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Characterization of neutral sulphite semi-chemical black liquor (NSSCBL), sampled from paper manufacturing process that uses recycled fibers as primary feedstock, was carried out for potential bioenergy and biomaterial applications. Physico-chemical characteristics including inorganic elements content, thermogravimetric analysis, GC/MS, and FT-IR are presented. The black liquor of the recycled fibers in the manufacturing process revealed unique characteristics in terms of chemical composition profile compared to the black liquor originating from regular pulp and paper industries. The major findings include the presence of chemical compounds, from a non-plant origin, such as derivatives of hexanedioic acid in significant quantities. The favorable biofuel characteristics of this black liquor are: neutral pH, a higher volatile content, and HHV. The recycled paper NSSCBL can be a good candidate for biomaterial and biofuel applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work investigates the use of biomass fly ash (BFA) and an alkaline effluent (AEF), both generated from the Kraft pulp industry, in the preparation of geopolymeric binders and mortars for construction applications. BFA replaced the metakaolin (MK) while the AEF substituted the distilled water used to dissolve NaOH pellets. The mix design aims to maximize the amount of both the wastes and to optimize the materials properties, such as workability and mechanical performance. At the same time, also the environmental impact decreases enhancing the materials' sustainability and facilitating the circular economy. For the previously optimized BFA/MK ratio (70/30 wt.%) several NaOH/Na 2 SiO 3 ratios and water to AEF substitutions were tested. The best performance was achieved for the alkaline activator having one part of NaOH and three parts of Na 2 SiO 3. According to the main results, the biologic AEF can totally replace the distilled water in the NaOH preparation. Thus will increase the sustainability of the novel materials. Subsequently, the optimized binder was used – with and without AEF - to manufacture mortars with various binder/aggregate ratios. It is concluded that the formulations with a binder/aggregate mass proportion of 1:3 showed the best mechanical performance (compressive strength surpassing 20 MPa, class M20) and the replacement of distilled water with AEF did not affect the specimens final properties, but enhance the materials sustainability. Furthermore, in the pursuit of sustainability, manufacture and curing were conducted at ambient conditions (20 °C, 65% RH), avoiding any external source of energy, involving simple, reproducible, and low-cost processes. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • Biomass alkaline effluent is used for the first time as geopolymer activator. • Biomass fly ash are used as main alumina-silicate source (70 wt.%). • Used industrial wastes are of biologic nature. • Manufacture is highly sustainable and reproducible. • Novel geopolymeric binders and mortars are suitable for structural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry faces several challenges linked to climate and environmental impact, resource efficiency, rising energy prices, increased competition for biomass resources, and declining demand for traditional printed paper products. However, these challenges also offer strategic opportunities for the industry to develop into a competitive, resource-efficient, and low-carbon industry in line with a biobased economy. Against this background, this paper aims to analyse current energy strategies in the pulp and paper industry in Sweden. Specifically, the paper analyses how companies combine continuous process efficiency to reduce energy costs with activities that could be developed into new energy-related products to increase revenue. Most of the analysed companies work to various degrees with both these strategies, employing methods that include improving energy efficiency, energy security, and energy conversion, as well as developing a wide range of biobased energy products. However, our study indicates that there is an untapped potential associated with energy product development, and we conclude that energy efficiency measures can free up resources, enabling the development of new energy products. Finally, several potential managerial outcomes and implications are outlined. • The paper analyses the energy strategies in the pulp and paper industry in Sweden. • Energy strategies focus both to improve energy efficiency and develop new energy-products. • The companies' energy strategies combined exploitation and exploration. • A number of managerial implications are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Certain paper industry wastes display high recycling potential. In this investigation, the feasibility of using green liquor dregs and biomass fly ash from the paper industry as filler in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) for road pavement construction is analysed. Particularly, the moisture damage resistance (i.e., water sensitivity) of an AC 22 base B50/70 G has been studied using the Indirect Tensile Strength Test at the Marshall mix design optimum asphalt content. The most important filler properties have been determined to study water resistance: filler water content, grain size distribution using light scattering analysis techniques, morphology using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), chemical and mineralogical composition using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, detrimental fines content using the methylene blue test and the stiffening effect of the filler in the mastic by determining the ring and ball (R&B) softening temperature and the bitumen penetration grade. Additionally, the Rolling Bottle method and Boiling Water tests have been conducted to analyse the asphalt-aggregate bond. A control filler (i.e., commercial limestone filler) was used to compare the results. Also the mechanical properties (stiffness and resistance to the permanent deformation) of the mixtures were studied. As a result, it can be concluded that dregs have poor water resistance. Additionally, fly ash displayed inadequate water resistance for HMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at the evaluation of industrial residues/wastes such as pinewood sawdust, swine manure, and paper sludge to produce liquefied products that can be used as potential biofuels. The afforded products, liquefied pinewood sawdust, liquefied paper sludge and liquefied swine manure were obtained in good yield and subject to chemical analysis. The bio-oils have presented higher carbon and hydrogen content when compared to their precursors while a significant decreased in moisture was observed. Plotting van Krevelen diagram demonstrated that the bio-oils are more closely related to hydrocarbon than to its primitive, raw material. This study also showed a strong potential of LPS to be used as a bio-oil, since it fulfilled two out of the three criteria needed to be considered as a bio-petroleum product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the estimation of biogas energy use from the anaerobic treatment system of cattle, swine, and poultry slaughter units in Brazil. The simulation includes spatial distribution of the results and geographical comparison with other energy matrices and clean sources of electricity generation. The paper is divided into four sections: 1) the database formation, which included a survey and geocoding of cattle, swine and poultry slaughter units across the country; 2) a literature review covering the period from 2000 to 2020 to obtain the average Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) for each of the effluents; 3) a simulation of electricity generation in the slaughter units, according to their classes and origins; and, 4) the preparation of national distribution maps of slaughter units, national bioenergy potential, by state and by animal origin, comparison maps of Electric Slaughter Units (ESU) using hydroelectric, photovoltaic and wind power plants, as well as the comparison map between the biomass energy use (biogas, sugarcane bagasse and black liquor). The slaughter units bioenergetic potential presented on the maps that the density in the distribution of these units adopts the effluent treatment proposal. Moreover, biogas is considered a decentralized energy matrix, but the density of slaughter units within the work proposal opposes this concept. The results indicated the formation of a corridor with a high potential for electricity generation, coinciding with regions that experience electrical stress in Brazil. In numbers, the potential would be enough to supply a population of up to 900,000 inhabitants, emphasizing ESU as a potential alternative for electricity using biogas. This is because the Brazilian meat market is somewhat consolidated, important worldwide and continuously generates effluents, which can add up to 28% to electricity from biomass. The greatest bioenergy potential was obtained in the Midwest region (1792 MW), followed by the South (1486 MW), Southeast (1278 MW), North (923 MW) and Northeast (236 MW) regions of the country. In terms of clean energy, when comparing the distribution of slaughter units with photovoltaic, wind and hydroelectric plants, a large territorial gain is observed (more uniform distribution in the country) and in relation to the electrical use of biomass, biogas use from ESU would promote it as the second largest matrix representing about 31% of national energy. • Bioenergy potential from slaughterhouses in Brazil was modeled. • Midwest Brazil has the highest bioenergetic potential from slaughterhouses. • Slaughter units' biogas can potentially be part of Brazilian energy matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to present renewable energy market development with particular regard paid to biofuels in the EU. The analysis included data on the share of renewables in Gross Island energy consumption, changes of renewable energy in the years 2004–2016 and the amount of liquid biofuels. The authors of the paper used descriptive and statistical methods to describe the changes in bioenergy development in the European Union (EU). The biggest share of biofuels and renewable waste can be seen in Latvia (31.2%), Finland (26.7%) and Sweden (24.8%). The highest percentage of wind energy in 2015 was found in: Denmark (7.2%), Portugal (4.3%), Ireland (4.0%) and Spain (3.5%). The highest share of solar energy in 2015 was found in Cyprus (3.5%), Spain (2.6%) and Greece (2.2%). The highest contribution of geothermal energy was found in 2015 in Italy (3.5%), Portugal (0.8%) and Slovenia (0,7%). Hydropower was the biggest in 2015 in Sweden (14.2%), Austria (9.6%) and Slovenia (5.0%). The highest coefficients of variation of the share of electricity from renewable energy sources were found in the years 2004–2017 in Malta (140.3%), Cyprus (101.1%) and United Kingdom (71.9%). In addition, the highest coefficients of variation of share of renewable energy sources in heating and cooling in the years 2004–2017 were found in Malta (72.4%), United Kingdom (69.81%) and Hungary (44.91%). Moreover, the highest coefficients of variation of share of renewable energy sources in transport in the years 2004–2017 were found in Finland (113.78%), Malta (115.52%) and Belgium (96.53%). The biggest producers of ethanol and biodiesel in EU were Germany, France and Poland. Cluster analysis data show that Germany and France are of key importance in the production of biodiesel and ethanol. The biodiesel production increased in the years 2003–2017 from 719,32 million liters to 13323 million liters (increase 1852.2%). However, in the years 2014–2017 a stagnation in biofuel production was observed from 13673 million liters to 13323 million liters (−2,56%). The situation on the market and the increasing demand for green energy suggest that the production of ethanol and esters of vegetable oils will increase by 2030, which will contribute to the development of this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The optimal site selection is extremely important for straw biomass power plant. Uncertainty composed of fuzziness and randomness is an important issue in the site selection under increasingly complex environments. The 2-dimension linguistic information is a powerful tool to express the fuzziness of information, and meanwhile, the cloud model depicts the randomness of information with three numerical characteristics perfectly. Combining them together, this paper proposes the specialized decision framework of straw biomass power plant site selection. Firstly, a comprehensive set of index system is established to meet the need of scientific and reasonable evaluation. Secondly, the paper combines three-parameter interval number and order relation to determine the index weight, the importance of each factor is calculated. Thirdly, this paper uses the 2-dimension uncertain linguistic variable group decision-making model which solves the bias caused by individuals, fully expresses expert opinions and reflects the psychological states well, reduces the information missing. Finally, the paper proposes the specialized decision framework of straw biomass power plant site selection which clearly standardizes the decision-making process, provides the project managers with executable and real solutions. The results show that the model is very effective to study the straw biomass power plant site selection and is well worth popularizing in the future studies. Highlights • An evaluation index system of SBPP site selection assessment is built. • A model for converting the 2-dimension linguistic variables into clouds is proposed. • An optimal site selection decision framework of SBPP projects is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of transportation and logistics in the biomass supply chain has been recognized, yet the specific research on those topics has been limited. This paper reviews the peer-reviewed literature to assess the current challenges, trends, and ideas in the biomass transportation and logistics research. All papers were selected based on three English keywords: transportation, logistics, and biomass. We addressed literature statistics per research category and then discussed four criteria that significantly influence the viability of the supply chain: transportation/logistics cost, shipping distance, plant capacity, and system efficiency. A brief review of industry literature was also conducted to identify topics potentially absent from the peer-reviewed literature. The study findings included the great variability of values used in the literature, both related to the fixed and variable costs of transportation and to the optimal shipping distance based on logistics conditions. From transportation mode and plant capacity perspective, we found that studies have concentrated on improving system efficiency of truck transportation for smaller plants while large plants have received less attention. The research gaps included the seemingly poor fit of typical logistics and supply chain frameworks with biomass systems. There is also a lack of sustainable transportation cost model to account for economic, environmental, and social factors. Finally, there is a need to explore the effects of feedstock conversion and upgrading options to biomass transportation logistics (BTL) and to combine the BTL studies with long-term biomass sourcing strategies to mitigate supply variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faced with the urgency of climate change, Climate Engineering has been framed as a fast and feasible technological solution. At the same time, however, critique against it is getting increasingly louder. This paper articulates a critical analysis of Climate Engineering technologies from a point of view situated within the degrowth discourse. In the first part two approaches discussed within the degrowth debate are presented: the concept of viability based on a biophysical perspective and the concept of conviviality based on a socio-cultural approach. In a second step formalized arguments from the point of view of applied ethics are articulated and applied to three Climate Engineering Technologies: Sulfate Aerosol Injection, Bio-energy with Carbon Capture and Storage, and Afforestation. In a third step, an extended version of the trade-off argument about mitigation versus Climate Engineering solution is discussed from a degrowth perspective: accordingly, within the current dominant growth paradigm, climate engineering technologies might lead to reduced mitigation efforts. The paper follows the argumentative turn in applied ethics and displays a formalization of arguments that can help clarify decision-making and identify the different dimensions at stake. The paper articulates arguments against the deployment of CE technologies and advances a new version of the trade-off-argument based on a degrowth perspective. From the point of view of a degrowth-based critique of technology, the only type of Climate Engineering Technology ethically acceptable would be afforestation under specific conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A resident's willingness to pay(WTP) for the environmental improvement of renewable energy source (RES) is supposed to be highly correlated with the information he or she acquires. This paper provides both theoretical proof and empirical evidence of resident's cognitive bias regarding green power. A large-scale field survey was conducted in Shanghai and more than 3000 respondents were selected to examine their WTP for green energy. Applying double-bounded dichotomous contingent valuation method (DBDC), this paper elicits the urban residents' WTP for green power and identifies the information effect. Given all the other factors, our research shows that accurate information provision on the costs and environmental improvement effects compared to thermal power would reduce the residents' WTP for RES. The emission information of thermal power, however, would insignificantly change the residents' WTP for RES. The result indicates that residents in urban China have cognitive bias regarding the costs and environmental benefits of RES. Blind testing or improper way of information provision are essential aspects to be avoided for the purpose of eliciting real WTP from consumption side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport is one of the sectors of the energy consumption where the presence of renewable energies is lower and its increase is hard to achieve especially in countries that import all the fuels that they consume. This paper addresses the progress that Portugal is making toward a more sustainable transport sector. A near- and medium- term scenario analysis is performed, based on the energy consumption in the past and on a detailed evaluation of the trends for renewable energy in the transport sector. The near-term scenarios aim at portraying the conditions that allow the country to fulfill the target of 10% renewable share in transportation established by the European Union. The medium-term scenarios highlight the implications, in terms of emission reduction and of energy independence, deriving from the use of electric vehicles and natural gas, synthetic and fossil, as alternatives to liquid fuels. The results show that electric vehicles would substantially reduce the total energy consumption and the greenhouse gas emissions, while the promotion of routes for synthetic natural gas would contribute to taking advantage of local resources. The paper also provides some insights about the design of future policies to build a more sustainable transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small-scale woody biomass energy systems have an inherent ability to aid in emissions reduction while stimulating local economies and, as collective energy systems, are strongly connected to supply chain design based on local conditions and stakeholder integration. Despite an abundance of forest area alongside the promotion of biomass in energy policies, however, woody biomass utilization still remains low in Japan. The woody biomass supply chain, considered as a socio-technical system, involves a complex, cross-sectoral stakeholder network in which inter-organizational dynamics necessitates well-organized management based on an understanding of formal factors such as technology, as well as informal factors such as social relations and culture. In this paper, success factor perceptions from across the woody biomass supply chain are investigated based on semi-structured interviews with four stakeholders in the Kyushu region of Japan. Identified success factors here are: 1) respect of values & traditions, 2) transportation infrastructure, 3) business model integration, 4) relationship & trust, 5) local vitalization and 6) biomass quality control. A convergence as well as divergence of perceptions are observed, involving both formal and informal dimensions. Aiming to balance perceptions and to enable long-term success of woody biomass in Japan, a series of policy implications are drawn, including cross-ministerial integration, knowledge building on wood logistics, forest certification, local coordinators, biomass quality control standards and a feed-in-tariff for heat. This paper suggests a new arena of policy-making based on the importance of considering both informal and formal dimensions in energy policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cascading use of biomass is a recognized strategy contributing to an efficient development of the bioeconomy and for mitigating climate change. This study aims at assessing the potential of cascading use of woody biomass for reducing GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions and increasing the overall wood flow efficiency in the European Union's forest and bioeconomy sectors. A scenario and life cycle approach was followed to quantify the potential benefits of cascading use of woody biomass. We started from a reference scenario in which (post-consumer) waste wood and paper are re-utilized for energy only (S0). Then we compared the reference scenario with two alternative scenarios, the current waste wood and paper recycling practices (S1) and the maximum technical potential to increase recycling of waste wood and paper flows (S2). Following a supply chain perspective, different stages of production were analysed, including forgone fossil-fuels substitution, optimization at manufacturing level and forest regrowth. Through cascading use, the wood use efficiency ratio (cascade factor) in the European wood sector would be increased by 