PROMISING WAYS OF ORGANIZING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY BASED ON THE USE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

The main direction for the further development of internal combustion engines (ICEs) in the context of the global climate change problem relies on integrating power units, which will still have a carbon footprint for a certain period, into a circular carbon economy with zero carbon emissions throughout their full life cycle, coupled with intensive implementation of renewable energy sources. This publication analyzes existing global trends, challenges, and proposed promising ways for this transformation. Using examples from statistical data, analytical reports from research institutions, and information on investment projects, three key problems are examined, towards whose effective resolution efforts of researchers has to be directed. They constitute finding feasible means to achieve the desired effect from an entirety of coordinated measures within a circular carbon economy, addressing the challenges of using renewable energy sources whose electricity generation is characterized by daily and seasonal non-periodic cycles, and identifying scientifically sound directions for the further development of ICEs under the outlined conditions. It is shown that the use of ICEs in a circular economy should be considered carbon-neutral, regardless of the presence or absence of a carbon footprint. Removing ICEs from use complicates the achieving carbon neutrality. Carbon-based bio- and synthetic fuels, as well as carbon-free fuels for ICEs, can and should be viewed as methods for accumulating energy from renewable sources and converting it into other forms suitable for efficient storage, transportation and use. Five independent directions for the development of ICEs in a circular economy are considered: replacing traditional fuels in existing ICEs with carbon-neutral ones, improving designs to enhance their efficiency, applying additional onboard systems and devices, transitioning to the use of carbon-free fuels, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the ICE life cycle. It is proven that the continuous improvement of ICEs directly contributes to meeting sustainable development requirements amidst the undeniable demands of transitioning to a climate-neutral economy.