Sunflower Oil Production on the Principles of Circular Economy: Regional Aspects

Abstract. Introduction. Fossil fuel-based energy systems are limited by a number of factors such as their exhaustibility, harmful emissions, and increasing prices. Sunflower seed production strives to achieve high yields with the least production costs and environmental burden. Future development should be achieved mainly by recycling field-based and process-based residues instead of natural resources. The use of a circular economy strategy can overcome the above challenges. Purpose. The purpose of this paper was to study the impact of residues-based biorefinery (bio-fertilizer production, electricity, and heat generation) on primary circular economy indicators. Renewable energy production and carbon dioxide emission savings were the subjects of the current manuscript. The objectives of this study were as follows: the identification of suitable indicators; the analysis of current technologies; the calculation of circular economy indicators. Results. To reach the purpose, we used scientific methods such as abstract-logical (to establish the problem statement and draw the conclusions), monographic (to analyze scientific works devoted to the circular economy), and dialectical knowledge. The novelty of our study is the analysis of energy saving technologies in sunflower oil production and related circular economy indicators. Promising energy saving technologies for sunflower seed cultivation and oil production were analyzed. The use of recycled municipal sewage water for irrigated agriculture is a promising technology in arid and semi-arid regions. It can save scarce reserve of fresh water. The implementation of a circular model in sunflower cultivation and processing requires an application of suitable business models. Conclusions. Sunflower field-based and process-based residues can be resources for biorefinery and ensure a way toward sustainable development based on the principle of the circular economy. Utilization of by-products allows substituting of hydrocarbon fossil fuels, generating renewable energy, and decreasing of carbon dioxide emissions. Recycling of crop residues (sunflower stalks) has a positive impact on circular economy indicators. According to our research, the use of sunflower husk for co-generation gives the best results. The implementation of the circular economy model in sunflower seed cultivation and oil production will contribute to the sustainable economic development of agriculture.