23% (S0 vs S1) and 31% (S0 vs S2) and GHG emissions (cradle-to-gate energy use) would be reduced by 42% (28 MtCO 2 -eq/year) and 52% (35 MtCO 2 -eq/year) in scenarios S1 and S2. However, increased wood product cascading is counter effected in the short term by reduced savings in the energy sector by 49% and 48% (−43 and −42 MtCO 2 -eq/year) in scenarios S1 and S2 due to delayed availability of waste wood and waste paper fibers. This explorative study highlights the potential of cascading use of woody biomass in the wood production chains to contribute to a reduction of environmental impacts related to wood resource and energy use, but it also reveals trade-offs in terms of GHG emissions reduction, relevant especially in meeting short-term (2020–2030) renewable energy targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shift from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy (bioeconomy) requires more efficient utilization of the biomass generated from agricultural production. This can be achieved through the cascading use of biomass, which also offers the potential of creating additional value from biomass by developing novel products. Taking sugarcane as a case study example, this paper aims to analyze how well Brazil, the world’s leader in sugarcane production, is positioned to reach these goals. The paper combines two conceptual tools: one is the ‘biomass-based value web’, which was developed as an extension of the value chain concept with the aim to capture the links within and between value chains that arise from the cascading and joined use of biomass. The other concept is that of the ‘national innovation system’ (NIS), which serves to identify the different types of actors involved in the biomass value web and the linkages between them. For empirical data collection, the study combined three methods: a mapping of the physical biomass flows in the value web, in-depth interviews with the actors involved, and the application of the ‘Net-Map’ tool to identify the actors in the NIS and their linkages. The findings show that the development of Brazil’s international competitiveness in sugar and ethanol was based on political incentives that resulted in a strong network of institutions that focused on these two products. However, to become a front-runner in the future bioeconomy, the existing innovation network needs to be expanded. In particular, it is important to integrate national and international private sector organizations. The findings also suggest that industries need stronger incentives to collaborate with knowledge institutions. Long-term consistent policies and funding opportunities for risky investments are also required to further strengthen Brazil’s innovation network to meet future opportunities and challenges of the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new conceptual design tool for bioenergy systems, the 2MBio, and its implementation on the case of wood fuel energy systems (WES) in South Mozambique. Dependence on wood fuel characterises most Sub-Saharan countries and WES are complex socio-ecological systems dynamically linked to crucial development issues, e.g., deforestation and poverty. In Mozambique WES supply over 70% of the national energy needs through an informal business network worth around one million euros each year. In contrast with the 2MBio, currently available tools often aim at supporting decision-making on WES with off-the-shelf expert solutions and optimisation of WES efficiency, supply chains and resource management. While relevant and useful, such approaches are frequently unsuitable to engage the knowledge and creativity of a wide range of crucial actors. The 2MBio addresses this gap providing a simple, visual platform on paper that supports from illiterate to professional users, to stimulate creative ideas and apply current knowledge while designing their own WES. The results of implementation in real settings in South Mozambique produced relevant design breakthroughs. Compared with the absence of any other support tool, and faced with same design challenges, the 2MBio participatory design workshops in south Mozambique resulted in comprehensive analysis of wood fuel energy systems, and innovative integrated WES solutions design. The proposed approach raised participants’ awareness about opportunities and constrains linked to their WES while also facilitating information sharing new learning dynamics and enhance creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to resource depletion and tightening carbon emissions policies, the product oil is gradually being substituted by biofuels and faced with falling demand. A large number of studies have been done on the optimization of the biofuel supply chain, but few of them have considered the existing petroleum pipelines for policy reasons. Market-based reforms in the oil and gas industry have provided the possibility of pipeline sharing, whereby pipeline owners can use the remaining delivery capacity to transport other liquid fuels that are allowed into the pipeline, such as biofuels, thereby increasing pipeline benefits and reducing biofuel logistics costs. This paper develops a logistics optimization model considering multi-product pipeline scheduling from the perspective of biofuel suppliers and proposes a pipe-rail transportation mode to assess the optimization potential of logistics costs. Finally, this paper verifies the feasibility of the proposed approach using a logistics system in a region of China as a practical case study and conducts a sensitivity analysis on whether changes in the demand for product oil and biofuels affect the choice of pipeline opening location, concluding that there is no effect within a 4-fold increase in biofuel production and a 0.78-fold decrease in product oil demand. • Propose a method to evaluate the sharing capacity of single-source pipelines. • Develop a logistics optimization model considering pipeline scheduling. • Propose a pipe-rail transportation mode. • Reduce biofuel logistics costs by 8.64% or 8.41%. • Pipeline sharing program will not be affected until biofuels increase 4 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new concept, distance potential, which is the sum of the distances from the source points to the demand point being considered (for supply chains), or the sum of the distances from the demand (customer) being considered to other demands and the depot (for vehicle routing problems). We also investigate the applications of the new concept to the design of regional biomass supply chains and solving vehicle routing problems. In designing a supply chain, the values of the distance potentials are used to determine the precedence order: the demand point with the largest distance potential value will be satisfied first. While satisfying a demand point, the source point with the shortest distance to the demand will be used first. In solving a vehicle routing problem, the new concept is used to identify the customer which should be included in the first routing to be considered. Then, the network can be designed starting from the customer identified, and based on a few heuristic rules proposed in this paper. The results obtained in this work are comparable to or even better than that obtained in the literature. It is shown that the method proposed is simple and of high computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global production and consumption of ethanol are expected to increase. The growing interdependence of markets and nations, producers and consumers of biofuels, has led actors to seek and devise mechanisms intended to develop the sector. This paper aims to analyze the interdependent international relations between Brazil and other ethanol biofuel producer and consumer countries. To do so, the paper explores the Theory of Complex Interdependence and the Game Theory. A quali-quantitative study was conducted involving the application of two questionnaires to experts on biofuels and documentary analysis aided by QDA Miner ® software. The results show that Brazil shares highly interdependent relations with The United States, an intermediate degree of interdependence with Europe and a low degree of interdependence with China. The dimensions of those interdependent relations can be ranked, according to importance, in the following order: first the political, then the economic, technical and finally the social–environmental dimensions. A number of actions can be envisaged that could lead ethanol to achieve an increasingly strategic position in the diversification of the energy matrix in different countries: technological efforts to improve production efficiency; the creation of globally-integrated policies designed to provide security and develop the production and consumption infrastructure; the reduction of international tariffs on the product; and the transformation of ethanol into a global commodity with a large number of countries buying and selling the product. This paper faced the challenge of integrating approaches and concepts from two complex theoretical areas: Complex Interdependence Theory and Game Theory. The research methodology and the insights gained from the ethanol case contribute to the literature on the applicability of these two theoretical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to promote the sustainable utilization of locally available, environmentally friendly resources, making a substantial contribution to both mitigating global warming and fulfilling future energy needs. Hybrid renewable energy systems have demonstrated superior stability and reliability compared to single-source systems, all while operating at minimal costs. This paper provides an overview of various hybrid renewable energy systems employed for electricity generation. It underscores that in hot regions, despite high solar radiation, solar PV systems experience reduced electrical yield due to elevated solar cell temperatures beyond the recommended range, especially in summer. In such areas, leveraging solar thermal applications and abundant biomass energy from extensive agricultural activities is preferable. What sets this study apart is its innovative approach: replacing conventional hybrid systems, like PV, wind, diesel generators, and batteries, with a Stirling engine powered by dish solar concentrators, which offer high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The proposed Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES), consisting of a parabolic dish solar concentrator and Biomass Digester (PDSC/BG), transforms challenges into opportunities. It provides the community with a sustainable source of electricity, heating, and cooking gas, simultaneously addressing the region's waste management issues. The system is evaluated at Brack City, Libya, and comprises a 36,560 m3 biomass digester that produces 27 Mm3 annually, a 1230 kW Stirling generator, and a 6006 m2 PDSC collector area. The system will add 5,670,534 kWh of energy to the grid yearly, with a peak load capacity of 1230 kWh and a coverage of 5,892,666 kWh. The system's technical and economical viability is evaluated using SAM software. The project has a 20.04-year payback period, an estimated capital cost of $12,365,896, and an LCOE of $0.075/kWh. Annual CO 2 emissions will be reduced by 7.8 kton as a result of the project. • Introduce a novel off-grid hybrid