Polityka Energetyczna - Energy Policy Journal

The paper highlights calculations of bioenergy indicators when growing corn for grain and vegetable crops in Ukraine. The research results indicate the economic benefit of growing these crops for all the variants studied. Our research established that an increase in the bioenergy efficiency of the production of these crops is achieved due to the use of different rates of fertilizer application. The increase in productivity that was obtained as a result of the implementation of farming practices exceeds additional costs associated with the use of fertilizers. This confirms the economic benefit of producing these types of crops due to the enhanced bioenergy efficiency achieved through the optimal application of fertilizer.
The conducted research confirms the high energy efficiency of the bio-organic fertilizer (digestate) and the energy-saving technology of growing crops which were studied. High values of the coefficients of energy efficiency were also observed in the variants with the simultaneous application of mineral fertilizers (N90P90K90) and digestate-based bio-organic fertilizer “Efluent” (55.0 t/ha) on experimental sites of corn grown for grain (3.05–3.07), carrot (1.41–1.45) and red beet (1.97–2.00), but the cost of these variants also appeared to be the highest. Scientific research has used new methods and technologies for the effective processing of livestock waste in order to obtain organic fertilizer, which can be used to improve soil fertility and increase crop yields on the one hand, and biogas production as an energy-efficient process that has significant potential for producing ecologically clean and renewable energy on the other. The proposed approach to achieving energy efficiency helps to increase crop yield without increasing fertilization costs.

Studies aimed at the economically sound increase in the capacity of existing power lines and improvements in their design are relevant today. In addition to the well-known design methods of influencing the capacity of the transmission line, there are other meanings that can affect its natural capacity, which is directly related to the capacity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to find possible methods of increasing natural power and evaluate their effectiveness in real configurations. The basis of the methodological approach applied in this study is a qualitative combination of methods of systematic analysis of ways to increase the capacity of power lines with the analytical investigation of the prospects for its impact on wave resistance to increase the natural power of the line. The conducted research determined the total influence of the analyzed factors on the increase in transmission capacity and identified the most optimal configuration from a technical and economic standpoint. Based on the results of the calculation of the natural capacity of the configurations, conclusions were made about the significance of the impact of each of the above factors, and the economic effect of their implementation in the integrated power system was established. Improvement of this methodology can, in the long run, serve as a tool for calculating configurations for economic and technical relevance, or serve as a foundation for further identification of factors affecting the transmission capacity of power lines.

The aim of the article is to present Finland’s energy situation after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the related fact of this country’s accession to NATO structures. This situation is taking place for the first time in history and the analysis of this phenomenon is an important element of energy policy planning for other countries. The article shows how decisions that affect the country’s energy security can be made quickly and effectively.
Finland, due to its geographical location and historical circumstances, was closely economically linked with the Soviet Union and then with Russia. However, this situation changed dramatically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has resulted in a change in the thinking of politicians responsible for security, including energy security.
Finland is gradually increasing the share of RES in its energy mix due to the lack of energy resources and also to achieve climate neutrality. Nuclear energy, one of the most important domestic sources of electricity production, is also being developed. In 2021, it accounted for 33% of the total generation of electricity, and Finland’s two nuclear power plants have a combined installed capacity of 4.39 GW. Domestic production and imports from “safe” sources are the basis of Finland’s energy security, especially after the suspension of electricity and gas supplies from Russia in May 2022. Currently, electricity is mainly imported from Sweden and gas is imported by pipeline from Estonia and via three small LNG terminals. According to the Finnish government’s plans, Finland is expected to become an electricity exporter by 2030 due to increasing nuclear and renewable electricity production. It is also planned to use heat pumps and waste heat in heating to a greater extent.

