Search

This paper makes projections of the theoretical and technical potentials of bioenergy supply for 2050. The projections consider changes in available land for bioenergy and food for the global demand and advancements in yield, productivity, expansion of bio-waste recovery, and energy conversion. We present a literature review on projections. We introduced a novel logical and transparent forecasting model. