas production efficiency	1.022	million m3/year
Electricity production capacity	67,200	kWh
Consumer power of equipment	150	kWh
Average annual load	80	%
Digestate production volume (annual)	100,000	tons
Volume of biogas reactors	22,500	m3
Financial Indicators
Capital investments	12	million EUR
Revenue from electricity sales (year)	4.61	million EUR
Simple payback	5	years

Source: based on [32].

).

The results of this enterprise’s operation, in particular the technical and economic indicators of the Yuzefo-Mykolaivka biogas plant with a capacity of 2445 MW per year (commissioned in 2021), with an average annual biogas production volume of over 1.02 million m³, are noteworthy.

Modern equipment of the studied enterprise can produce 2800 m³ of biogas, which ensures the generation of 5200 kW/h of electricity. At the same time, electricity consumption does not exceed 150 kW under 80% loads. The annual volume of digestate produced is 100 thousand tons.

4.2. Experience in Implementing Projects in the Field of Biogas Production and Processing

At the same time, there is the experience of successful cases of biogas production from crop production waste of LLC “RISE-SHID” in the Myrhorod district, Poltava region, where 71% of all arable land is allocated for corn and the remaining 29% for industrial crops. The use of practical research of this enterprise in biogas production made it possible to assess the potential for biogas production from crop residues of the primary crop production [29].

According to the data in

Table 4. Calculation of the potential biogas yield from crop residues of grain crops in Ukraine.

Indicator	2021		2022		2023
	Total Grains	Including Corn	Total Grains	Including Corn	Total Grains	Including Corn
Sown area, thousand ha (cultivated area, thousand ha)	15,995	5522	12,171	4325	10,985	4113
Share of dry matter, % (dry matter content, %)	90	28	90	28	90	28
Dry residue (mass), t/ha (dry biomass (mass), t/ha)	4.56	2.56	4.56	2.56	4.56	2.56
Share of organic dry matter, % (organic dry matter content, %)	90	28	90	28	90	28
Biogas yield, m3 per 1 ton of organic dry matter	650	800	650	800	650	800
Methane content, %	60–62	60–62	60–62	60–62	60–62	60–62
Projected biogas yield, thousand m3 per 1 ha	2.99	2.05	2.99	2.05	2.99	2.05
Projected total electricity output, MW	94,818.36	22,618.112	72,149.688	17,715.2	65,119.08	1846.848
“Green” tariff euro/kW (VAT included)	0.14		0.13		0.12
UAH/EUR exchange rate	38.6		38.95		43.05
Projected biogas production volume, million m3	47,409.18	11,309.056	36,074.844	8857.6	32,559.54	8423.424
Revenue from electricity sales, million EUR	13,274.5704	3166.53568	9379.45944	2302.976	7814.2896	2021.62176

Source: based on [28,31].

, it can be stated that the potential for biogas production from crop residues of grain crops in Ukraine during 2021–2023 decreased only due to the loss of a significant part of the territories as a result of military operations and amounted theoretically to more than 32 billion m³, including 8.2 billion m³ of corn. Based on the needs of agriculture for straw and bedding for cattle, the practical potential will be 80% of the theoretical potential (24 billion m³).

Analysis of Table 4 demonstrates that the calculation of biogas potential from crop residues of grain crops in Ukraine is performed through the sequential multiplication of indicators: sown areas, estimated dry matter yield per hectare, the proportion of organic matter in this mass, and the biogas yield coefficient per ton of organic dry matter. Individual coefficients are used for corn, which differs from the averaged indicators for general grains, notably a higher biogas yield coefficient per unit of organic dry matter. The projected biogas yield per hectare is the result of this complex multiplication. The total potential biogas production volume is determined as the sum of the potential obtained from all grain crops, including corn, taking into account their respective sown areas. A direct correlation is observed between the dynamics of the total biogas production potential and changes in sown areas during 2021–2023, which is attributed to the occupation of part of Ukrainian territories.

At the same time, it should be noted that there are examples of biogas plants of significantly greater capacity in the EU, which indicates the leadership of the European Union countries in developing biogas production on the continent (

Table 5. The largest biomethane plants in Europe.

Organization	Country	Production Capacity	Main Raw Material	Additional Information
Nature Energy Korskro	Denmark	37 million m3/year	Biomass (708 thousand tons)	Includes more than 12 biogas plants
Valdemingomez Technology Park	Spain	0.2 TWh of “green” electricity	Organic fraction of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste)	Over 90% of organic matter from waste
Future Biogas	United Kingdom	More than 400 GWh of biomethane	Raw materials from local farms (500 thousand tons/year)	Provides energy to 40,000 homes
Landwärme	Hungary	3 TWh/day	Organic waste, energy crops	Over 20 plants in EU countries
Biokraft	Norway	25 thousand kg of liquefied biogas/day (up to 1 TWh)	-	Plans are being developed for the use of liquefied biogas for environmentally friendly transport
ENVO Biogas Tønder	Denmark	Production of more than 68 million m3 of biogas/year	Liquid manure, energy crops, organic household waste (plans)	The largest biogas plant in Scandinavia
Jordberga	Sweden	Production of more than 110 GWh/year of biogas	Green waste (110,000 tons)	Reduction in CO2 emissions by 30,000 tons/year
Yuzefo-Mykolaivska Biogas Plant	Ukraine	Production of more than 1 million m3 of biogas per year	Beet pulp, stillage, crop residues	Use of sugar production waste (beet pulp, molasses) as a substrate base
Biogas Ladyzhyn LLC	Ukraine	Capacity of 24 MW (120 million m3 of biogas)	Chicken manure, organic poultry waste, wastewater	Utilization of chicken manure—370,000 tons/year wastewater—800,000 m3/year
POLANIEC	Poland	205 MW of electricity production	Agricultural by-products and wood waste	Meeting the needs of 600,000 households. CO2 emission reductions reach 1.2 million tons per year.
Bio Ziedi	Latvia	2 MW of electricity and up to 4 MW of heat energy	Animal waste (manure), green mass	Heat energy is used for the production of dairy products (dairy farm and processing plant are nearby)

Source: formed based on [29,34].

) [33]. In 2023, 59 bio-LNG production plants were operating in Europe; a significant increase in their number is expected during 2024–2027.

The construction of 134 plants is planned to be completed by 2027. Based only on confirmed projects, the projected bio-LNG production capacity by 2027 is 21.1 TWh per year.

According to estimates by the European Biogas Association, in 2030, Europe will potentially be able to produce 40 billion m³ of biomethane, and in 2040—already 111 billion m³, of which 101 billion will be in the EU [35]. Considering Ukraine’s potential of 33 billion m³, the total potential of the EU will be more than 144 billion m³ of biogas, which will make it possible to shorten the timeline for the implementation of the European Green Deal to 2048.

The calculated energy potentials indicate the possibility for Ukraine to partially meet its own energy needs and contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Correspondingly, the actual yield of biogas may vary depending on the type and storage of raw materials, the efficiency of processing technology, and other factors. Therefore, the possibility of collapsing biogas production must be considered when planning the project. Animal waste in Ukraine is a valuable resource for biomethane production, the potential of which is estimated at 9.59 billion m³.

Considering the trend towards increasing yields and the development of technologies, this will contribute to strengthening the country’s energy security.

Table 6. Potential for biogas production from livestock products by all categories of farms in 2023 in Ukraine.

Type of Animal	Daily Biogas Production per Animal (m3/day)	Livestock Population, Million Heads	Potential Biogas Yield, Billion m3	In Biomethane Equivalent, Billion m3
Cattle	0.8	1.555	0.454	0.27
Pigs	1.1	5.612	2.253	1.35
Poultry	0.18	202.243	13.287	7.97
Total, billion m3 of biomethane				9.59

Source: based on [24,31].

shows the biomethane potential from livestock waste in 2023.

For each animal type (cattle, pigs, poultry), the daily biogas production per head is calculated by multiplying it by their population. The resulting biogas potential is converted to biomethane equivalent using a coefficient of 0.6. The total biomethane potential amounts to 9.59 billion m³. The calculation is based on average indicators and the total livestock population.

The raw material potential of the processing industry of the agro-industrial complex in Ukraine is mainly based on molasses, beet pulp, and alcohol stillage. In terms of bio methane, this potential is estimated at 0.65 billion m³, and the potential for biogas production is 1 billion m³ (Figure 3).