system design. • Substitute storage with a more reliable, cost-effective biomass gasification source. • Utilize a single Stirling engine for both technologies to reduce capital investment and lower LCOE. • Evaluate the energy, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed system. • Assess biomass impact on different sizes of hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the dual pressures of oil depletion and low carbon transition, biofuels are considered effective alternatives for fuel oil due to their renewable nature and environmental friendliness. However, oil demand remains high, which indicates that biofuels and fuel oil will coexist for a long time to come. While pipelines offer an efficient means of transporting liquid fuels, the initial investment required is substantial. Therefore, this paper proposes a comprehensive framework that focuses on sharing already existing multi-product pipelines with biofuels, thus evaluating the pipeline remaining potential to transport biofuels. The core component of this framework is the evaluation method for determining the multi-product pipeline remaining capacity. We coupled fuel oil consignment contracts into the remaining capacity evaluation method and developed a model for evaluating the multi-product pipeline transport biofuels potential, aiming to maximize biofuels pipeline transport volume. The objective of this model is to optimize the transportation volume of biofuels through pipelines. Various constraints are taken into account, such as product batch movement, prohibited sequences, operational constraints, delivery time frames, and inventory levels. Moreover, this study evaluates and discusses the benefits of biofuels transportation capacity using eight real-world multi-product pipeline systems without impacting fuel oil consignment contracts. The findings indicate that pipelines are capable of transporting 49,849 m 3 of biofuels per week, increasing revenue by 1.78 million C N Y. Simultaneously, the low energy consumption for pipeline transportation can lead to a weekly reduction of 34.6 tons in carbon emissions. The evaluation model anticipatively provides the ability to respond to future market developments. • Propose multi-product pipelines with biofuel sharing mode. • Develop an evaluation model that accounts for time and facility factors. • Increase pipeline operators' revenue by 1.78 million C N Y per week. • Reduce biofuel transportation carbon emissions by 34.6 tons per week. • Validate the necessity of factor consideration with different scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese herbal medicine has a long history spanning more than 2000 years, and it is widely used to prevent and treat diseases in China and even in Southeast Asia. Given the popularity of Chinese herbal medicine and the continuous development of the pharmaceutical industry, large amounts of Chinese medicine residues are produced in China every year. Chinese medicine residues are mainly made up of medicinal plant materials intended for human utilization that are subsequently discharged, lost, degraded or contaminated. The traditional methods of disposal of Chinese medicine residues include incineration, stacking and burying. However, these methods not only affect the ecological environment but also cause a great waste of Chinese medicine residues. In the past few years, the utilization of Chinese medicine residues for industry and environment protection has aroused widespread concern. Extensive studies have explored Chinese medicine residues, especially with regard to energy generation applications. In this work, the origin, chemical composition and potential of Chinese medicine residues in terms of energy generation, paper making, composite material preparation, re-extraction of bioactive components and environmental protection are summarized. This review is aimed at providing an overview of the current progress on the utilization of Chinese medicine residues for industry and environment protection and discussing the existing problems and future development. • Developing biomass energy is a promising solution for Chinese medicine residue. • Chinese medicine residue is a potential material for producing paper and composite. • Re-extraction of bioactive components is necessary for Chinese medicine residue. • Chinese medicine residue can be used to curb environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing energy demand in harbour areas, coupled with the need to reduce pollutant emissions, has led to the development of renewable energy-based polygeneration systems to face the carbon footprint of ports and ships at berth. In this way, in the coming years, ports can be converted into modern energy hubs. From this point of view, this paper presents a new dynamic simulation model for assessing and optimizing the energy and economic impact of ports. Here, energy systems and renewable sources can be designed to be connected to national electricity and natural gas grids and can include also alternative fuels (hydrogen, biomethane, etc.) and thermal energy networks, as well as different biomass fluxes (to be exploited for energy aims). Energy availability/demands of near towns and port buildings/infrastructures, as well as on-shore power supply are also included in the dynamic assessments. Hourly weather data and different prices for all the considered energy carriers are taken into account hour by hour. A multi-objective optimization approach is also implemented in the model considering energy and economic indexes to be optimized. The whole model is implemented in a computer tool written in MATLAB. For showing the capability of the developed model, a novel case study referred to the port of Naples (South-Italy) is presented. Here, several renewable energy sources are considered, including an anaerobic biodigester for producing biogas from the organic waste of docked cruise ships. A combined heat and power system (fed by biogas) is implemented in the port energy hub also for supplying absorption chillers. PV panels, and marine power generators are also included. In the conducted analysis, optimization targets are the maximization of system self-consumption and self-sufficiency as well as the minimum simple payback period. The proposed system can effectively contribute to the decarbonization of the port energy demand and reduce harmful pollutant emissions. Results showed that very high rate of renewable energy produced on-site can be exploited (up to 84%) by the considered port facilities, ensuring increasing independency from utility power grid (self-sufficiency index up to 40%). By the obtained results and through the developed simulation/optimization tool, novel design and operating criteria can be achieved for future port energy hubs featured by renewables and bi-directional energy exchange between ships and port. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biofuel is recognised as an important renewable and sustainable energy source to substitute fossil fuel. To date, biofuel has been evolved from first to fourth generation and they are mainly differed in feedstock and production technologies. Along with the evolution, various studies on different sustainability criteria have been conducted. In this review paper, the state of the art of technologies and assessment methods on economic performance, safety, health and environment (SHE) as well as social impact for biofuel production are reviewed. In addition, this review paper also evaluates the typical methodological framework used for systematic assessment during early process design phase. As conclusion, to establish the highest sustainability in biofuel production, continuous research and development on all sustainability-related aspects are very much needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract Paddy straw is an abundantly available lignocellulosic biomass in Southern and South-Eastern Asia, which remains in surplus. The surplus straw is either burnt in the farms or dumped openly to get the farms evacuated for next crop, which not only creates the environmental pollution but also loses the potential energy source. It is a vital source of renewable energy and is considered to mitigate the global dependency on fossil fuels by producing sustainable biofuels. Anaerobic digestion is one of the biochemical conversion routes, which utilizes paddy straw for biogas production, and reduces the environmental pollution by preventing straw burning and generating carbon-neutral biofuel. This review paper is focused on anaerobic digestion process as one of the most cost-efficient alternatives for utilization of surplus paddy straw to produce biogas as gaseous biofuel. However, anaerobic digestion of paddy straw faces challenges of relatively low methane yield, high retention time, and instability of anaerobic digestion system due to its recalcitrant structural composition, unbalanced nutrients, and lack of efficient inoculum. These challenges could be conquered by different strategies viz pretreatment of paddy straw, co-digestion with other organic matters, selection of effective inoculum sources, and optimization of process parameters. Thus, the present review highlights the environmental impact and biomethane potential of paddy straw, major challenges and their solutions to enhance the biodigestibility, and factors responsible for process stability. Lastly, few approaches to attain the process sustainability by adopting efficient supply-chain logistics and future advanced technologies have also been discussed. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Paddy (rice) straw has potential to produce biomethane as source of energy. • Challenges of paddy straw based biomethane production are summarized. • Various strategies to improve biodegradability of paddy straw are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Access to sufficient quantities of fresh water is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in dry regions. Moreover, high levels of salinity, arsenic and boron are further limiting the access to quality fresh water in many isolated communities worldwide. This paper evaluates the life cycle environmental impacts of a small multi-effect distillation (MED) plant, treating brackish water with high levels of these metalloids in an isolated location in Northern Chile. The facility currently operates solely with electricity from a diesel generator and heat from a biomass boiler. In order to evaluate the environmental impacts of more sustainable energy options, the implications of the use of solar fields and grid electricity as potential alternatives have been analysed. The results demonstrate that coupling solar fields and grid electricity is the best option, sharply decreasing impact in most categories in comparison to the current operating mode of the plant. This was attributed to the impact savings from reducing/eliminating onsite diesel and biomass combustion, and their associated transportation to the plant. For MED desalination in off-the-grid areas, the use of solar energy is highly recommended as an alternative to complement the use of diesel and biomass, especially if the latter is not nearby the unit. The concentration of arsenic and boron was reduced to below the required standards for irrigation and livestock consumption. The article concludes that the use of solar energy and grid electricity are environmentally beneficial for the production of quality fresh water from brackish water using MED at isolated communities. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • First LCA of a multi-effect distillation plant for isolated communities. • Diesel generator, biomass burning and transport are main environmental hotspots. • Simultaneous use of solar, biomass and grid electricity are the best alternative. • Solar energy is good complement to diesel and biomass operation in off-the-grid areas. • High (99%) removal of arsenic and boron in the final distillate was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Remnant obtained from chemical retting of coconut fibre was found to have an exorbitant COD, BOD, TDS, sulphide content having blackish brown colour. Traditional (physico-chemical) treatment could not reduce its COD, TDS, colour substantially. Further, the traditional method was lengthy, consumed huge chemicals and time. Present paper reports a quicker, simpler, economic i.e., an industrially viable method to separate the chemicals and biomass by employing electrocoagulation (EC). The performance of EC was analyzed by keeping temperature, and pH of remnant constant, while varying current flow (100–2000 mA), time (15–90 min) and number of iron electrodes (2,4,6). Efficacy of EC was evaluated in terms of reduction in conductivity, pH, TDS, COD, TOC, colour and quantity of sludge generated from the wastewater. Six electrodes with 2000 mA current flow for 90 min were found to give noticeable reduction on COD (92.8%), TOC (56%), TDS (99%), and colour. To reduce pH, and TDS to an acceptable level, filtration with activated charcoal was attempted on recovered water from EC. Resultant water was also found to have acceptable LC 50 value for safe disposal. Carbon content (53%) in the sludge was high, contained lignin and cellulose whiskers also, as revealed from the EDX and FTIR, SEM respectively. Cost of EC ($ 0.087 USD/L) was found to be much less as compared to traditional method ($ 0.384 USD/L). Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Remnant of chemical retting of coconut fibre was treated by electrocoagulation. • Optimum treatment condition is 6 electrodes, pH 7, 90 min and 2000 mA. • COD (80%), TOC (56%), TDS, darkness of colour were remarkably reduced. • Lethal concentration of 135 mg/L indicates its safer disposability. • Cost (USD/L) of electrolysis 0.087 as compared to chemical process 0.38. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Searching for available biomasses is a key factor to promote renewable energy, especially biogas. This paper examines the biogas potential of biomass from Danish buffer strips with different types of natural vegetation and the possibility of using the functional trait composition of the vegetation and the nutrient composition of the biomass as indicators for the quantity of the biomass and its biogas potential. Biomass was harvested from 73 plots in 2014 and 2015 and biomass yield, nutrient content (CNP) and methane yields were determined. Prior to harvesting, the plant communities were characterised in terms of species composition, and a cluster analysis was performed to identify species assemblages in terms of vegetation clusters. Four ecologically meaningful clusters were obtained: a tall herb fringe community, a tall grass community, a low herb and grass community and a rich fen/wet meadow community. The biomass yield was numerically higher in the tall herb fringe and the tall grass communities, while the specific methane yield was higher in the tall grass and low herb and grass communities. When all samples were analysed together, the biomass yield was positively correlated with some of the vegetation traits (Ellenberg value soil reaction and leaf dry matter content) and negatively with nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the biomass. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between the biomass yield and the specific methane yield. In contrast, the biomass yield was positively correlated with the methane yield per ha, indicating that even small differences in biomass yield can be more relevant for the methane yield per ha than differences in specific methane yields in natural vegetation. Biomass from tall herb fringe, tall grass and low herb and grass communities is suitable to be incorporated into the anaerobic digestion supply chain; and in these communities it could be possible to predict methane yield per ha, especially in tall grass community, using vegetation traits (Ellenberg values and Grimes life strategy) and phosphorus content in the biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Biomass, as a renewable material and a clean alternative fuel in generating electricity and heat, is of particular importance in the transportation industry for the production of biofuel instead of fossil fuels. So far, many models have been proposed for the Bioenergy Supply network design, all of which are local and focus on designing new configurations that conform to a specific country's economic policies. But since globalization of the economy and industry is unavoidable today, effort has been made in this paper to propose a global Bioenergy Supply network management model. Contrary to the present literature on the Bioenergy Supply network, the proposed model addresses the redesign of an existing biomass supply network through logistic decisions, financial problems, and related merits. The model objectives can help managers to make decisions using the best transfer prices to maximize the global after tax profit of the biomass company even under uncertain conditions. To validate the model, use has been made of the data of a case study in Iran and Armenia. At last, it is concluded when transfer price is considered at the model, the global after tax profit can increase more than 8% compared with the case of without transfer price. Graphical abstract The structure of the global bioenergy supply network redesign (BE-SNR). Image 1 Highlights • Developing an optimization model that redesigns a global bioenergy supply network (BE-SN). • Integrating transfer pricing into the model as a variable. • Considering world trade-specific parameters/incoterms. • Presenting a non-deterministic model and its solution using stochastic programming. • Applied the model to a case study in Iran and Armenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dual fuel of biomass and natural gas can provide a cost effective and reliable method of simultaneously using renewable energy and fossil energy, and it offers advantages such as flexibility and environmental friendliness. In this paper, a dual fuel combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system primarily composed of a gasifier, gas conditioning unit, gas storage tank, internal combustion engine (ICE), absorption chiller/heater, and heat exchanger is proposed as an energy supply system for a hypothetical hotel. The system is analyzed and evaluated from the viewpoint of thermodynamics and exergoeconomics under design conditions in summer and winter seasons. The exergy efficiencies, exergy losses, and exergoeconomic behaviors of each component in the system are calculated and analyzed; then, the exergoeconomic costs of chilled water, heating water, electricity, and domestic hot water are calculated. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the impact of fuel prices on the unit exergy cost of the products. The results indicate that the exergy efficiencies of the system in summer and winter are 8.06% and 12.23%, respectively. Exergy loss analyses indicate that the largest loss occurs in the gasifier and accounts for more than 60% of the total exergy losses. Exergoeconomic analysis shows that the unit exergoeconomic cost of the products is higher in winter than in summer. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the products are more sensitive to the price of natural gas than biomass. Highlights • Proposed a dual-fuel CCHP system based on biomass and natural gas. • Presented the exergy and exergoeconomic analysis of the dual-fuel CCHP system. • Discussed multiproducts' cost influenced by the fuel price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Promoting biofuel to replace fossil fuels and alternative utilization schemes to replace conventional measures of biomass waste disposal have been considered a priority to mitigate CO 2 emissions. Despite fewer land resources and higher reliance on imported energy and raw material resources, the potential for bioenergy supply in a place like Taiwan should be fully investigated. This paper presents a case study regarding the utilization of waste biomass derived from an enhanced production of rice paddy and from the forest sector in Taiwan for biofuel production. In this study, the carbon balance for the two aforementioned bioenergy production scenarios was calculated. The amount of biomass waste expected to be derived from rice husk and rice straw produced from currently planted paddy and from reactivated fallow rice paddy was estimated. Forest sector wastes consist of biomass derived from processing domestically harvested and post-consumer harvested wood products. The projection was made up to 2065. The overall annual bioenergy providing potential of the biomass, estimated by this study, to replace gasoline through bioethanol production and residual combustion and to substitute coal for power generation via combustion were approximately 222.37 PJ and 206.77 PJ, respectively. These values represent 332.56% and 323.24% of the current level of bioenergy supplies, compared to the 76.4 PJ from biomass and waste incineration in 2016. This is the first time the bioenergy potential of post-consumer harvested wood products is being identified. Highlights • Potential of bioenergy from forest sector is identified. • Potential of bioenergy supply from reactivated fallow rice paddies is identified. • 254.06 PJ can be converted by bioethanol production and combustion of residue. • 246.92 PJ can be converted by obtained by combustion. • Up to 332.56% of the current level of bioenergy supplies can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) is a fast-growing, drought tolerant tree which has recently been identified as one of the prospective sources of biodiesel and one of the plants which can play a prominent role in the fight against desertification. In order to accelerate the commercialization of M. oleifera -based biodiesel, this paper develops a two-stage optimization model for the design of an efficient M. oleifera biomass to biodiesel supply chain. In the first stage, a common weight data envelopment analysis (CWDEA) model is utilized to rank locations threatened by desertification and land degradation. The locations with high vulnerability are introduced as candidate locations into the second stage in which a mixed-integer linear programming model is proposed to systematically design and optimize the entire supply chain and determine the optimal strategic and tactical supply chain decisions. To illustrate the application of the developed model, a case study in semi-arid lands of Iran is conducted. The results indicate that M. oleifera biodiesel production is not competitive with petroleum-based fuels but there is considerable room for cost reduction through improvement in M. oleifera