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Abstract: To overcome declining markets and low-cost competition, Canadian pulp and paper (P&P) mills are considering the diversification of their product platform. Investing in bioenergy is emerging as a promising way to boost the sector. In this paper, we present a mathematical programming approach to evaluate the profitability of bioenergy investments in the case of a P&P mill, while assessing technical and associated economic risks. The mill, called the integrated forest biorefinery (IFBR), could produce a set of high-value bioproducts from biomass generated in the mill or supplied from outside. P&P activity generates residues, such as black liquor and pulp sludge, which could be used to produce bioenergy. P&P activity should then be well managed, by considering the possibility of temporarily stopping the production of P&P, while assuming the costs associated with the shutdowns. The objective is to develop a mathematically-based approach for investors and stakeholders, within the forest sector that aims to optimise the value creation network of the IFBR and to maximise the profitability of future investments in bioenergy, while optimising the existing P&P activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ample interest for more efficient utilization of bio-based residues has emerged in the Nordic pulp and paper (P&P) industry, which uses virgin wood as feedstock. Although different bioenergy retrofit technologies for production of liquid, solid, and gaseous bioenergy products have been applied in the existing P&P mills, the number of installations remains small. The lack of profound knowledge of existing bioenergy retrofits hinders the replication and market uptake of potential technologies. This review synthesises the existing knowledge of European installations and identifies the key drivers and barriers for implementation to foster the market uptake of potential technologies. The bioenergy retrofits were reviewed in terms of technical maturity, drivers, barriers and market potential. Based on this evaluation, common drivers and barriers towards wider market uptake were outlined from political, economic, social, technical, environmental, and legal perspective. Technologies already commercially applied include anaerobic fermentation of sludge, bark gasification, tall oil diesel and bioethanol production, whereas lignin extraction, biomethanol production, hydrothermal liquefaction and hydrothermal carbonization are being demonstrated or first applications are under construction. The findings of this review show that a stable flow of residues at P&P mills creates a solid base for retrofitting. New innovative bio-based products would allow widening the companies' product portfolios and creating new businesses. Also, European Union's (EU) legislation drives towards advanced biofuels production. Wider uptake of the retrofitting technologies requires overcoming the barriers related to uncertainty of economic feasibility and unestablished markets for new products rather than technical immaturity. • Bioenergy retrofits can widen the product portfolio of the pulp and paper industry. • Bioenergy retrofits in Europe were comprehensively reviewed for the first time. • Drivers and barriers for the market uptake were assessed from different perspectives. • Retrofits support the REDII targets for advanced biofuels in transport sector. • Utilization of residues for bioenergy products improves mills' resource efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to make 2nd-generation biofuels more competitive, high solid-matter content has to be reached. To progress towards this target, the mechanism for destructuring lignocellulose fibres in semidilute conditions has to be well understood, as this configuration shows the basic mechanism which limits transfers and efficiency. This study aims to delve deeply into the biophysical and transfer limitations occurring during enzymatic hydrolysis. A specific experimental set-up associating in-situ and ex-situ physical (rheometry, chord length analysis) and biochemical analysis was used to expand the knowledge of hydrolysis of extruded softwood paper pulp over 24 h under different substrate concentrations (1%–3%) and enzyme doses (Accellerase 1500, 5 and 25 FPU/g cellulose). Non-Newtonian behaviour associated with pronounced yield stress stand as the major factors limiting process efficiency. A critical time was deduced from viscosity evolution, and the existence of a unique, dimensionless viscosity-time curve was established, suggesting similar mechanisms for fibre degradation. In addition, chord length distribution allowed for the description of population evolution and was discussed in the light of in-situ viscosity and hydrolysis yield. Physical (viscosity, particle size) and biochemical (substrate) kinetics were modelled (second-order) and coefficients identified. A chronology of the encountered phenomenological limitations demonstrates the necessity of optimising bioprocesses by considering physical parameters. A reference feed rate is proposed in order to reach high solid loading under fed-batch strategy. Highlights • An in- & ex-situ multiscale approach was used to study the paper pulp hydrolysis. • The bio-physical and transfer limitations during hydrolysis were investigated. • A non-Newtonian behaviour was the major factor limiting process efficiency. • A unique dimensionless viscosity-time curve was identified. • A reference feed rate is proposed to reach high solid loading with fed-batch mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The MixAlco™ process biologically converts biomass to carboxylate salts that may be chemically converted to a wide variety of chemicals and fuels. This study looked at the viability of the following substrates: office paper, pineapple residue, Aloe vera rinds, wood molasses, sugar molasses, and glycerol. All agricultural substrates were initially tested to determine their carbohydrate and lignin content because lignin reduces substrate digestibility. Only pineapple residue had a high enough lignin content (18.3%) to necessitate pretreatment. Pineapple residue was treated with excess lime (300gkg−1 Ca(OH)2 on dry biomass, t =1h) and then neutralized with CO2, which reduced the lignin content to 4.89%. All substrates were anaerobically fermented in batch culture with marine microorganisms for 24 days. The acid concentrations (g mixed acid L−1) were Aloe vera (25.5), office paper (24.0), glycerol (22.6), pineapple residue (17.2), wood molasses (19.4) and sugar molasses (18.9). The conversions (g volatile solids digested g−1 volatile solids fed) were Aloe vera (0.59), office paper (0.50), glycerol (0.62), pineapple residue (0.52), wood molasses (0.42) and sugar molasses (0.82). The selectivities (g acetic acid equivalents g−1 VS digested) were Aloe vera (0.64), office paper (0.62), glycerol (0.51), pineapple residue (0.39), wood molasses (0.61) and sugar molasses (0.33). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Land-use change (LUC) estimated by economic models has sparked intense international debate. Models estimate how much LUC might be induced under prescribed scenarios and rely on assumptions to generate LUC values. It is critical to test and validate underlying assumptions with empirical evidence. Furthermore, this modeling approach cannot answer if any specific indirect effects are actually caused by biofuel policy. The best way to resolve questions of causation is via scientific methods. Kim and Dale attempt to address the question of if, rather than how much, market-induced land-use change is currently detectable based on the analysis of historic evidence, and in doing so, explore some modeling assumptions behind the drivers of change. Given that there is no accepted approach to estimate the global effects of biofuel policy on land-use change, it is critical to assess the actual effects of policies through careful analysis and interpretation of empirical data. Decision makers need a valid scientific basis for policy decisions on energy choices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A conference on current research and educational programs in production of crops for bio-fuel was sponsored and organized by the EARTH University and the University of Florida in November, 2008. The meeting addressed current research on crops for bio-fuel production with discussions of research alternatives for future crop production systems, land use issues, ethics of food vs. fuel production, and carbon sequestration in environmentally sensitive tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Americas. The need and potential for development of graduate and undergraduate curricula and inter-institutional cooperation among educational institutions in the region were also discussed. Delegations from Belize, Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Honduras, Panama, The Dominican Republic, and the United States including ministers of Agriculture and Energy attended this meeting. Over a two-day period, four working groups provided a framework to facilitate networking, motivate task oriented creative thinking, and maintain a timely accomplishment of assigned duties in the context of the conference themes. Participants in the conference were assigned to one of four working groups, each following given topics: Agronomy, Environment, Socio-Economics and Education/Extension. It was the consensus of representatives of industry, academic and regulatory community assembled in Costa Rica that significant research, education and socio-economic information is needed to make production of bio-fuel crops sustainable. Agronomic research should include better crop selection based on local conditions, improved production techniques, pest and disease management, and mechanical cultivation and harvesting. Another conclusion was that tailoring of production systems to local soil characteristics and use of bio-fuel by-products to improve nutrient use efficiency and reduction of environmental impact on water quantity and quality is critical to sustainability of bio-fuel crop production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Once again Swedish forest industries are supposed to face a new threatening shortage of wood. Therefore, demonstration of new ideas of producing wood for pulp and fuels (heat, ethanol, hydrogen gas, dimethylether, electricity) in the most southern part of Sweden was very welcome. One example of new ideas is that some farmers planted hybrid poplars on abandoned farming land at Sångletorp (33ha), Johannesholm (15ha), Kadesjö (11ha) and Näsbyholm (2ha) in the southernmost part of Sweden in 1991. Some of these plantations were harvested in 2004, but some are still growing. The harvested wood had been used for pulp and fuel. The results of the harvest and of the plantations that are still growing are analysed here from an economic, ecologic and energy point of view. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising process for the upgrading of wet biomass residues. Models of HTC processes, in particular at continuous pilot-scale, are needed to move HTC from lab-scale to industrial scale. This study presents a process model for mild HTC, dewatering and conversion to intermediate energy carriers (bio-pellets and biogas for power and/or heat production) of three wet biomass residue streams: paper sludge, olive pomace and orange peels, based on lab- and pilot-scale experiments. In addition, the process energy efficiency and feedstock utilization of the HTC process is calculated and compared with conventional treatment options for the chosen residues, i.e., direct anaerobic digestion (olive pomace, orange peels) or combustion after conventional dewatering (paper sludge). The process model indicates that the HTC pilot-scale process is much more efficient in terms of feedstock utilization to produce heat and/or power than the reference scenarios. The process energy efficiency of the HTC process (pilot-scale) was calculated to be 26 %, 63 % and 40 % for paper sludge, olive pomace and orange peel feedstocks, respectively. For all feedstocks, both the solid and liquid-generated products are equally important for improving the overall process energy efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of HTC processes for upgrading wet biomass waste streams based on continuous pilot-scale data. • Hydrothermal carbonization successfully upgraded wet biomass residues for energy. • Hydrothermal carbonization was more efficient for heat/power than reference cases. • Solid and liquid products are both important to improve process energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Shortage of oil, large variations in exports from Russia of wood to Europe, plenty of abandoned agriculture land, new ideas about a more intensive silviculture; these circumstances are driving forces in Sweden for planting fast-growing poplar and hybrid aspen clones on suitable land. The advantage of such trees is that the wood can be used for both energy (heat, biofuels, electricity), paper and for construction. Poplar clones bred in the USA and Belgium, and older hybrid aspen clones from Sweden, together with new poplar clones collected and selected for Swedish conditions from British Columbia, Canada, were planted during the 1990s in south and central Sweden. The stem diameters and heights of the trees have been measured during the last 10 years and the woody biomass production above ground has been calculated. MAI for all the plantations is 10–31m3 or 3–10ton DM per hectare with the highest annual woody production of 45m3 or 15ton DM per hectare in some years in a very dense plantation in the most southern part of Sweden. All the plantations have been fenced for at least the first ten years. The damage has been caused by stem canker, insects, leaf rust and by moose after removal of the fences. The possibilities for the use of poplar plantations as energy forest and vegetation filters are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The pulp and paper industry use biomass residues, such as paper sludge and bark as fuel to provide energy for their plants. However, issues such as high-water content or low heating value limit the amount of energy that can be utilized. Processes to improve heat generation include biomass densification, which facilitates transportation and handling and can increase energy yield. However, the technical feasibility of briquetting is a function of the feedstock and preprocessing. This study introduces a novel approach to briquette production from biomass residues by utilizing wet biomass with water as a natural binder, contrasting with conventional methods that require forced drying and/or the addition of binders. The objective of this research was to investigate the impact of briquetting both unprocessed biomass and post-hydrothermal carbonization. The study focused on manufacturing briquettes derived from different sources, including bark (Balsam fir), paper sludge, and hydrochar of paper sludge. The feedstock was characterized for ash content and higher heating value. Biomass particle size (range), moisture content (range), process temperature (range), process pressure (range), and process residence time (range) were varied in briquetting experiments to determine conditions to produce high-quality briquettes with minimal energy input. Moisture content as high a 50 wt% in feedstock produced technically feasible briquettes, with appropriate physical-mechanical properties (durability, volumetric expansion and apparent density), and energetic potential (calorific value). The addition of heat (pressing temperature of 150 °C) during the pressing process resulted in briquettes with enhanced physical-mechanical, and energetic properties, surpassing those produced at room temperature. Further tests with additional steps in the production process are required to meet commercialization standards in Canada, but the treatments conducted in this study effectively improved the energy potential of biomass for internal industrial energy gains. • Wet briquettes (20 wt% and 50 wt%) production was technically feasible. • Briquettes with added heat (150 °C) exhibited superior properties. • All biomass briquettes exhibited improved energy potential. • Hydrochar briquettes showed superior energy content and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitrogen rich wastewater from monosodium glutamate industry (MSG) and paper-mill wastewater were used in this study as low cost fertilizers for growing corn, a common fuel crop. Detailed characterization of the wastewaters and toxicity testes were conducted to assure the safety of these wastewaters. In a greenhouse pot experiment, effects of these wastewaters on corn growth and biomass yield along with the soil properties were evaluated. MSG-wastewater was applied at three rates i.e., zero, 5 m3 ha−1 and 7.5 m3 ha−1 and paper-mill wastewater was applied at and zero, 3.5 m3 ha−1 and 5 m3 ha−1 in a complete randomized blocks design experiment. Significant increase in the corn biomass yield was observed in all the wastewater treatments compared to the Control. Both these wastewaters did not show any adverse effects on plant. N-use efficiency from the MSG-wastewater was comparable to urea-N application. This study emphasizes on sustainable practices for energy crop production by utilizing wastewaters as fertilizer sources. Hence, we report for the first time that the MSG-wastewater can be used for growing corn as a low cost green practice without adverse affects on the soil properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Greater production of agricultural biomass for energy generation means a greater overlap between the energy and agricultural value chains. The production of biofuels from food crops was previously criticised as conflicting with food production. Use of so-called 'marginal land' is proposed to overcome previous controversies. Using interviews and document analysis, this paper explores the meaning of 'marginal land' for non-food energy crop production in Denmark and conflicts that arose over its proposed use. In Denmark there was a different conception of marginal land – environmentally sensitive land where intensive cultivation causes impacts. Policies were put in place to promote the use of this 'environmentally marginal land'. However, competing environmental objectives for this land – for different types of biodiversity, ecosystems services and aesthetic preferences meant these policies were repealed. The paper shows how discussions of biomass production on agricultural land, and particularly marginal land, reflect the nuances of competing land uses in agriculturally intensive countries like Denmark. It is not only a matter of trade-offs between different types of agricultural production, such as food and fuel, or between environmental benefits and production, but over the optimal environmental use of the land to achieve multifunctional benefits. As well as questions of equity, access and practicality, the marginal land debate in agriculturally intensive countries needs to include questions of appropriate and desired environmental outcomes and means of stakeholder engagement to establish these. Highlights • Growing biomass on marginal land is seen to overcome 'food versus fuel' debates. • Danish stakeholders identified marginal land as environmentally sensitive land. • Growing biomass on 'environmentally marginal' land creates environmental benefits. • Use of this land for biomass was resisted due to landscape and biodiversity change. • 'Marginal land' debates should include symbolic and aesthetic land use dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Vinasse is considered as the largest source of contamination in the ethanol production industry from sugarcane. Vinasse can be used to produce suitable fertilizer; however, it contains low macronutrients and micronutrients. On the other