Abstract
The study explores technologies based on the gasification of local fuels to advance renewable energy utilization, supporting global and EU goals to increase renewable energy consumption to 40-45% by 2030. The Department of Alternative Fuels Technology at the Gas Institute of Ukraine is developing two key technologies: electricity generation using generator gas in piston power plants and synthesis gas production for chemical applications. A test-industrial installation demonstrated electrical efficiency of 22-24% when operating on fuels such as wood chips, lignite, and sunflower husk pellets. Emission levels (CO and NOx) met or exceeded EURO-5 standards but slightly underperformed against EURO-6. An industrial system with a capacity of 75 kW is currently under testing. In the second focus area, the team optimized gasification conditions (850-950°C) to produce synthesis gas with a [H2]:[CO] ratio close to 2:1. Experiments with diverse carbon-containing materials, including rubber from used tires, showed potential for high-calorie gas production and waste utilization. Rubber gasification yielded a gas with a lower heating value of 9804 kJ/m³ and produced a coke residue with 85% carbon content. These findings highlight the versatility of gasification technology for generating electricity and producing feedstock for the chemical industry. The developed solutions demonstrate the feasibility of replacing traditional fuels with sustainable alternatives, contributing to both energy security and environmental protection.