productivity and oil conversion rate. Moreover, the areas at risk of desertification can be reclaimed by an increase of only 5% in the total supply chain cost. Highlights • A supply chain model is developed for biodiesel production from Moringa oleifera. • The proposed model is able to combat desertification with a small increase in the total cost. • The total supply chain cost is dominated by the cost of biorefineries and extraction plants. • The supply chain moves from a centralized to a distributed structure over the planning horizon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper presents a model-based assessment of the thermochemical conversion of microalgal biomass into Fischer-Tropsch liquids, hydrogen and electricity through polygeneration. Two novel conceptual plants are investigated, which are both comprised of the same operation units (gasification, water-gas shift, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, upgrading, separation, Rankine cycle and gas turbines) and mainly differ in the location of the water-gas-shift unit. Both plants are found to present a carbon efficiency greater than conventional biomass-to-liquid processes. The most profitable plants in terms of the saleable products yields ca. 0.23 m3 (1.4 bbl) of liquid transportation fuels (gasoline, kerosene and diesel), ca. 16 kg of hydrogen (716.8 scm), and ca. 1.55 × 109 J (430 kW·h) of electricity per 1000 kg of dried microalgae. The corresponding displaced fossil fuels could offset the carbon emissions by 0.56 kg of carbon dioxide for every kg of processed dried microalgae. Nevertheless, predicted break-even prices are lower than 40 USD per ton of dried microalgae in the base case scenario, which is at least 10 times cheaper than the current best scenario for microalgal biomass production. These low prices are a major impediment to the viability of these thermochemical polygeneration plants, albeit presenting a good potential toward cleaner liquid fuel production. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Novel conceptual routes for thermochemical conversion of microalgal biomass into products. • Model based techno-economic and environmental analysis using commercial process simulator. • Yield per ton of microalgae: 0.23 m3 of liquid fuels, 16 kg of hydrogen, and 430 kW·h of electricity. • Displaced fossil fuels to offset carbon emissions by 560 kg of carbon dioxide per ton of microalgae. • Break-even price for microalgae biomass is the major impediment to the economic competitiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ex novo lipid accumulation process in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was systematically studied in the current investigation. Various fatty materials of plant (i.e. olive, sunflower, palm, linseed oils) or animal (i.e. cod liver oil, beef tallow) origin, the fatty acid (FA) composition of which resembled in several cases to the one of important low- or negative-cost hydrophobic resources (i.e. stickwaters, fat-rich wastes from meat-processing facilities, used-cooked oils, etc) were employed as substrates and a detailed mathematical model which included description of substrate fat hydrolysis, biomass and reserve lipid formation and cellular lipid turnover was developed. The kinetic parameter values were calculated by fitting the model on experimental data and used to estimate the ability of the yeast to grow on the various substrate fats and modify their FA composition. With few exceptions the substrate fat was efficiently converted into yeast cells (biomass) rich in lipids consisting mainly of neutral lipids (often >90% on the total lipids), indicating, therefore the potential of the yeast Y. lipolytica as cell factory amenable to ferment several types of low-cost fatty materials. The contribution of each substrate fatty acid (FA) to the synthesis of fat free biomass varied according to the theoretical FA uptake rate and typically was higher for palmitic, oleic and linoleic acid than the remaining FAs. Eicosapentaenoic and docosohexaenoic acids, typically found in several stickwaters or crude fish oils, were also rapidly taken up when cod liver oil was used as substrate. Respectively, the contribution of the substrate FAs to the synthesis of storage lipid was more important for linoleic and palmitic acids. Higher proportions of unsaturated FAs were esterified in phospholipid fraction. Upon exhaustion of the substrate fat, storage lipid degradation occurred. Unsaturated (primarily monounsaturated) FA uptake rates were higher than those of saturated FAs and therefore storage lipid was enriched in saturated FAs during lipid turnover. Storage lipid degradation can be successfully repressed (or even its biosynthesis can be restored) with the addition of a carbon source (e.g. glycerol, glucose, olive oil) in the culture medium during lipid degradation. We concluded that the mathematical approach proposed in this paper can constitute an effective tool for better understanding several key biochemical events, including substrate fat modification, during growth of Y. lipolytica on common oils. Through the proposed approach, low cost fatty materials such as stickwaters, fat-rich wastewaters from meat-processing facilities, used-cooked oils, soap stocks, stearins, etc., can be efficiently converted in higher-value cellular lipids by Y. lipolytica through completely eco-friendly and green processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energies are attracting considerable interest as an appropriate alternative for the fossil fuel-based sources of energy due to increasing concerns about global warming and environmental issues. In this regard, this paper takes a new look at designing a sustainable Switchgrass-based bioenergy supply chain network (BSCN) incorporating conflicting economic, environmental and social objectives. We propose a novel, multi-objective, mixed integer linear programming model as a decision-making (DM) tool. To deal with sustainability factors, the proposed model is solved using two-stage algorithms consisting of augmented ε-constraint and TOPSIS. This approach paves the way to determine the suitable strategical and tactical decisions and manage bioenergy supply chain performance with respect to the preference of decision makers for appropriate trade-off among of the sustainability factors. Computational analysis is carried out to indicate the validity of the proposed model by using a real case study in Iran. The results demonstrate that achieving a desirable level of social and environmental preservation conducted a circa 15% increase in economic objective function at the end of planning horizon. The results also show that high investment cost is a precondition to improving BSCN. It behooves the government to prioritize their plans and compartmentalize their budgets and spending in more constructive and effective ways related to bioenergy supply chain planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global demand for diverse biomass-based products such as food, feed and fuel can transform African agriculture from a food-supplying to a biomass-supplying and processing sector in the growing international bioeconomy. This study addresses the requisite policy and institutional environment needed to foster the development of a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy in Africa. The paper uses the case of cassava in Ghana for an empirical case study. The novel concept of biomass-based value webs, that is, interlinked agricultural value chains, is combined with Porter’s Diamond model to analyse the extent to which Ghana is positioned to develop a competitive cassava value web. Empirical data collection involved mapping the physical biomass flows, applying the ‘Net-Map’ tool to identify all the actors in the emerging value web and their linkages, as well as in-depth interviews with the identified actors. The study finds that despite the huge opportunities for cassava biomass in Ghana, there are coordination problems between farmers, processors and industrial end-users. This has hindered the potential for increased cassava production, processing and utilisation. There is also generally a lack of private sector initiatives in the development of new cassava based products. Accordingly, industrial end-users tend to depend on imported alternatives. Unsuccessful government initiatives and the absence of legislation such as a composite flour policy or a biofuel blend policy have also been major contributing factors to the unrealised industrial potential of cassava in Ghana. The findings therefore suggest that competitive cassava utilisation in the emerging bioeconomy hinges on stronger institutional linkages between value web actors and government support mainly in the form of local content policies that encourage the use of cassava based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The steel industry has faced challenges with regard to the raw materials and fuels and hence economic and environmental restrictions. This paper is focused on searching alternatives based on biomass and gaseous fuels suitable for replacing the coke breeze fossil fuel. Nevertheless, testing these technologies are expensive. Therefore, comprehensive mathematical models based on transport phenomena are efficient tools to study and indicate new possibilities for designing operational conditions as well as resizing the machines for minimizing the hazardous emissions. We proposed new concept of operation combining gaseous fuels and biomass for partially replacing the coke breeze in a compact sintering machine. Thus three possible ways for 20% of the amount of coke breeze replacement are analyzed in a combined manner: a) replacement by steelmaking mixing gas, b) replacement by biogas and c) replacement by pellets of biomass. The results indicated that about 20% of the solid fossil fuels could be replaced by waste solid residue of biomass (processed as small pellets). For the analyzed cases, the productivity increase of 5% for the steelmaking mixing gas, 15% for the biomass pellets and 25% for the biogas fuel. For all cases considered it was predicted a decrease of the amount of hazardous compounds emissions. Highlights • Actual specific consumption of coke breeze is 45 kg per ton of sinter. • Newly concept of the compact machine reduces up to 20% of the coke breeze. • Possible use of waste biomass and steelmaking gaseous fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reported the status of Indonesian sustainable palm oil-based bioenergy development. The sustainability assessment of palm oil-based bioenergy has become a critical issue due to its positive impact to the foreign exchange savings in Indonesia. Otherwise, several negative appraisements, especially in the social and environment aspect have caused disapproval of Indonesian bioenergy products in the global energy market, as well as in the European Union. The status of sustainability which is described by the sustainability index has been obtained from the multidimensional scaling analysis. This study was conducted through several stages, including: (1) Determining the sustainability indicators which are most appropriate for palm oil-based bioenergy in Indonesia, and also a recommendation in the establishment of Indonesia Bioenergy Sustainability Indicators. (2) Assessing the sustainability index through the