Thus, the total potential for biogas production from animal waste and agro-industrial processing enterprises is 10.59 billion m³ of biogas; this can be increased up to 34.59 billion m³ by using the organic fraction of crop residues from crop production, or in terms of biomethane, to 20.75 billion m³.

Investment opportunities in the context of a wartime economy limit biogas development in Ukraine and its integration into the EU energy market. Instability or insufficient government support, difficulties in attracting domestic and foreign investment due to high risks and economic uncertainty may also hinder progress. The destruction of infrastructure, logistical problems, and competition from other, possibly cheaper, energy sources pose additional obstacles. Limited domestic demand for biomethane may also reduce the economic attractiveness of large-scale projects. Ukraine’s economic realities differ significantly from those of the European Union. High levels of risk, difficulty in accessing financing, weak infrastructure, high energy intensity of the economy and a diverse regulatory environment pose additional challenges to successfully integrating Ukraine’s biogas sector into the EU’s energy sector.

4.3. Challenges and Prospects for Biogas and Electricity Production

At the same time, it should be indicated that when 1 m³ of gas is burned, 0.72 kg of CO₂ is generated, while in the production of biomethane, this figure will be zero since this volume of carbon dioxide is released during the decomposition of waste, that is, the use of biogas will make it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions by 3.98 billion m³ [36,37,38].

In the context of European integration processes in Ukraine, organic waste has a significant potential to provide partial energy to a single European energy space [39].

As part of the green transition, technological improvements are constantly being made to increase biogas production, especially in future-oriented research, and measures are being taken, including decarbonizing the economy and switching to sustainable energy [34]. Developing renewable energy sources, particularly biogas, is a key area of the European Green Deal [35]. In support of the development of biogas production through European investments, in addition to the relatively lower cost of production than in the EU, the use of biogas boilers for heating buildings makes it possible to obtain a return on investment of 4–5% higher than when using traditional gas boilers [40]. At the same time, there are several problems with the development of biogas production in Ukraine, namely the high cost of equipment, construction of biogas plants, and relevant investments in new technologies, which are significant and require state support.

However, there is no clear state policy in renewable energy sources; that is, there is an insufficiently developed regulatory framework and a lack of incentives for investment in biogas production. This is relevant in military agribusiness, where energy sustainability is critical with strategic marketing [41] and management to ensure sustainability, fiscal regulation, and energy marketing in promoting energy efficiency [42].

It should be noted that nowadays, there is a low awareness of the benefits of biogas; that is, farmers and other stakeholders are insufficiently informed about the possibilities of using biogas. The ways to solve these problems are as follows: the development and implementation of state programs to support bioenergy by creating incentives for investment in biogas projects, for example, through tax incentives, green tariffs, and state guarantees; creation of an effective system for the collection and processing of organic waste; development of scientific research in the field of bioenergy by developing technologies and universal substrates for biogas production and expanding the range of its application; popularization of the benefits of biogas among farmers, entrepreneurs, and the public; and cooperation with international organizations in the field of exchange of experience in the production of this energy carrier and investments for the development of bioenergy in Ukraine (

Table 7. Barriers and prospects for the development of biogas production in Ukraine.

Problem	Reason	Possible Solutions
High cost of equipment and construction of biogas plants	Significant investments required for the implementation of new technologies	Government support: tax benefits, green tariffs, state guarantees
Lack of clear government policy	Insufficient development of the regulatory framework, lack of incentives for investment	Development and implementation of a state program to support bioenergy
Low awareness of the benefits of biogas	Insufficient awareness of farmers and other stakeholders	Conducting information campaigns, popularizing the benefits of biogas
Insufficient raw material base	Lack of an effective system for collecting the organic fraction of MSW and its processing	Creation of an effective system for collection and processing of organic waste
Low efficiency of technologies	Insufficient level of development of biogas production technologies	Development of research and development work in the field of bioenergy

).

The production of biogas by agricultural processing enterprises could increase the production volumes in Ukraine. The implementation of the European Green Deal creates favorable conditions for the development of this direction. If an effective state policy is implemented and investments attracted, Ukraine could become one of the leaders in European biogas production.