hand, it is one of the resources with a high potential for biogas production. The biogas production from vinasse has both economical and environmental benefits. Nevertheless, vinasse has a low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio; thus, complementary substances, e.g., animal manure, organic industrial waste, and lime fertilizers, should be added to improve the biogas yield. Currently, 22.4 gigalitres of vinasse are produced throughout the world, which have the potential for producing 407.68 gigalitres of biogas. This potential can be considered as a significant source of renewable energy. This paper gives a general summary of the properties of vinasse and the production of biogas from vinasse. Furthermore, a review of the optimal conditions for biogas production, the potential of biogas production, and the advantages of biogas production from vinasse are provided. Highlights • The importance, properties, and environmental impacts of vinasse are reviewed. • Anaerobic digestion is among the most promising method for vinasse processing. • Optimal conditions for biogas production is crucial for efficient processing. • Adding co-substrate is necessary to obtain a high biomethane yield. • In this paper, the advantages of biogas production are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter (PM) emission from biomass boilers for non-industrial heating represents one of the most important causes (together with the transport sector) of air pollution, in particular during winter. Separation technologies for fine PM are already well-known and adopted on an industrial scale, as a consequence of strict limits set by national and international regulations. On domestic boilers, the same technologies utilized on an industrial scale are not feasible due to high investment costs. Moreover, the emission limits for small size biomass boilers are higher than for industrial boilers, so high efficiency separation technologies are not needed, and are sometimes not present at all. The main goal of the paper is the development and testing of a mathematical model that is able to foresee the PM removal efficiency of a wet scrubber device. After an experimental validation based on several tests, it was possible to approach the preliminary design of an innovative wet scrubber, which is described in the paper. The main characteristics are (i) removal efficiency over 99.9%, (ii) specific energy consumption under 36 kJ m −3 , which is an industrial reference, and (iii) relatively low investment, operation and maintenance costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densification is the most effective forming technology, the production of which, pellets are the most intensive energy content of biomass solid fuels. Increasing the overall utilization efficiency of bioenergy, extending available types of wastes and residues for pelleting, and improving the pellet quality comprehensively are necessary. This paper reviewed feedstocks used for pelleting, binding mechanism of biomass pellets, and evaluation systems of pellet qualities. To extend the supply amounts and improve the qualities of raw biomass, various feedstocks and formulation recipes were classified based on their regions, sources, and species. And applicable objects and conditions of several different pretreatment technologies for feedstocks were compared. Physical properties and biochemical analyses are also concluded to evaluate the flowability, compactibility, and potential characteristics as solid fuel. For a better understanding of energy consumption and conversion during the densification process, pelleting devices and binding mechanism are elaborated. Associations and differences between single pelleting press in lab-scale and industrial pelleting in pilot-scale are also discussed. Suggestions are proposed for the optimization design of pelleting devices and processes for different feedstock densification. Lastly, relationships between operating parameter factors of pelleting process and pellet quality are presented. This review could provide theoretical analyses for powder compression, new insights for waste to energy, and guidance for achieving global peak carbon and environmental strategic objectives. [Display omitted] • Biomass feedstocks and recipes used for pelleting are reviewed. • Pelleting process is explained from theoretical and experimental aspects. • Durability and water sorption of biomass pellets are discussed. • Suggestions are given for optimizing pelleting process and mechanical device design. • New methods and concepts in industrial pelleting are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Densification and torrefaction are potential technologies to valorize lignocellulosic residues into cleaner and sustainable alternative energy carriers for domestic, institutional, commercial and industrial thermal energy applications. Therefore, this review paper has focused on sources of lignocellulosic biomass for energy production. Furthermore, the processes involved in production of raw and torrefied briquettes/pellets have been discussed. Additionally, the physicomechanical, emissions and combustion properties of raw and torrefied briquettes produced from lignocellulosic residues have been presented. Also, the economics of briquetting lignocellulosic biomass materials have also been reviewed. The quality of densified solid biomass fuels from lignocellulosic residues was found to dependent on the feedstock and pretreatment conditions. Additionally, torrefaction and densification have been reported to upgrade the energy properties of loose biomass materials, as potential alternative fuel to firewood and charcoal. Finally, the economic profitability of densification projects has been found to be dependent on the availability of feedstocks, technology used and market potential of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, a novel solar-biomass hybrid cogeneration energy system is designed to operate in all weather condition where biomass and Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) both are available. The proposed model integrates the Rankine cycle with an ejector and absorption refrigeration cycle, which utilized the low-temperature energy source available at the exit of the steam turbine and Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to produce power and cooling simultaneously. The solid waste, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and apple bagasse biomasses are used in the fluidized bed gasifier. First and second law analysis tools are used in order to assess the performance of the cogeneration energy system. The results find out the effects of some parameters on first and second law efficiencies when operated on both biomass and solar energy. The overall first and second law efficiencies of the system are found to be 42.29% and 39.72% for solid waste ranking 1 amongst all the four biomass materials respectively. A slight gain in the first and second law efficiencies 62.1% and 27.71% was observed after a considerable increase in the value of DNI at different operating conditions. The overall cycle efficiency is increasing due to cogeneration system and it is economically viable option because solar energy is freely available everywhere. • The work under the research paper "Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of a solar-biomass hybrid cogeneration power and cooling plant by employing the ejector and single-effect absorption refrigeration system" is a novel work. The proposed model integrates the Rankine cycle with an ejector and absorption refrigeration cycle which utilizes the low-temperature energy source available at the exit of the steam turbine and HRSG to produce power and cooling simultaneously. • The solid waste, rice husk, sugarcane bagasse and apple bagasse biomasses are used in the fluidized bed gasifier (FBG). • First and second law analysis tools are used in order to assess the performance of the cogeneration energy system. The effects of some influenced parameters on first and second law efficiencies have been evaluated when the system operated only on biomass mode at night time and solar energy mode at day time. • It is observed that the first and second law efficiencies of combined power and ejector-absorption refrigeration system are marginally higher for solid waste and lower for sugarcane bagasse (first law efficiency for solid waste 40.21%–44.66%, for sugarcane bagasse it is 36.29%–39.87% and second efficiency for solid waste 37.84%–41.81%, for sugarcane bagasse it is 32.83%–37.33%) respectively. This is because the LHV of syngas is higher in the case of solid waste and considerably lower in the case of sugarcane bagasse. • The overall first and second law efficiencies of the system are found to be 42.29% and 39.72% for solid waste ranking 1 amongst all the four biomass materials respectively. • A slight gain in the first and second law efficiencies 62.1% and 27.71% was observed after a considerable increase in the value of DNI at different operating conditions. • The effects of exergy destruction on each component are also evaluated in both modes. • The proposed system is the sustainable development approach based long run hybrid cogeneration system and it will be helps to increase the Indian economy and reduces the dependence on fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thin spent sulphite liquor (SSL) generated in pulp and paper mills is a biomass resource that is usually concentrated and burnt in steam boilers. The general aim of this work was to investigate the application of membrane processes to filter the SSL produced by Eucalyptus globulus sulphite pulping, namely for the separation of the lignosulphonates (LS) from the sugars, LS fractionation to produce valuable products, and sugars concentration. Laboratory experiments were conducted in total recirculation, natural pH and 25 °C with ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis membranes from Alfa Laval, Dow Filmtec, and Microdyn-Nadir. Microdyn-Nadir UP010 membrane displayed the widest gap between the retentions of lignosulphonates (68%) and sugars (3%), i.e., it separated the high molecular weight LS from the low-medium molecular weight LS and sugars. For its high retentions with respect to glucose (96%) and xylose (93%), Alfa Laval RO99 membrane is the most promising membrane to concentrate the sugars (after the total separation of LS by an integrated process of Ultrafiltration coupled to Ion Exchange, for instance). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper we estimate the availability of shrub biomass along two different geographical transects in the Iberian Peninsula, i) North transect: NE-NW and ii) an Atlantic-Mediterranean transect: NW-S. To determine the available shrub area, the legal, technical, economic and environmental restrictions pertinent to the study areas were identified and their relative thresholds were established. Additionally, the amount of available shrub biomass (tonnes dry matter per hectare) along both geographical transects was calculated using equations specifically created for Spanish shrub formations. The NE-NW transect gave shrub biomass accumulations ranging from 11 to 16 t ha −1 , while the NW-S transect displayed much lower values, from 3 to 16 t ha −1 . Furthermore, the stored energy potential (gigajoules per hectare) for each shrub formation was calculated at each location. This paper provides realistic information, by shrub formation, on shrub biomass availability in the Mediterranean basin, highlighting the suitability of scrublands as potential sources of biomass, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of harvesting such biomass using machinery specifically designed for shrubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued growth of U.S. first generation biofuels, mostly corn-grain ethanol, is facing increased pressure from the “food-vs.-fuel” and ethanol “blend wall” debates. Second generation (cellulosic) biofuels avoid the uncertainties about impact on food security and land competition, but have yet to become widely commercialized. No previous studies were found quantifying the relative importance of factors driving or constraining the commercialization of the U.S. cellulosic biofuels industry. Respondents to this study's online and paper-based surveys, administered between July and November, 2015, included 228 experts throughout the biorefinery supply chain from seven USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Coordinated Agricultural Projects (CAPs) and two industrial conferences. Government policies were rated as the most important driver for the commercialization of cellulosic biofuels. The second most importance driver was added value from non-fuel co-products , followed by carbon emission reduction and volatile oil prices . High production costs , policy uncertainty , and competition vs. petro-fuels were identified as the top three barriers to the commercialization of cellulosic biofuels. This paper also identified significant differences in the rating of drivers and barriers among four self-described expert groups (Feedstock, Processing, Economic/Business, and Sustainability), thus underscoring the importance of examining issues from multiple perspectives and highlighting the value of the USDA NIFA CAPs. Finally, participants were significantly more optimistic about the success of the integrated production of both cellulosic biofuels and biochemicals by the year 2020 vs. cellulosic biofuels alone (at the p = 0.001 level), underscoring the perceived advantages of the integrated biorefinery model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of biomass energy in Sabah, Malaysia was analyzed by data which was established from literature, statistic data and available documents for estimating the potential of biomass energy derived from oil palm, coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest. Nowadays, the issue of solid biomass residues including effluent from the palm oil milling process has become a big concern for the industry and the public in Sabah, because oil palm residues provide a huge potential of biomass energy in Sabah. This paper showed that biomass energy potential in Sabah was around 267,179,818 GJ/year in total, which was derived from oil palm EFB, shell, OPF (oil palm frond), OPT (oil palm trunk), coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest. Potential of biomass energy from oil palm, coconut shell, rice, livestock and forest was 263,635,079 GJ/year, 95,713 GJ/year, 710,028 GJ/year, 750,696 GJ/year and 1,988,301 GJ/year, respectively. Most biomass energy came from oil palm, which was around 98.7% of total potential. If this total energy potential is applied at a power plant with efficiency ratio of 25% and 8000 h per year of operation, this has potential of 2,288 MW, which is equivalent to around 3.8 times of total supply of electricity in 2010 in Sabah. This paper also suggests that relevant policy and innovative technology be developed based on the result to effectively utilize biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses an experimental investigation concerning oxy-combustion of coal and biomass in a lab-scale fluidized bed reactor. While co-firing has been widely studied under conventional air conditions, few experiences are available to date for O 2 /CO 2 atmospheres. The research is focused on SO 2 and NO x emissions, along with the deposition rates and ashes mineralogy. The influences of the atmosphere (air vs. 30/70% O 2 /CO 2 ), the coal-to-biomass energy input ratio (80/20%, 90/10%), the chlorine mass fraction in the biomass (0.35%, 1%, 2%) and the Ca:S mole ratio (2.5, 4) are reported and discussed in the paper, for two specific fuels: high sulfur lignite and high chlorine corn stover. Concerning SO 2 emissions a correlation among the sulfur and the chlorine contents is clearly detected, being affected by the direct desulfurization mechanism occurring under oxy-firing conditions. The single effect of the chlorine content is found to be almost 1.5% of the desulfurization efficiency. NO x emissions are otherwise more dependent on oxygen excess and CO concentration in the reactor, rather than the fuel share or the chlorine supplied. Thick deposition is only detected when chlorine content in the corn is 2%. Potassium aluminosilication is found to be enhanced in comparison to potassium sulfation under oxy-firing, especially for the highest Ca:S mole ratio: observed aluminosilication is five times higher when Ca:S ratio is increased from 2.5 to 4. A significant enrichment in iron is also detected for the fly ash composition, with an increase of 30–50% in comparison to air combustion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union has set ambitious targets of raising the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources from 20% by 2020 to 27% by 2030. The aim of this paper is to assess the role of woody biomass in renewable energy as gross final energy consumption in the European Union (the EU-28). The paper identifies leading and lagging countries in biomass development by focusing on their current biomass use and forecasts future perspectives. The research compares and evaluates the role of biomass in renewable energy in the EU-28 focusing on countries' potential resources and policy support. The study shows that all countries are making efforts to reach the 20% target in 2020 and exhibit a trend of increasing renewable energy as gross final energy consumption towards the new target of 2030. Solid biomass plays an important role in reaching the EU's renewable energy targets. The majority of the EU-28 countries are close to reaching their national renewable energy targets and show a very attractive biomass development. Unless energy consumption decreases however, some member states will face serious problems in reaching their renewable energy target in 2020. Following our analysis, the largest problems occur in those MS having a relative high-energy consumption pattern: France, Germany and the United Kingdom. It is unlikely that they can comply with expected renewable energy demand, unless they mobilize more woody biomass from their available domestic potential (France, Germany) or considerably increase their woody biomass imports (mostly wood pellets) from elsewhere (United Kingdom). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cover crops (CCs) during winter can improve the structure and water retention capacity of the soil. Additionally, the harvested CCs could be used as substrate in an anaerobic digestion (AD) plant. This paper aims at assessing the environmental and economic consequences of planting rye as a winter CC (after maize) and its use as co-substrate in an AD plant ( Rye scenario) instead of leaving the land fallow during winter and use solely maize for co-digestion with manure ( NoRye scenario). The life cycle assessment (LCA) of 1 MJ of produced bioenergy (36% electricity and 64% heat) shows significant benefits for marine eutrophication for the Rye scenario due to reductions in nitrate leaching. However, the lower specific yield of rye and the biogas potential for the Rye scenario resulted in higher total impacts on climate change and resource depletion (higher use of machinery and infrastructures for 1 MJ of produced bioenergy), as compared to the use of maize in the NoRye scenario. Based on the analysis, possible methodological improvements are highlighted, in particular for the simulation of field emissions and regionalization of impacts. From an economic point-of-view, planting rye during winter could generate additional revenues for the farmer. However, the calculation incorporates large uncertainties, linked mainly to price volatility, seasonal weather conditions (and related yield variations), and to the possible influence of CCs on the summer crop yield. In conclusion, this paper presents a first overview of the sustainability performances of using rye as a CC for energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangladesh has encountered several challenges, including issues like overpopulation, energy shortage, and global warming for the last few decades. Addressing the increasing energy demand has become a crucial concern because of rapid increase in population and lack of growth in the economic. The electricity production of a country heavily relies on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, which makes up approximately 54% of the current installed capacity. Bangladesh is an agrarian nation and biomass stands out as a source of renewable energy having significant potential to mitigate the demand for heat and electricity. Biomass resources in the country mainly comprise animal dung, agricultural crop residuals, solid waste from municipalities and forest residues. The existing biomass resources contribute to producing a high amount of energy and content of around 1574.16 PJ of energy equivalent to 437.28 TWh of electricity in which agricultural residues, animal manure, municipal solid waste, and forest residues impart around 852.32 PJ, 399.04 PJ, 112.16 PJ, and 210.64 PJ of energy respectively. This paper explores the extent, possibilities, and technologies associated with biomass energy conversion. Additionally, the study delves into the several biomass projects that the government, as well as non-governmental groups, are working on for environmental sustainability along with plans, challenges, and methods that are being utilized to encourage biomass technologies across Bangladesh. [Display omitted] • The biomass potentiality in Bangladesh for heat and electricity generation is emphasized. • The energy scenario and necessity of alternative energy sources in Bangladesh are discussed. • The available energy conversion technologies from biomass in Bangladesh are presented. • The existing biomass resource content of around 1574.16 PJ (437.28 TWh of electricity) of energy. • The economic aspects and challenges of biomass conversion into energy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is the world's leading charcoal producer, mainly used as an energy source and reducing agent for iron ore in the pig iron and steel industry. Despite its vast production, much of the Brazilian charcoal production remains low-tech and inefficient, with limited utilization of by-products. To address potential environmental impacts, promote a circular economy, and reduce energy waste in the charcoal production chain, this study presents the benefits of using wood carbonization by-products through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The analysis was performed by comparing four scenarios: i) Current wood carbonization; ii) Wood carbonization with combustion of non-condensable gases; iii) Wood carbonization with energy recovering of non-condensable gases for electricity generation; and iv) Assessing the utilization of insoluble tar and biomass waste for generating additional electricity, and the use of Pyroligneous Extract (PE) in eucalyptus cultivation. The results demonstrate that by-product utilization prevents energy waste, with an estimated potential to generate 0.19–0.26 MWh per ton of charcoal in Scenarios 3 and 4. Furthermore, 3.3 t of CO2 eq./t of charcoal are sequestered from the atmosphere, and Scenarios 2, 3, and 4 can increase this amount by 5.06%, 6.7%, and 0.48%, respectively. This paper introduces an innovative assessment of PE utilization during eucalyptus cultivation, resulting in a 6.16% reduction in greenhouse gas emission and a 46.98% decrease in abiotic resource consumption, attributed to PE's potential to partially reduce pesticide consumption. [Display omitted] • Photochemical Oxidation is the main impact category due to CO emissions in carbonization kilns. • Potential to generate 0.19–0.26 MWh of electricity per ton of charcoal through by-products utilization. • Forest residues and insoluble tar increase electricity generation potential by 36%. • Charcoal by-products offset GHG emissions from 14 to 203 kg/ton of charcoal. • Pyroligneous Extract use leads to 6% lower GHG emissions and 47% decrease in abiotic resource consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2010, Guatemala has been exporting ethanol, principally to European markets. This means that Guatemalan biofuel has been certified sustainable, although this is deeply contested with NGO reports drawing attention to the negative impacts of ‘agrofuels’, particularly for marginalised communities. Guatemala therefore provides an excellent case study for examining not only the impacts of increased global demand for biofuels, but also whether sustainability, as conceptualised by the European Union's Renewable Energy Directive, can capture those issues that are salient to the Guatemalan context. Drawing on more than eighty qualitative, in-depth interviews, this paper finds that the bloc's governance framework for biofuels fails to capture many of the issues that matter most to local people in Guatemala, namely land access, trade unions and compliance with the law. This paper argues that the current framework therefore runs the risk of exacerbating the plight of Guatemala's already marginalised rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines thermochemical biomass conversion plants that produce synthesis gas that can be converted into synthetic fuels. Biomass requires forced drying before torrefaction or gasification to increase the heating value of the feed, an energy consuming step that weighs heavy in the energy balance of the plant. This paper shows that decreasing the humidity of the admitted drying air greatly improves the efficiency of the biomass drying. It is possible to reduce the humidity of the air by passing the air on a water adsorbent solid such as activated alumina. The alumina loaded with water can then be regenerated with waste heat, but more efficiently by using synthesis gas and convert the adsorbed water to hydrogen in the water gas shift section. The energy saved in the improved drying step amounts to 2–8% of the total fuel consumption of the plant, depending on the ambient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wooden biomass is the main source for energy based on biomass in Austria. Only a part of the wooden biomass for energy directly originates in forests. Other major sources include post-consumer wood and by-products of the Austrian forest-based industries. Consumption of wooden biomass has been growing much more than domestic production, forest-based industries are building up capacities in neighbouring countries, leaving less raw materials for exports to Austria than in the decades before. The authors have assessed the possible effects of a wood raw material shortage with a System-Dynamics simulation model of the Austrian forest-based sector (FOHOW). The model covers the interactions between the general economy and the forest-based sector, including wood-based energy. The simulation period ranged from 2006 to 2025. Beside a business as usual scenario, scenarios with a sawlog import reduction, a sawmill capacity reduction as well as a paper and panel capacity reduction were simulated. Probably the most notable result of the analysis is the strong impact of the sawmill industry on the fuelwood prices and availability. Despite increased fuelwood supply from forests, reduction of sawmill capacity will lead to the inability of fully meeting renewable energy policy objectives due to a shortage of sawmill residues. With exemption of the panel & paper capacity reduction scenario all other scenarios project a slight reduction of growing stock until 2025. But after decades of harvest below the increment such a development is not per se unsustainable. It can be expected that a shift in the Austrian forests towards younger stands will slightly increase the average increment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we presented an integrated C5-based biorefinery concept to produce C5-platform of biofuels and biochemicals using corn fiber from Dried Distillers Grains (DDG). The process utilizes a selective hydrolysis process to generate a xylose-rich hydrolyzate stream and two co-product streams: fine fraction generated during mechanical pretreatment of DDG using Mesh 20 sieve and residual fiber after hydrolysis. Utilization of these two co-product streams is critical to the success of the biorefinery. This paper discusses how the two streams are generated, their composition, and their potential value in animal feed applications. Composition analysis of the first co-product stream showed that it is enriched in proteins compared to original DDG (11% higher crude protein content; 36% higher lysine content). The second co-product stream has 113% higher fat content compared to original DDG, as well as 15% higher total digestible nutrients, and 15% higher digestible energy. The results of this study suggest that these co-product side streams can be potentially applied as additives in animal feed, allowing for cost-effective utilization of DDG for bio-products without negatively impacting feed markets associated with DDG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an historical approach on the development of the existing biomass carbonization technologies in industrial operation in Brazil, the biggest charcoal producing country in the world. The gravimetric yield of charcoal from wood does not usually surpass 25%; the time of each operation cycle is more than seven days; and less than 50% of the energy contained in the feedstock is transformed into charcoal – the rest is discharged into the environment. The electricity generation associated with charcoal production is nowadays inexistent in Brazil. This paper presents the development of an industrial technology of semi-continuous pyrolysis process, characterized by using metallic kilns with forced exhaust system: the Rima Container Kiln (RCK). The results of the test runs are related to 5 m 3 and 40 m 3 kilns, with a thermal power of 200 kW (pilot scale: 5 m 3 ) and 3000 kW (industrial scale: 40 m 3 ). The low heating value of the pyrolysis gases is 670 and 1470 kJ/m³, respectively. The main results are: a 3 h carbonization time; an average productivity per kiln of 1 ton of charcoal per hour; and a gravimetric yield of 35%. In this paper, four scenarios for the conversion of exhaust gases and tar into electricity were evaluated: the Conventional Rankine Cycle (CRC) and the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), each one with and without forest residues utilization. It is shown that the best economic indicators correspond to the scenario where ORC technology is used. The electricity generation cost is around U$30/MWhe for ORC and US$40/MWhe for CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice husk-based electricity generation and supply has been popularized in South Asia by the Husk Power Systems (HPS) and the Decentralised Energy Systems India (DESI), two enterprises that have successfully provided electricity access using this resource. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the conditions under which a small-scale rural power supply business becomes viable and to explore whether larger plants can be used to electrify a cluster of villages. Based on the financial analysis of alternative supply options considering residential and productive demands for electricity under different scenarios, the paper shows that serving low electricity consuming customers alone leads to part capacity utilization of the electricity generation plant and results in a high cost of supply. Higher electricity use improves the financial viability but such consumption behaviour benefits high consuming customers greatly. The integration of rice mill demand, particularly during the off-peak period, with a predominant residential peak demand system improves the viability and brings the levelised cost of supply down. Finally, larger plants bring down the cost significantly to offer a competitive supply. But the higher investment need and the risks related to monopoly supply of husk from the rice mill, organizational challenges of managing a larger distribution area and the risk of plant failure can adversely affect the investor interest. Moreover, the regulatory uncertainties and the potential for grid extension can hinder business activities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased demand for fuelwood may have the side-effect of unsustainable use of forest resource. The case of Kosovo fuelwood production is of a peculiar relevance to studying the drivers of the unsustainable patterns of forest biomass use in a post-war and poor economic context. The domestic market demand for fuelwood in Kosovo is estimated at more than 1.5 hm3, while the legal supply, including imports, is slightly higher than 0.3 hm³. Illegal logging for satisfying Kosovo population fuelwood needs is therefore widespread. The annual illegal fuelwood harvesting represents a market of up to 21.6 million euro and is done mostly by well organised groups of individuals, with market-oriented behaviour, acting rather in State than in private forests. After identifying the drivers of illegal logging for fuelwood, the paper provides an analysis of fuelwood extraction in relation with property rights distribution, structured along two lines: a) which was the evolution of the management and exclusion rights over the forest resource during the latest decades; b) which are the current enforcement mechanisms of the property rights and how are they performing. The paper describes a decades-long history of mismatching economic property rights arrangements. Thus, the dispute between the central agency and municipalities in performing exclusion rights on timber extraction definitely weakened the Kosovo system of law enforcement. Currently, the enforcement mechanism proved to be unhelpful in controlling illegal logging. As result, most of the Kosovo fuelwood production is based on an de facto open-access regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper we discuss the rural development implications of the bioeconomy. We define the bioeconomy broadly but dedicate much of the paper to the implications of bioenergy and how it will transform the economies of rural regions. We then conclude with three different bioenergy related concepts that will provide a broader framework for the development of the rural bioeconomy. These include the costs of bioenergy and especially transportation costs, the regional energy balance and the utilization of waste streams. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Among the main categories of wood-rotting fungi, white rot and brown rot fungi and their enzymes are being increasingly used in a variety of biotechnological applications, some of which include wood and pulping, textile, bioenergy/biofuel and bioremediation (decolourization of synthetic dyes, wastewater treatment, detoxification/removal of toxic substances, including wood preservatives). The paper reviews various biotechnological applications of wood-rotting fungi and their key enzymes, laccase and peroxidases, and outlines future prospects where technological developments can lead to their more efficient and economic industrial uses and can create opportunities to expand applications. The information is presented under defined, interactive categories. Thoughts are presented on potential future technology development that can ensure economic production of specific enzymes and their targeted industrial applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Different economic and environmental theories and approaches have been used to date to evaluate effectiveness of biofuels policies, efficiency of biofuels production or sustainability of different biofuels technologies. The most commonly known approaches include, e.g., Life Cycle Analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, contingent valuation, GIS-based models, and market and price related analysis. This paper is focused on a multi-objective decision analysis that, although well established in economic and environmental evaluation theory, has not been widely used yet to assess biofuels production or policies. The paper presents a fuzzy set theory based multi-objective framework for evaluating conventional and advanced biofuels feedstocks in the US; considering uncertainties of decision-making processes. It incorporates fuzzy set theory, expert elicitation and the PROMETHEE approach to determine the sustainability potential of the feedstocks in terms of multiple economic, environmental and social policy objectives. The study shows algae and switchgrass to be the most sustainable feedstocks, while corn that is currently the most important feedstock for ethanol production in the US, has the lowest sustainability potential among the analyzed feedstocks. The study presents an example of a participatory approach and recommends its application for designing policy measures in an interactive process with policymakers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many cook stove programs implemented in South Asia and Africa were aimed at reducing fuel wood consumption and pollutants through the use of improved cook stoves. The research work presented in this paper is focused on evaluation of improved cook stoves with respect to thermal efficiency and emission levels. Since the type of biomass fuel varies in different geographical regions, the improved cook stoves must be compatible to use different types of fuel. The present research work is aimed at evaluating three types of forced draft cook stove with two types of biomass fuels. Water boiling tests were conducted to evaluate the stove performance with respect to efficiency and fuel flexibility. The findings of the study are used to evaluate the stove''s performance with respect to fuel flexibility, efficiency and user acceptance. The performance results of three types of forced draft stoves tested with fuel wood and coconut shell are presented in this research paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study explores the characteristics of the literature on the production of bioenergy from biomass published during the last three decades, based on the databases of Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) and its implications using the scientometric techniques. The results of this study reveal that the research output in this field has grown exponentially during this period reaching to 5892 papers in total with paralleling enormous changes in the research landscape. Papers are mostly journal articles, reviews, and proceedings, being predominantly in English. The US is the most publishing single country producing 27% of the output, but lagging significantly behind the Europe as a whole (near 50%). The “Chinese Academy of Sciences” is the most contributing institution where the most publishing author is “A Demirbas”. “Biomass & Bioenergy” is the most publishing journal whilst, “Energy & Fuels” is the most published subject area. The total number of citations is 82,732, giving a ratio for the “Average Citations per Item” as 13.83 and “H-index” as 102. The results of this first-ever such study of its kind show that the scientometric analysis has a great potential to gain valuable insights into the evolution of the research on the production of bioenergy from biomass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Indirect land use change (iLUC) is hypothesized to occur when increasing demand for land due to bioenergy production displaces food and feed production onto new lands, thereby potentially producing large greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) during the land conversion event. Thus far, the totality of the projected iLUC effect has been assigned to biofuel production. In fact, multiple drivers of land use change exist and the resulting GHG releases should, in fairness, be allocated among these drivers. It seems more useful and