multidimensional scaling analysis. The focus group discussion has recommended 10 sustainability indicators. Indonesia Bioenergy Sustainability Indicators was divided into 2 indicators on the environmental aspects, 3 indicators on the social aspects and 5 indicators on the economic aspects. Meanwhile, on the environmental aspect (waste management and clean production) was subdivided into 3 sub indicators. The results of the sustainability assessment have obtained the average score index of 35.02% which indicates that the Indonesian sustainability status of the palm oil based bioenergy is still low (less sustainable). This research also showed the level of sustainability of each aspects, which is the score index of the economic aspects of 38.03% (less sustainable), the social aspect of 16.07% (unsustainable) and environmental aspect of 50.97% (sustained moderate). In conclusion, these sustainability index are expected to be useful as the foundation of determining the best strategy for future Indonesian bioenergy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ethanol production chain is a complex system with a considerable number of actors and relationships. While Brazil stands out as a major producer of sugarcane ethanol, the production model in the north-eastern and southern regions is typically formed by small and medium production units, mostly associated to family-farming and associative production. This feature changes the relationships and profiles of the production chain, requiring understanding for the development of appropriate environmental, political, economic, social, ethical, and technological actions. This paper systemically maps variables that act in ethanol production chain in Southern Brazil, seeking to understand the interrelationships among its actors. Data collection was based on a review of the technical and academic literature and semi-structured interviews with different experts and actors of the chain. Systems dynamics diagrams model how the chain is configured and the main cause-effect interrelationships between the actors identified. Scenario analysis supports the analysis and discussion of the modelled context, seeking to contribute to the discussion about the competitiveness and economic sustainability of biofuel chains integrating associative production and family-farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biomass for energy production is one way to ensure energy security and address the environmental issues related to the use of fossil fuels in developing countries. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need electric power and thermal energy for their activities. In Burkina Faso, this type of thermal energy is generally produced by SMEs from firewood. However, cashew companies produce a large amount of waste (shell, press cake, nut shell liquid) which can be converted into fuel. Separating the cashew nut from the shell requires two energy-intensive steps: roasting and drying. The energy is provided by cashew shells which are usually burned in boilers, but this method results in the production of anacardic acid and smoke both of which are irritating and which may be carcinogenic due to the presence of cashew nuts shell liquid (CNSL). This paper describes the production of energy from cashew waste by making briquettes out of the press cake, which is left over after the removal of CNSL from the nut shell. The process consists in carbonizing the press cake at a temperature of 350 °C and grinding to a grain size of 0.5 mm. The resulting charcoal powder is then mixed with water and a binding agent (cassava starch), in this case cassava starch selected for its physical-chemical properties, availability in the local market, and its low price. The resulting mixture is then densified in a screw press to obtain briquettes 5.5 cm in diameter and 10 cm in length. Several proportions of water and cassava starch were tested and the best briquettes were obtained with a mixture of 35% of water, 10% of cassava starch and 55% of press cake charcoal. The mechanical and physicochemical analysis of briquettes gave a net calorific value of 25.7 MJ/kg, a density of 0.91, a compressive strength index of 382.89 kPa and an impact resistance index of 61.10. A water boiling test performed afterwards showed that the combustion performance of the briquettes was the same as that of wood charcoal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to understand and to model the environmental performance of biodiesel produced by various Greek raw materials under current conditions. Three energy crops (rapeseed, sunflower and soybean) have been studied, with regard to their levels of biodiesel productivity. Throughout the entire process, current Greek climatic conditions and cultivation parameters have been taken into account. At the stage of assessment, we conclude that the environmental impacts per crop area indicate that soybean has the lowest environmental impacts. However, by assessing the results per quantity of produced biodiesel, the crop with the minimum environmental impacts is sunflower. This paper shows that environmental benefits from biodiesel have better results, compared to conventional diesel, thus leading to the conclusion that it is feasible to succeed improved environmental performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This special issue of the Journal of Cleaner Production focuses on “Energy for Sustainable Future”. It is designed to mirror the increasing relevance of renewable energy sources and improved efficiency as crucial topics for practitioners in industry, for governmental policy makers, as well as for civic service providers, researchers, and educators. The purpose of this special issue is to serve as a catalyst for dialogue. The global warming related to CO2 emissions, coupled with steeply rising energy prices and the recent global financial institutional melt-down are causing massive societal concerns and give rise to increasing demand for ways to improve societal and individual energy efficiency and for ways to shift increasingly to alternative, low or non-carbon based energy systems. Until recently, industrial energy efficiency improvements have focused on improvements on efficiency rather than on the integration of renewable sources. The aim of this special issue is the identification of policies to support the development and implementation of technologies and management approaches we can employ to make the transition to more sustainable societies. The collection of papers in this special issue provide a foundation for students, researchers, scholars, practitioners and policy makers interested in making sustainable development more than a metaphor. The papers include focus upon ways for: [(a)] Improving industrial process to achieve improvements in energy efficiency. [(b)] Minimising waste disposals and reducing their impact through better management. [(c)] Reducing CO2 emissions by making progress toward lower carbon, renewable energy based systems, [(d)] Improving production of biofuels and hydrogen production systems, facilitated by employing cleaner production and novel LCA tools. [(e)] Improving integration of advanced materials and energy efficient equipment in different industrial sectors. Current and future developments in national and world economies are closely connected to sustainable, efficient and safe usage of raw materials and upon energy based on cleaner production concepts and approaches that are ecologically and economically appropriate for the short and for the long-term future of society. These challenges have received considerable attention in the media and scientific journals over the last several years. The idea of developing a specialised conference focussed upon them was put forward on various occasions. Focus upon them became reality on the 5th and 6th May 2008 in the historic Castle of Veszprém, Hungary, the current premises of the Hungarian Academy of Science which hosted the Workshop. The Workshop was a stimulating event and an overwhelming success, with nearly 100 contributors from Africa, North America, Asia and Europe, representing 28 countries. After a comprehensive selection and thorough reviewing procedure 11 papers were selected for this special issue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, microalgae have received a lot of attention as an alternative feedstock for biofuel production due to numerous advantages such as fast growth rate, high lipid and carbohydrate content, and lack of competition with food production. However, one of the main barriers preventing the commercialization of biofuel production from microalgae is related to the supply chain management issues, and research efforts in the industry and academic communities have been put into this area to deliver solutions. This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of studies in the context of the microalgae-to-biofuel supply chain to investigate problems that must be addressed to develop a reliable supply chain for real-world applications. Firstly, an introduction of biofuel production from microalgae and the general structure of the microalgae-based biofuel supply chain are presented. Secondly, decision-making levels in the microalgae biofuel supply chain along with associated supply chain decisions are discussed. Thirdly, the different sources of uncertainty that affect the performance of the supply chain as well as optimization approaches for dealing with uncertainty are reviewed. Finally, conclusions and directions for further research are outlined. • This study investigates the state of the art of researches on microalgae-based biofuel supply chain modeling. • An all-inclusive framework for designing microalgae biomass to biofuel supply chain is proposed. • Geographic information system and mathematical modeling integration helps to find the optimal location for algae cultivation. • Most papers addressed the strategic and tactical decision-making level, at the operational level, they are relatively limited. • Uncertainty sources in the algal biofuel supply chain and practical approaches to deal with each source are elaborated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is experiencing an unprecedented transition towards a low-carbon and renewable-based energy system, driven by the imperatives of mitigating climate changes, building climate resilience and ensuring sustainable development. Recently, polygeneration systems based on renewable energies have emerged as a viable solution to support the energy transition since they can improve resource utilization and energy efficiency, thus reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and the environmental impacts on ecosystems. Renewable polygeneration systems can play a significant role in the decarbonization of the food processing industry due to its high thermal energy demand at low and medium temperature levels. This paper presents a detailed analysis of a renewable polygeneration system integrating solar, geothermal and biomass energies and able to produce electricity, heat and cold water. The novelty of this study is the analysis of polygeneration system configurations relying solely on renewable energies and the optimization of the strategy to control the energy exchange between power systems, storage facilities and utilities. Two system configurations based on different