The article provides calculations and feasibility study of solar power plants implementation for the states of New Jersey, New Mexico and Michigan. The average cost for grid power, average household kwh use per month and average cost for 6-kw system with 26% federal tax credit applied were taken into account. The approach outlined in this article proposes to take into account changes in the value of money, tariffs and period of service of solar power plant.
The conducted research shows that the construction of SPPs in the USA can be profitable in the conditions of constant growth in prices for electricity produced using traditional energy sources. However, with the stability of electricity prices, the use of solar energy is far from the most profitable investment.
It has been proven that there is a need to focus on the research of the latest energy storage and generation technologies in order to reduce the impact of the instability of renewable energy production on the stability of power grids in the future. Further development of SPPs can help increase their availability and competitiveness, which will contribute to the creation of a sustainable and green energy infrastructure. The development of technologies in this area will also lead to a decrease in installation prices and an increase in the efficiency of the panels.
The main limitation of solar power plants is the need for a large area for the installation of panels in order to achieve the level of industrial electricity production. Therefore, now the centralized production of electricity using the sun is possible only in areas that are unsuitable for life and economic activity.

This article analyzes the perspective of implementing target indicators in the green transition of the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine. It is established that soil degradation has acquired a global dimension, and it has become a serious problem of a socio-economic nature due to the military actions in Ukraine. Analysis of the state of agricultural land was performed based on the following indicators: humus content in the soil, volume of application of organic and mineral fertilizers, pesticides, land area under organic production, etc. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of implementing waste-free biofuel production technologies at the enterprises of the agro-industrial complex to achieve eco-goals of the European Green Deal. The article outlines target guidelines for achieving eco-goals of the European Green Deal. Further steps necessary to overcome current problems in compliance with the norms of the EU legislation on environmental protection at agricultural enterprises for the sale of agricultural products to European markets are proposed. It has been scientifically proven that the agro-industrial complex of Ukraine has an untapped potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through ecological modernization and implementing waste-free production technologies. It is suggested to use biogas plants as a promising means of solving the problems of waste disposal, improving the ecological situation, reducing energy dependence, and increasing soil fertility. The effectiveness of applying organic fertilizer, namely digestate, a by-product of methane fermentation, as biofertilizers at agricultural enterprises has been proven. Recommendations are provided regarding soil regeneration measures in Ukraine in the future.

Recent dynamic changes in global fossil fuels markets and the European carbon dioxide emission allowances system have significantly impacted the energy sectors. These fluctuations also influence district heating (DH) markets where coal and natural gas remain dominant energy vectors in numerous European countries. District heating markets are distinct from other commodity markets due to their local nature and distribution requirements. Consequently, they can operate under various market models and have different price design policies depending on the country and region. With these considerations, this study aims to review and analyse the current market models and regulations of price formulation in the context of final prices in selected district heating markets. The primary objective is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the key district heating markets in Poland and compare the outcomes with the markets of neighbouring countries, including the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany. Poland is taken as an example due to its high dependence on fossil fuels and its vulnerability to current global price fluctuations. The results indicate that Poland has one of the most regulated district heating markets, and these regulations can impact the profitability of district heating companies with high prices of fuel and carbon certificates observed in global markets. To create incentives for potential investors and incumbent companies to develop more sustainable and low-emission district heating markets in Poland – where energy transition processes are still underway – it is recommended to increase the frequency of formulation and approval of tariffs.

The purpose of this study is to solve the efficiency and reliability problems of upstream water intake structures for energy and irrigation systems in the region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among the methods used in the study, experimental, analytical, and modelling methods should be distinguished. During the study, analyses and field investigations of main structures, and energy and irrigation systems in the foothills were conducted to identify the reasons for the low efficiency and reliability of existing old water intake structures and reduce their negative impact on the environment. The results of the study showed that many water intake structures built on small rivers are not only in poor working condition but also do not meet modern environmental requirements. Many of these structures were built more than thirty years ago and have not been modernized or reconstructed in accordance with new technologies and requirements. As a result of the study, recommendations were prepared for the design of new water intake structures that meet all modern environmental requirements and guarantee the more efficient use of water resources. These new facilities will also help to reduce water losses during the overflow process, which will make the use of water more cost-effective. Additionally, one of the main outcomes is the developed useful model, which pertains to the field of hydroengineering construction for water intake from mountain and foothill rivers, serving as an additional barrier to reduce the influx of large sediment into the reservoir.