Traditionally, biogas is used for electricity generation. However, the decrease in purchase prices for electricity from Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is forcing the search for more efficient ways to use this resource. A significant portion of the thermal energy generated during biogas combustion was lost. Therefore, creating complexes based on powerful sugar factories to produce sugar, biogas, and alcohol is proposed. This will ensure more efficient use of resources and the creation of a closed production cycle. Biogas production is associated with significant formation of carbon dioxide, which is environmentally harmful. One way to solve this problem is to purify biogas from CO₂ for further use.

Biogas purified to 96% methane content, known as biomethane, can be transported through existing gas transportation systems without modernization. It is worth noting that although “green” hydrogen is a promising direction for energy development, biomethane has advantages such as a notably higher energy density and the readiness of existing infrastructure for its use. In addition, the current cost of biomethane is lower than that of “green” hydrogen, making it more competitive in the market.

4.4. Prospects for Creating Bioenergy Clusters Based on Agricultural Processing Enterprises

The current market demonstrates that biomethane is economically competitive with green hydrogen. The average price of green hydrogen is approximately USD 7 per kilogram, with projected reductions of USD 3 per kilogram by 2030, and USD 2 per kilogram by 2050. Conversely, biomethane is currently priced at an average of USD 900 per 1000 cubic meters, with forecasts indicating a decrease to USD 850 per 1000 cubic meters by 2030, USD 600 per 1000 cubic meters by 2050, and potentially USD 500 per 1000 cubic meters in the future [43].

The next step is biogas production through the anaerobic digestion of biomass (waste from agricultural enterprises). The biogas produced, which is rich in methane, is used to generate electricity and heat in cogeneration units. This process provides the cluster with energy and allows the sale of surplus electricity at a “green” tariff, generating additional income. Biomass fermentation within bioenergy clusters produces energy and digestates, which are nutrient-dense residues. This digestate is then transformed into valuable biofertilizers suitable for internal or external sales.

The economic viability of these clusters is driven by income from energy and fertilizer sales coupled with savings in energy and mineral fertilizer purchases. Furthermore, these clusters offer significant environmental benefits by reducing emissions, processing organic waste, and improving soil quality. The development of bioenergy clusters is an important step towards energy independence for Ukraine and the EU, as well as the sustainable development of the agricultural sector. Their implementation contributes to creating new jobs, attracting investment, and developing innovative technologies. In EU countries, this is a promising platform due to sustainable access to biomass, support at the EU level, and the development of the local economy within the ‘green transition’ policy framework. There is a developed infrastructure and proximity to sources of raw materials, which contributes to the efficient processing of biomass into energy and the development of the regional economy.

The functioning of such clusters offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, waste recycling, renewable energy generation, and organic fertilizers, as well as economic benefits, such as lower energy costs and additional income from biofertilizer sales. The most promising direction is the integrated use of biomethane and electricity generated from biogas. The following measures are proposed to improve their efficiency at sugar factories:

• Construction of biogas plants (it is necessary to build biogas plants and installations for biogas production and its conversion into electricity near sugar factories);
• Conversion of biogas into biomethane;
• Sale of biomethane and electricity (injecting biomethane produced by the biogas plant into the gas transportation system and selling electricity at a “green tariff”).

Based on the research conducted, we have systematized the functions of the main participants of the relevant entities (

Table 8. Participants and functions of a territorial biogas cluster based on an agro-industrial complex processing enterprise.

Cluster Participant	Functions	Advantages
Agricultural Processing Enterprises	Collection, sorting, and primary processing of organic waste (production waste, plant residues, etc.)	Access to significant volumes of biomass, necessary infrastructure, and experience in processing agricultural products
Territorial Community	Collection and sorting of municipal solid waste (MSW), which can also be used for biogas production	Interested in solving the problem of MSW utilization, creating new jobs, and generating additional income
Agricultural Enterprises	Supply of organic raw materials (manure, plant residues) for biogas production	Opportunity to efficiently dispose of own waste and use biofertilizers to improve soil fertility
Biogas Plant	Processing of organic raw materials into biogas using anaerobic digestion	Use of modern technologies to maximize biogas yield
Cogeneration Unit	Conversion of biogas into electricity and heat	Providing the cluster with its own energy and the ability to sell surplus electricity to the grid
Sorting Factory	Sorting of MSW to separate the organic fraction suitable for biogas production	Increasing raw material supply for biogas plants and reducing landfill waste
Biofertilizer Processing Plant	Processing of digestate (residue after anaerobic digestion) into high-quality organic fertilizers	Providing agricultural enterprises with environmentally friendly fertilizers

).