power technologies and control strategies are investigated and compared, considering as end-user a milk production process with hot and cold water requirements at different temperature levels and load profiles. To this end, a dynamic model in Matlab/Simulink has been developed to simulate the behaviour of the polygeneration system over time and evaluate its overall energy performance parameters. For each system configuration, the optimal operating strategy has been identified by maximizing the energy conversion efficiency and minimizing the unmet thermal and cooling loads. Simulation results highlighted that, compared to polygeneration systems relying only on fluctuating renewable energies, those including a backup heat source (i.e., a biomass boiler) were able to meet the thermal energy needs of larger and more complex milk production processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concern over the dependency on fossil fuel has prompted the cost of energy supply to the high extent. Widespread application of fossil fuel in transportation and electricity generation has steadily declined the fossil fuel supply along with the provoked environmental pollution. Strict environmental concern, depletion and price hike of fossil fuel has driven scientific study for the search of alternative fuels. To address the difficulties of fossil fuel, alternative fuels could be a fruitful substitute for global emission reduction. Where biodiesel makes itself as one of the best available resources due to its vast applicability in diesel engine. Among other biodiesels, palm biodiesel has proved itself as a most dominating biofuel due to its highest contribution worldwide (35%), minimum price (660 USD/ton), maximum oil content (5000 kg oil/ha), and production yield (4.2 MT/ha). The worldwide palm oil market progressively growing and it is expected to reach a market value of US$92.84 billion in 2021. The aim of this paper is to address different aspects of palm biodiesel for the potential solution of future renewable fuel. This paper describes a detailed review on palm biodiesel as a notable alternative in respect to the economy, environment, and efficiency. A thorough production process, properties, advantages, disadvantages, and the global economy of palm biodiesel are discussed. This article also deals with the sustainability, social, and environmental impact of leading palm oil producers like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In this article, diesel engine combustion using palm biodiesel and its effect on engine efficiency and environmental pollution (due to engine emissions) are also reviewed. The scope of the present study relies on the brief description of the development and challenges of palm biodiesel feedstock for the continuation in the coming future. Image 1 • Biodiesel as an alternative fuel and its global impacts. • Worldwide economic and social aspects of palm oil biodiesel. • Effects of different operating parameters on palm biodiesel production process. • Current trends of Palm biodiesel: Malaysian, Indonesian and Thailand perspective. • Different metallic/non-metallic additives on engine combustion, performance and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion is an effective technology to treat food waste, with methane production as renewable bioenergy. However, there are two key problems in the practical application, i.e., poor system stability and low reactor efficiency. In this paper, additives used in anaerobic digestion of food waste were systematically reviewed in view of system stability and reactor efficiency. Enzymes showed excellent property in food waste pre-hydrolysis stage with almost all macromolecular matters being rapidly resolved. Fungi fermentation process to produce hydrolytic enzymes, can be regarded as a promising and low-cost way to realize rate-limiting step elimination. It can be also concluded that adding neutralizers, buffer chemicals and some other materials are effective to maintain the pH level for practical application. Trace metals in food waste are not enough but needed for methanogens activation in long term and high loading rate operation. In addition, direct interspecies electron transfer could be much helpful for intermediate refractory organic acids degradation and methanogenesis promotion with additives of conductive materials, which is also discussed and should be studied further in anaerobic digestion of food waste. Based on literature review, a new concept is proposed for further study, suggesting that after being well liquefied with enzyme pre-hydrolysis, food waste could be co-digested with landfill leachate in a high-rate anaerobic reactor stably, resulting in a high bioenergy recovery efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policies and business decisions intended to promote the use of bioenergy should be based on accurate estimates of the sustainability impacts of various alternatives, including indirect consequences of any change. Consequential life-cycle assessment (CLCA) attempts to include such impacts in the analysis. This paper reviews studies that have adopted a CLCA approach to analysing the use of bioenergy, describing their main topics, approaches, empirical and methodological aspects and scenarios. The review finds that the production of studies proceeded at a modest pace from 2007, with a significant increase occurring from 2015 onward. The most studied impact is global warming potential (GWP), although other impacts are frequently taken into consideration. A majority of the studies concern the agricultural-, followed by the forest sector. The literature has a European emphasis, and relatively few studies have focused on low- and middle-income countries. The review also finds a diversity in terms of how empirical and methodological aspects are taken into consideration. Based on the findings of the review, areas of improvement for future research are suggested: an increased focus on bioenergy use in the household sectors, more studies in under-researched regions, more precise explanations of the CLCA methods used, a critical examination of the scenarios, and methodological collaboration with economic bio-sector modelling. In addition, the factors that affect the generalizability of the results can be discussed in a more systematic manner. Frameworks and procedures for improving the applicability and validity of CLCA will likely emerge as the research field develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide significant amounts of food waste are generated daily causing serious environmental issues, occupying land and requiring expenditure of resources for its treatment. A smart method for handling this food waste problem is the development of novel processes targeting the conversion of this waste into value added products. Although valorization of food waste to biofuels, biochemicals and bio-polymers have been widely investigated, the utilization of food waste streams into biofertiliser has not been intensively reviewed. Conversion of food waste, especially agriculture residues into biofertiliser would reduce its environmental impact, improve nutrition levels of the soil, decrease requirements for synthetic chemical fertiliser and have a direct benefit on food production. This paper reviews recent progress in the field regarding the production of biofertiliser from food waste, using anaerobic digestion, aerobic composting, chemical hydrolysis, in situ degradation and direct burning methods. This review also highlights the latest field applications of biofertiliser derived from various food waste streams. It confirms that the technology for the conversion of food waste to biofertilisers is viable, but the production efficiency could be improved with better process control strategies, strict quality controls, development of a smart product distribution system and adoption of advanced technologies. Field tests have indicated that biofertilisers which are obtained in proper managed AD plants are safe and could partially replace the use of chemical fertilisers in field application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sludge microbial fuel cell (SMFC) is capable of extracting biomass energy directly from the sludge while generating electricity. However, most of organic matters in the excess sludge are the cell substances that are difficult to be used by microorganism directly. In this paper, adding graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in SMFC was proposed and their advantages were reflected by no requiring external energy, in-situ promoting the electricity production and reducing sludge effectively. The results showed that the contents of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for adding 0.4 g GO in SMFC (0.4-GO SMFC) and adding 0.4 g rGO in SMFC (0.4-rGO SMFC) were 2 and 1.81 times higher than that of adding nothing in SMFC (ordinary SMFC), respectively. The species and compositions of organic matter in 0.4-GO SMFC and 0.4-rGO SMFC decreased significantly and their sludge reduction rate were 3 and 2.2 times that of ordinary SMFC, respectively. Comparing with ordinary SMFC, the maximum power density of 0.4-GO SMFC and 0.4-rGO SMFC was up to 214.09 and 80.52 mW m −3 separately, and their internal resistance decreased by 71% and 48%, respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that GO and rGO had the function of breaking cell and accelerated electrons transporting, so they could greatly promote the sludge reduction and electricity production of SMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promotion of entrepreneurial activities and establishment of SMEs to strengthen national competitiveness has accelerated the examination of the business opportunities offered by cleaner technologies, such as bioenergy solutions. Finland is one of the countries which seek new ways for economic growth by boosting e.g. the growth of bioeconomy, and the rural areas in the country are considered as fertile ground for the growth of grassroot-level innovations related to bioenergy. However, the growth does not happen without suitable incentives for bioenergy business development. Thus, it is reasonable to examine the factors which have an influence on the decisions the actors in these rural regions make. In the paper, an integrated model is constructed to widen the knowledge of the process from the discovery of an entrepreneurial opportunity to actual business engagement. This is done by introducing the entrepreneurial process and utilizing the process in conjunction with two widely used theories: the Technology Acceptance Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior. The model offers an opportunity to observe the impact of different enablers and barriers on new business engagement, as they can be related to certain phases of the entrepreneurial process and certain environmental levels surrounding the individual actors. In the empirical study, an integrated model is reasoned in the context of small actors’ engagement in bioenergy by examining the business opportunities offered by biogas production from animal manure. The constructed model is meant to assist in the promotion of entrepreneurial intentions, and that way also to advance the fulfillment of national targets for bio-based economy and SME development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]