intellectually rigorous to allocate potential land use change effects among these many drivers. This paper focuses on how to allocate the environmental consequences of iLUC to the multiple drivers through a function-oriented approach, namely human nutritional requirements for calories and protein. “Food versus Biofuel” issues can then be more usefully addressed as “Nutrition versus Biofuel” issues. Human beings actually have many choices in how we provide ourselves with adequate diets, and these choices have very different GHG and land use consequences. Therefore, in this paper, GHG assigned to iLUC is allocated between ethanol and human dietary preferences via a human nutrition-based method. Applying allocation approaches to iLUC lowers the estimated GHG of iLUC by up to 73% compared to GHG estimates in the GTAP model. For example, global warming intensity (GWI) of ethanol measured as CO2 equivalent becomes 58.2 g MJ−1, while GWI of ethanol calculated using GREET is 68.9 g MJ−1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a transferable and adaptable GIS-based approach to identify suitable locations of medium scale CHP bioenergy plants. Location suitability of bioenergy plants is of particular importance in planning decentralized bioenergy generation, as both biomass feedstock supplies and heat demand have to be considered in location selection when heat and electricity want to be utilized. A generic GIS model was developed to identify most suitable locations of CHP bioenergy plants based on regional supply, demand and proximity. Furthermore, the paper provides a simple approach to allocate biomass feedstock supplies to bioenergy plants and to estimate transport costs and CO2 emissions. The GIS-based approach was applied in a Scottish region (Tayside and Fife) to identify locations for 10 decentralized, medium scale bioenergy plants based on which regional biomass feedstock supplies were allocated and road transport-related CO2 emissions and costs were estimated. The paper concludes that the approach can assist in developing and implementing a long-term sustainable and integrated strategy for decentralized bioenergy generation, which includes heat utilization in addition to electricity production and which can be further developed to take account of broadly diversified conventional and renewable energy generation in a region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of the process conditions of pulping of a trihybrid clone Paulownia on pulp properties in the soda-anthraquinone process has been investigated. A composite central experimental design and a multiple regression were used to find the relationship between independent process variables and pulp properties. The ash content (8.9 g kg−1) is lower and cellulose content (440 g kg−1) is higher than those found for other species of Pauwlonia and other energetic crops. The elemental composition has a low content in S and N (2.1 g kg−1) in comparation with poplar or willow. With a gross heating value of 20.3 MJ kg−1. This is somewhat higher than those for hardwood, slightly higher than those for Pinus pinaster and softwood, and much higher than those for residues of food plants and agricultural crops. This supports the use of the genus Paulownia as an energy crop. Fiber length (0.97 mm) is similar to hardwoods and suitable physical characteristics of paper sheets (tensile index) and acceptable chemical characteristics and yield pulping could be obtained by operating at low-intermediate temperature (163–171 °C) and alkali concentration (200 g kg−1) and high or medium values for operation time (120–150 min). The pulp obtained at these conditions has suitable chemical (pulp) and physical (paper sheets) characteristics: yield (470 g kg−1), ethanol-benzene extractives (22.2 g kg−1), holocellulose contents (960 g kg−1), α-cellulose contents (758 g kg−1), lignin contents (82.8 g kg−1), Shopper–Riegler degree (23.2 °SR), and tensile index (36.0 kN m kg−1). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper explains how bioenergy education and training is growing in Europe. Employment estimates are included for renewable energy in general, and bioenergy in particular, to highlight the need for a broadly based education and training programme that is essential to build a knowledgeable workforce that can drive Europe’s growing bioenergy sector. The paper reviews current provisions in bioenergy at Masters and PhD levels across the 27 members of the EU (EU27) plus Norway and Switzerland. This identifies a very active and expanding bioenergy education provision. 65 English-language Masters Courses in bioenergy (either focussing completely on bioenergy or with significant bioenergy content or specialisation) were identified. 231 providers of PhD studies in bioenergy were found. Masters Course offerings have grown rapidly across Europe during the last five years, but where data is available, enrolment has been quite low suggesting that there is an oversupply of courses and that course organisers are being optimistic in their projections. Existing provisions in Europe at Masters and PhD levels are clearly more than sufficient for short term needs, but further work is needed to evaluate the take-up rate and the content and focus of the provisions. To ensure talented graduates are attracted to these programmes, better promotion, stronger links with the research community and industry, and increased collaboration among course providers are needed. Short Courses of two to five days are an excellent way of meeting post-experience training needs but require further growth and development to serve the needs of the bioenergy community. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on research carried out within the NoE, this paper assesses possible impacts of changes to the European Emission Trading Scheme on solid and the possible future inclusion of liquid biomass use in the EU. Based on these assessments, recommendations are outlined for optimising support for solid and liquid biofuels. In December 2008 the European Council agreed on the European Energy and Climate Package. This agreement contains fundamental changes to the European Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), which started in 2005. With some exceptions, emissions allowances in the power sector will be auctioned starting with the third trading period of the scheme in 2013. This may have significant impacts on the sector’s fuel mix and investment decisions. To the extent to which the EU-ETS results in a price on CO2 emissions, it increases the competitiveness of low carbon fuels. Under current regulations no CO2 emissions are attributed to combustion of biomass, thus it functions as a zero-carbon fuel. The paper shows that while the use of biomass is already viable under CO2 prices that have been reached within the EU-ETS, investments in new biomass plants need a higher price level as well as more stable prices, conditions which cannot be predicted with any confidence. The road transport sector, which has significant scope to increase its use of biofuels is currently not part of the EU-ETS, and will not be included in the third trading period which begins in 2013 but may be included later. The likely consequences of including transportation fuels under the EU-ETS are considered as well as options which involve separate trading schemes for liquid biofuels. The paper also reviews other trading mechanisms which might serve as more effective vehicles for increasing the share of liquid biofuels, taking sustainability issues into account. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract The rapid development of remote sensing (RS) technology enables an increased usage of high - resolution, spatial, temporal or spectral, data to extract vegetation information, improve model parameters, and estimate energy crop biomass accurately. Five estimation methods developing with RS information for energy crop biomass are summarized in this paper. Firstly, the statistical analysis with vegetation index can be regarded as the commonest method. But it is faulted for the deficiency of sample data and the vulnerability to the influence of many factors such as cloudy days. Secondly, the longer wavelength makes SAR information popular for crop biomass estimation. But many limitations lead to measurement uncertainty and bring about poor classification. Thirdly, NPP can directly reflect accumulated biomass production through photosynthesis and measure the consequences caused by climate change and human activities. But, actual LUE, the results of environmental stresses such as light intensity, temperature, water, and nutrients, is usually considered as a constant. Fourthly, crop height information is vitally important for biomass estimation. Yet the corresponding application is often subject to many factors e.g. crop variety, growth period, and farmland management practices limits. Lastly, the most promising approach lies in the possibility of assimilating state variables from RS data into CGMs. And the advent of latest instruments with better characteristics offer a unique chance to overcome current limitations. In the end, the main challenges and opportunities for energy crop biomass estimation using RS information in the future are listed. Highlights • Increasingly, remote sensing data is being used to estimate energy crops biomass. • Five estimation methods developing with remote sensing information are summarized. • Each estimation method has the strengths and weakness. • As the commonest method, the statistical analysis with VI has obvious drawbacks. • The most promising approach is to assimilate state variables from RS data into CGMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Renewable energy is expected to gain a larger share in the Indonesian energy mix by 2025. Biogas has not only the potential to contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy targets by mid-century, but also to provide a series of co-benefits to improve