It is proposed that regional bioenergy clusters be created to optimize the production and production of biogas, which will unite various companies and organizations. Such an approach could result in a more efficient use of resources, a lesser drain on waste, and a reduction in additional economic benefits. It is important to note that the cluster model is already being successfully developed in the EU, and its potential effectiveness is evident in Ukraine.

It should be noted that agricultural processing enterprises are the central link of the cluster, ensuring the collection, sorting, and primary processing of organic waste (production waste, plant residues). They have access to significant volumes of biomass, necessary infrastructure, and experience processing agricultural products.

Municipalities can implement MSW collection and sorting systems for biogas feedstock to address the challenges in organic waste management. Concurrently, agricultural enterprises are vital suppliers of organic raw materials such as manure and crop residues for biogas production.

A corresponding matrix was formed to establish the interaction between the participants in the relevant clusters.

Table 9. Interaction matrix of participants of a territorial biogas cluster based on an agro-industrial complex processing enterprise.

Cluster Participant	Agricultural Processing Enterprises	Territorial Community	Agricultural Enterprises	Biogas Plant	Cogeneration Unit	Sorting Factory	Biofertilizer Processing Plant
Agricultural processing enterprises	-	Collection and transportation of MSW organic fraction	Supply of organic raw materials	Processing of organic raw materials into biogas	Use of biogas for energy production	Primary processing of MSW	Processing of digestate into biofertilizers
Territorial community	Collection and sorting of MSW	-	-	Supply of MSW organic fraction	Consumption of energy derived from biogas	Sorting of MSW	Use of biofertilizers
Agricultural enterprises	Supply of organic raw materials	-	-	Processing of organic raw materials	Consumption of energy derived from biogas	-	Use of biofertilizers
Biogas plant	Processing of organic raw materials	Processing of MSW organic fraction	Processing of organic raw materials	-	Production of energy from biogas	-	Supply of digestate
Cogeneration unit	Energy production	Energy consumption	Energy consumption	Biogas consumption	-	-	-
Sorting factory	Primary processing of MSW	Sorting of MSW	-	-	-	-	-
Biofertilizer processing plant	Digestate processing	Use of bio fertilizers	Use of biofertilizers	-	-	-	-

visually demonstrates the complex and interconnected system in which each participant uniquely creates and functions within the cluster. It systematizes the key connections and functions between various entities such as agricultural processing enterprises, territorial communities, agricultural enterprises, biogas plants, cogeneration units, sorting factories, and biofertilizer processing plants. The matrix shows that agricultural processing enterprises are the central link, as they are responsible for the collection, sorting, and primary processing of organic waste, receiving raw materials from both agricultural enterprises and the territorial community (the organic fraction of MSW).

The raw materials were then transferred to a biogas plant for biogas production. In addition to supplying organic waste, the territorial community is also interested in consuming the energy produced from biogas and using biofertilizers. Agricultural enterprises, in turn, are suppliers of raw materials and consumers of energy and biofertilizers, making them direct beneficiaries of the functioning of the cluster. The role of the biogas plant is to process the received raw materials into biogas, and the cogeneration unit converts biogas into electricity and heat. Both these elements are critical for ensuring the energy efficiency and independence of the cluster.

The sorting factory, which sorts MSW, and the biofertilizer processing plant, which converts digestate into valuable fertilizers, complete the cycle, ensuring comprehensive and environmentally sound resource processing. Thus, the interaction matrix demonstrates that each cluster participant is an important part of a unified mechanism to achieve the common goal of sustainable development and the region’s energy independence (community, municipality). It is advisable to build a relevant interaction matrix to determine the priorities for developing cooperation between cluster participants (

Table 10. Heat map of interaction in the bioenergy cluster.

