Technological and Engineering Aspects of the Development of Biogas and Biomethane Plants in Ukraine: Prospects for Integration into the Country’s Energy System

The study is aimed at identifying key technical solutions and opportunities for using biogas and biomethane to improve the efficiency and stability of the Ukrainian energy system. This study analysed the raw material sources for biogas production, fermentation processes and integration of biogas plants into the power grid. The study found that the use of biogas and biomethane plants contributes to the energy independence of Ukraine. The main sources of raw materials were identified, including agricultural waste, organic residues from the food industry and energy crops. The analysis showed that biogas plants can stably produce fuel for energy generation, which makes it possible to balance fluctuations in the operation of renewable energy sources, in particular solar and wind power plants. The article proves the effectiveness of the introduction of cogeneration plants that provide not only electricity but also heat for industrial or municipal needs. It is also found that modern biogas purification technologies, such as membrane separation and absorption, allow the production of biomethane, which corresponds to natural gas in terms of its characteristics. An assessment of the prospects for integrating biomethane into the Ukrainian gas transmission system has shown the possibility of using this fuel as an environmentally friendly analogue of fossil gas. The results of the study emphasise the importance of government support and infrastructure development to enhance the implementation of biogas technologies. It has been established that the combination of biogas plants with energy storage systems can increase the stability of electricity supply to the grid, which is especially important for regions with uneven energy consumption. In addition, it has been confirmed that the creation of local energy clusters based on biogas plants helps to reduce dependence on imported energy resources and develop rural areas.