wellbeing of vulnerable rural communities. The challenge is to find pathways for biogas to overcome well-established technologies and practices in the current heavily fossil fuel based energy system. This paper focused on household-level biogas development in Bali, Indonesia, critically analysing four domestic biogas programmes that are currently under implementation. For our analysis, we adopted an integrated approach combining the multi-level perspective framework with a system-mapping exercise. Moreover, a series of semi-structured interviews as well as an interactive workshop was conducted which allowed us to place multiple stakeholder perspectives and experiences at the heart of the analysis to look at factors beyond the micro-system of the technology, and understand the broader socio-institutional context. Our analysis of enabling and hindering factors to biogas expansion identified opportunities for improving the design and implementation of policy, finance and technology measures. These findings are relevant not only for the Indonesian context, but also for other developing countries that are increasingly investing in transitioning to low-carbon energy futures. Highlights • Barriers to biogas adoption mainly found in policy sector, access to finance and capacity building. • Overcoming barriers is possible by improving steps in market chain and with right policies. • Focusing on co-benefits, creating ownership and build capacity amongst adopters will be crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: During the last decade, countries around the world - especially the U.S., Brazil, and many in Europe - have worked to accelerate the commercialization of a biofuel industry. As pilot plant studies for the second-generation biofuel (e.g., cellulosic biofuel) currently seek to determine the most viable feedstocks and processing technologies, it is an opportune time to formulate operations research (OR) models of the biofuel supply chain (SC) so they might be used to implement the technologies that prove to be most promising. This paper provides a literature review of research on the biofuel SC. It classifies prior research according to decision time frame (i.e., strategic, tactical, operational, and integrated) as well as level in the supply chain (i.e., upstream, midstream, and downstream). In addition, it reviews related research on agri-products, which have some commonalities relative to harvesting and perishability; petroleum-based fuels, which have some commonalities related to distribution (some biofuels can be mixed with gasoline but others cannot); and generic supply chains, which provide some applicable modeling structures. Finally, this paper emphasizes unique needs to support decisions that integrate the farm with commercial levels (e.g., storage, pre-processing, refining, and distribution) and identifies fertile avenues for future research on the biofuel supply chain. OR models are needed to help assure the economic viability of the biofuel industry. They can be used by growers, processors, and distributors to design and manage an integrated system and by government to inform policies needed to stimulate the growth of the industry and, perhaps, subsidize it. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A spatially explicit knowledge of forest resources is essential to support the sustainable use of wood as a fuel for producing energy (firewood). This paper describes the integrated use of remotely sensed data and sample based forest inventories to derive a biomass map for coppice forest, resulted estimated potential biomass available is contrasted with local domestic consumptions at the municipality level. The test was carried out in an environmentally and socially homogeneous district of Apennine Mountains (Alto Molise, south-central Italy) coupling multispectral high resolution Landsat 7 ETM+ satellite imagery and a local forest inventory trough the application of the non-parametric estimation procedure k-Nearest Neighbours (k-NN). Several forest management scenarios were applied in order to evaluate their impact on the potential availability of firewood from coppice forests. The paper introduces data and methods used and presents the achieved results both in terms of the accuracy of the biomass map produced by k-NN and of the relationship between the potential availability and demand for firewood. These results demonstrated that k-NN is able to estimate the biomass of coppice forest in the test area with an accuracy level comparable with recent similar application of k-NN carried out in Boreal regions (RMSE of 25.6%). The application of different forest management scenarios have a significant impact on local estimated firewood balance between potential supply from coppice forests and demand for domestic consumption, depending of the scenarios the net balance changed up to 84%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bio-oil is a potential biofuel for fossil fuel substitution due to its great versatility in feedstock and environmental benefits. In particular, bio-oil derived from palm empty fruit bunches (PEFB) has drawn considerable research attention in recent years owing to the abundant supply of PEFB and the emergence of motivation to turn waste into wealth for environmental sustainability. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a state-of-the-art review on the bio-oil derived from PEFB. A particular emphasis is placed on the optimum production conditions of PEFB-derived bio-oil by various fast pyrolysis and liquefaction processes, as well as on the characteristics of PEFB-derived bio-oil in terms of their physicochemical properties, major chemical components and their compositions. A comparison of physicochemical properties of PEFB-derived bio-oil with those of other biomass-derived bio-oil and petroleum fuel oil is also outlined. Upgrading of PEFB-derived bio-oil by different methods along with its fuel applications and future prospects are also discussed. Highlights • PEFB-derived bio-oil is produced mostly by fast pyrolysis and liquefaction. • Catalyst, PEFB pretreatment and/or solvent used affect the bio-oil characteristics. • PEFB-derived bio-oil is scarcely researched compared to wood-derived bio-oil. • PEFB-derived bio-oil has been upgraded by many methods but further study is needed. • Limited fuel application of PEFB-derived bio-oil is due to its quality deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present paper introduces an integrated spatially explicit framework for assessing price impact on forestry markets in Sweden. The framework is based on the "soft-link" of a price determination model, the SpPDM model with the BeWhere Sweden model. The aim is to analyse the impacts of increased forest-based biofuel production for transportation within the Swedish context by 2030. To that effect, we develop scenarios analyses based on the simulations of successive biofuel production targets, under different assumptions concerning the competition intensity for forest biomass and the use of industrial by-products. The results suggest marginal impacts on the prices of forest biomass. The average across spatial-explicit prices varies from 0% to 2.8% across feedstocks and scenario types. However, the distribution of the spatial-explicit price impacts displays large variation, with price impacts reaching as high as 8.5%. We find that the pattern of spatial distribution of price impacts follows relatively well the spatial distribution of demand pressure. However, locations with the highest price impacts show a tendency of mismatch with the locations of the highest demand pressure (e.g. sawlogs). This is a counterintuitive conclusion compared to results from non-spatial economic models. The spatial-explicit structure of the framework developed, and its refined scale allows such results to be reported. Hence, from a policy-making perspective, careful analysis should be devoted to the locational linkages for forestry markets of increased biofuel production in Sweden. Highlights • An integrated, spatial approach for investigating price linkages for forestry markets in relation to biofuel production. • Increased biofuel production from forest biomass bears little impact on average prices in short to medium term in Sweden. • Market prices will tend to increase due to increased demand pressure, especially for harvesting residues vs. roundwood. • Policy-making should pay attention to the locational linkages with respect the spatial distribution of price impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Lignocellulosic biomass, such as corn stover, pulp and paper mill waste, and switchgrass, is a readily available feedstock for the production of monomeric sugars and platform chemicals that can then be transformed into valuable organic molecules. However, efficiently fractionating lignocellulosic biomass is difficult due to the recalcitrance of lignin at mild reaction conditions and the reactive sugars/platform chemicals at more severe conditions. Biphasic systems present a possible solution to creating an economically viable biomass upgrading process since sugars prefer the aqueous phase while the lignin and furans partition to the organic phase. This review focuses on recent work to fractionate biomass using biphasic reactions as well as monophasic reactions that use biphasic systems to separate products. The use of different biphasic media, heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, and reaction conditions are reviewed and trends in isolating the fractions found in biomass are discussed. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Biphasic processing for sugar recovery is a promising pretreatment area. • Biphasic systems allow for efficient separations of sugars and lignin. • Both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts can be used in biphasic systems. • For sugars, solvents with high polarity have the highest partitioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]