Prospects for the use of biofuels and biogas in the transport sector of Ukraine

In 2018, the use of renewable energy in the transport sector should have been 8.2%, we had ONLY about 1.7%. The main aspects from UABIO expert Semen Dragnev.

Current situation

In 2018, the use of renewable energy in the transport sector should have been 8.2%, we had only about 1.7%. Besides the contribution of biofuels was 38.4 thousand toe, which is about 45% of all RES.

Sustainability criteria for liquid biofuels and biogas are not implemented in domestic legislation, and therefore biofuels produced in Ukraine do not meet the requirements of Directive 2009/28 / EC.

Renewable energy consumption in Ukraine’s transport sector lags significantly behind the national indicative target set in the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) for the period up to 2020. What to do? Create an effective legal framework for the development of a competitive market for the production and use of bioethanol and biocomponents.

What has already been done?

In November 2019, the State Agency for Energy Efficiency drafted a bill №2471 on the development of the liquid biofuels market in Ukraine, which establishes a mandatory share of liquid biofuels in total annual gasoline sales and introduces compliance requirements for biofuels from January 1, 2022. This bill has already been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.

The report “Modalities to foster the use of renewable energy sources in the transport sector by the energy community contracting parties”, commissioned by the Energy Community, presents a scenario for the consumption of various types of RES in the transport sector of Ukraine in 2030.

Forecast for Ukraine

Renewable energy consumption in the transport sector is expected to reach 9%, with biofuels also accounting for about 45% of all RES. Mainly liquid biofuels of the I and II generation and methane from RES will be used.

Therefore, it is important to approve the legal framework for the development of these types of biofuels and biomethane in the transport sector of Ukraine as soon as possible.