Cluster Participant	Agricultural Processing Enterprises	Territorial Community	Agricultural Enterprises	Biogas Plant	Cogeneration Plant	Sorting Plant	Biofertilizer Processing Plant
Agricultural processing enterprises
Territorial community
Agricultural enterprises
Biogas plant
Cogeneration plant
Sorting plant
Biofertilizer processing plant

Red—none; green—high; yellow—medium; orange—low.

). The bioenergy cluster, depicted on the heat map matrix, is a complex and interconnected system where each participant plays a unique role.

Agricultural processing enterprises are the central link in the cluster, as they are responsible for the collection, sorting, and primary processing of organic waste, receiving raw materials from both agricultural enterprises and the local authority (organic fraction of MSW). They then transfer this raw material to the biogas plant for biogas production.

Thus, the interaction matrix demonstrates that each cluster participant is an important part of a unified mechanism to achieve sustainable development and the region’s energy independence (municipality). The development of biogas and biomethane production in Ukraine is contingent upon the modernization of agricultural enterprises, with sugar factories being a critical focus. The EU’s introduction of a tax on imports of products manufactured using “dirty” energy, which took effect in 2023, will be a significant driver for this modernization. This tax will particularly impact metallurgical plants, incentivizing them to switch to biomethane to enhance their competitiveness. In the early stages, a substantial portion of the produced biomethane is anticipated to be exported to EU countries, where market conditions are favorable.

However, as the Ukrainian economy develops and domestic demand for biomethane increases, a corresponding rise in its consumption within the national market is expected.

Currently, the first batches of biomethane arrive from Ukraine; in February 2025, the Energy Customs (processed) export the first 2 million m³ of biomethane [42]. Considering the potential for biomethane production at the level of 20.75 billion m³, taking into account the level of domestic consumption at 19 billion m³ and domestic natural gas production at 18 billion m³, the total export of biomethane could amount to 19.75 billion m³ [44]. This becomes a significant source because, for further development of gas condensate fields, there may be various technical, technological, and economic limitations to ensure more stable and long-term production of hydrocarbons. Therefore, the processing of agro-waste additionally expands the resource base for producing biomethane and other alternative energy sources in Ukraine [45].

Despite the current gas consumption volumes in the EU, which reach 412 billion m³, the projected biomethane production by 2050, which amounts to 165 billion m³, opens up significant prospects. This could cover up to 40% of current gas needs. Considering the expected decrease in overall gas demand to 271 billion m³ by 2050, biomethane could cover up to 61% of this demand. Furthermore, Ukraine’s integration into the EU will allow it to provide 5–6% of the EU’s biomethane needs [46].

An alternative path is biogas processing at Ukrainian biogas plants, which will make obtaining 2–2.5 kW of electricity, meaning that the total potential ranges from 69,180,000 MW to 86,475,000 MW.

Regulating the volume of biomethane and electricity exports produced from biogas is advisable according to the price situation. For example, in the summer months, it is expedient to process biogas and export electricity to the EU’s unified energy system. Simultaneously, in winter, it is expedient to export biomethane. It should be noted that investments in constructing and launching a biomethane production plant with a capacity of 3 million m³/year amount to about 6 million euros. Considering biogas and electricity prices, the respective projects pay off within 4 years [47,48]. It is important to note that biogas plants created based on sugar factories can also process other types of agro-industrial raw materials such as straw, cattle manure, and stillage. This will ensure full capacity utilization of biogas plants that can be used in agriculture.

Developing bioenergy clusters is important for energy independence and sustainable agricultural development in Ukraine and the EU. Their implementation contributes to the creation of new jobs, attracting investment and developing innovative technologies. However, there are some differences in the operating conditions of the clusters in Ukraine and the EU. In Ukraine, it is necessary to focus on infrastructure development, attract investment, and create a favorable regulatory environment. In the EU, where infrastructure is more developed, the emphasis shifts to the use of advanced technologies, diversification of the raw material base, and integration with other sectors of the economy.

Despite these differences, bioenergy clusters have significant potential for development in both Ukraine and the EU. Joint efforts and exchanges of experience between countries will contribute to the successful implementation of this model and the achievement of positive results in energy security, sustainable agricultural development, and environmental protection.

At the same time, it should be noted that biogas production has a significant positive impact on the environment due to the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through the utilization of organic waste (agricultural, food, municipal), preventing it from entering landfills, and the production of valuable organic fertilizer—digestate, which reduces the need for chemical fertilizers; the development of bioenergy clusters promotes the integrated and sustainable use of local resources, strengthening the country’s energy security and contributing to the decarbonization of the economy within the framework of the European Green Deal.

Given the significant volumes of carbon dioxide formation in the EU and the USA, the trend of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the EU is confirmed by the use of alternative energy sources on the continent (Figure 4).

Creating territorial biogas clusters based on agricultural processing enterprises is an important step towards ensuring energy security for Ukraine and the EU. This mechanism will help reduce dependence on energy imports, diversify energy sources, achieve climate goals, and develop renewable energy. In addition, the development of bioenergy clusters will contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture, creation of new jobs, and attraction of investment.

The analysis compared Ukraine, the European Union (27 countries), the United States, and Latvia for 2020–2023 (Figure 5). The primary focus was on annual CO₂ emissions, population, GDP per capita, and specific emissions per capita. Ukraine shows a steady decline in absolute CO₂ emissions (from ~207 million tons in 2020 to ~136 million tons in 2023) and CO₂ emissions per capita (from 4.63 tons/capita to 3.62 tons/capita). However, the reduction in emissions is accompanied by a decrease in GDP per capita and population, indicating possible consequences of the economic and military crisis.

Despite a constant population, the European Union also shows a downward trend in CO₂ emissions per capita (from 5.87 to 5.57 tons per capita). This may indicate progress in energy transition and decarbonization. The leader in specific emissions (more than 14 tons per capita) remains the United States due to high energy consumption and GDP per capita, despite a slight decrease in emissions in 2023.

Latvia has relatively low CO₂ emissions per capita (~3.5 tons per capita) while maintaining a moderately high GDP per capita. This indicates balanced development that takes into account environmental sustainability.

Overall, the data show a need to strengthen public policies in favor of low-carbon development, especially in countries with high emissions and/or suffering from economic instability.

5. Conclusions

The introduction of biogas technologies using waste and by-product processing will allow agricultural processing enterprises to increase their efficiency significantly. The proposed approach in the study integrates biogas production into the existing infrastructure of these agricultural processing enterprises in Ukraine. At the same time, by-products, like sugar factories, serve as raw materials for biogas reactors.

The resulting biogas mixture is partially used for electricity generation to meet production needs and to produce “green” electricity through electrolysis. The remaining biogas undergoes purification to remove carbon dioxide, yielding biomethane, which is injected into Ukraine’s general Gas Transportation System (GTS). The realization of this scheme will allow agro-processing enterprises to cover their own energy needs and become producers of biomethane.

This opens up new opportunities for generating profit and contributes to the development of renewable energy in Ukraine. The heat generated during electricity production can be effectively used to heat the premises of integrated systems.

Furthermore, with sufficient investment, incorporating a distillery can significantly modernize the production process. In this scenario, biogas will be used for electricity and alcohol production and processed back into biogas, creating a closed production cycle. Forming bioenergy clusters based on agricultural enterprises, primarily sugar factories, presents substantial opportunities for addressing various industry challenges. This will reduce sugar production costs, create additional jobs, increase the country’s GDP, enhance energy independence, and improve Ukraine’s foreign trade balance. Additionally, these clusters can supply agriculture with organic fertilizers, decrease water resource pollution, and stimulate the development of the alcohol industry through innovation. Ukraine has significant potential for biogas production from livestock and agro-industrial processing waste.

Estimates indicate that the total volume of biogas obtainable from these sources is 34.59 billion m³, equivalent to 20.75 billion m³ of biomethane. Analysis reveals considerable opportunities for the development of biogas and biomethane in Ukraine, driven by the modernization of agriculture and the EU’s active transition towards sustainable energy. The biomethane exports by Ukraine to the EU in 2025 highlight this potential. However, domestic consumption and biogas-based electricity production are crucial for energy independence. The significant potential of biomethane, the possibility of diversifying energy sources, economic feasibility, sustainable development of the agro-industrial complex, achieving climate goals, and the prospect of cooperation between Ukraine and the EU all strongly support the creation of such clusters.