Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Interaction Development as Future for Rural Regions. Case Study of Aizkraukle Region in Latvia

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AbstractProduction of biogas using bioresources of agricultural origin plays an important role in Europe’s energy transition to sustainability and to a climate-neutral economy. The usage of some substrates like maize has been increasingly denounced in the last years and there is currently an active discussion about future subsidies to biogas producers depending on the substrate used. The aim of this study is to compare and rank different substrates for biogas production considering their economic feasibility, substrate efficiency and environmental aspects. During the research, eight substrates were evaluated: cattle manure, pig manure, poultry manure, straw, wood, maize silage, waste, and sewage sludge. In order to reach the research goal, multi-criteria analysis using TOPSIS methodology was applied to objectively determine which of the substrates considered would be the most suitable for biogas production in Latvia. The results obtained showed that pig manure is the most suitable raw material for biogas production in Latvia, while poultry manure was ranked second, with little difference in value from pig manure.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ranking of Bioresources for Biogas Production

Bumbiere

Gancone

Pubule

et al. 2020

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“…The second stage involved organizing and analysing the obtained data and comparing them in terms of the geography, principles, approaches, attitudes, results and prospects. The best practices used in different EU countries were analysed [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27] and compared with the Ukrainian experience [28]. The following methods were used to realize the research aim and the tasks set [29]:…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

EU Municipal Organic Wastes Management and Its Implementation Prospects in Ukraine

Melnyk

Scliar

Sabadash

et al. 2021

The article focuses on the issue of the prospects of municipal organic wastes management in Ukraine in the context of the applicable EU practices in the field. The investigation was made according to the SWOT analysis. The general scientific and specific scientific methods were used at all the three stages of the investigation. The peculiarities of the Ukrainian legislation and their compliance with the EU directives and policies were analysed. The key problems of the Ukrainian wastes legislation, political and legal relations in the field were reviewed. The New Ukrainian Wastes Management Strategy was analysed. The main principles and priorities of the EU wastes strategies were presented. The best (and the most applicable for Ukraine) European practices were examined, including the five-step hierarchy and features of the national wastes collecting, sorting and disposal systems. Wastes composting technologies were discussed in detail. Possibilities of using wastes as bio fuel for refuelling municipal equipment, air transport, etc. were determined. The futility of expanding landfill areas for solving wastes management issues was noted. The main requirements to be met for regulating wastes management market in accordance with the Association Agreement with the EU were outlined. Recommendations on implementing circular economy principles and extended producers’ responsibility to encourage the public society to sort wastes, businesses to minimize wastes generation and draw interest to recycling were suggested.

“…The productivity of a biogas plant depends on different aspects, like the type of biomass [42], digestion [43], availability of biomass, impurities that may harm microorganisms [44], and lignin content [45]. Almost any organic material can be used for biomass production, for example, paper, grass, animal waste, domestic or manufacturing sewage, food waste, agricultural products, etc.…”

Section: Biogas Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Assessment of Carbon Farming Solutions

Bumbiere

Sanchez

Pubule

et al. 2022

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In the light of the Green Deal and its ‘Farm to Fork’ and ‘Biodiversity’ strategies, the EU aims to find new ways to decrease GHG emissions through the EU Carbon Farming initiative stating that farming practices that remove CO2 from the atmosphere should be rewarded in line with the development of new EU business models. The Carbon farming initiative is a new approach and concludes that carbon farming can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation. As European Commission acknowledges that carbon farming is in its infancy and there is a lot to be addressed, in the years towards 2030, result-based carbon farming plots and schemes should be settled by the Member States and local governments; therefore, the existing solutions for reducing emissions through improved farming practices should be defined for each region. The research identifies carbon farming solutions in the agriculture sector – minimal/zero tillage, carbon sequestration in soils, biogas and biomethane production, perennial plant growing, and agroforestry and described.