Sufficient national fossil resources and an independent water supply system are indispensable elements of the security structure of any state. Energy independence, as a factor in determining self -sufficiency, is now a basic requirement for countries or regions wishing to develop independently and freely. The purpose of this research is to identify the specifics of the European energy strategy in the Central Asian region by considering the basic areas of cooperation between the parties in this sector of the economy. This research paper has been prepared primarily using the following methods: historical, statistical, prognostic, synthesis, comparison and system analysis methods. The research delves into the intricate dynamics of foreign policy activities of European Union members concerning energy resources, particularly in a historical context. Analyzing the collaboration between Brussels and Central Asian nations, both positive and adverse facets of this alliance in the energy domain have been pinpointed. Special attention is paid to the relationship between the European Union and the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasizing its role within the broader security framework of the region and the continent. The study offers practical recommendations for enhancing state energy strategies and fostering productive bilateral and multilateral energy partnerships.
The results and conclusions of the presented work can be used as a foundation for the development of practical recommendations to establish and improve the energy strategies of the states, and for planning bilateral and multilateral mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector.

The development of solar generation is an integral part of evaluating renewable “green” energy in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. This study focuses on the specifics of the implementation of solar energy in the context of the USA, the EU and China, taken as an object in connection with the specifics of the geographical-territorial and climatic-natural situation. The originality of the research lies in the approach of modelling the implementation of solar power generation with consideration to the main economic, technological, and resource factors. This study aims to assess trends in the development and implementation of regional solar power generation. Solar energy development is performed exclusively at the expense of private investment and state support is minimal. Therefore, the power of installed solar power plants relative to the amount of invested investments shows a high correlation. From the perspective of economic activity, solar energy in the analyzed regions is used by households in small amounts. The highest use of solar energy by households is in the USA, where this indicator is 8.3%, and the lowest is in China (0.13%). The analysis indicates that currently, solar energy is not a priority for developing the energy sector but is only a supplement. Further solar energy development is possible owing to technological innovations that will increase the efficiency of solar radiation use. The analysis also revealed the conclusion that the most powerful use of solar energy appears in China, with a figure of 19.6%, while the US has only 4.04% and the EU has almost 9%. According to the criterion of economic and technological influence on solar energy development, China occupies a leading position (9.89%), whereas the EU has only 0.03%. Thus, solar energy is currently not an attractive area for business and needs to prioritize the development of the EU economy, which is confirmed by insignificant investment flows compared to China and the USA.

It is shown that the predicted energy crisis in Kazakhstan makes the issue of small-scale energy and complementary civil society institutions more than relevant. This crisis, caused by the deterioration of heating networks built during the former USSR, can be more than large-scale, as evidenced by the events in the city of Ekibastuz, where a significant proportion of the population was left without heating in the winter of 2022/2023. It is proven that the development of small-scale power generation should be complex, i.e. in the foreseeable future, one should focus attention on a combination of renewable and traditional energy sources, which implies a gradual increase in the share of renewable energy. The expediency of using the concept of “energy freedom”, at least in relation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, is substantiated. It is shown that the goal of the development of small green energy should be precisely the achievement of energy freedom for households, oriented towards the institutions of civil society. This implies, inter alia, the development of a wide range of non-trivial technical solutions that provide, for example, direct heat generation without an intermediate stage of conversion into electrical current. A specific example is considered, demonstrating the adequacy of the proposed approach. It is also shown that the primary measures to ensure the energy freedom of households can be implemented even when using equipment available on the market. Specific calculations are presented which prove that the transition to decentralized heat supply is economically feasible using available equipment.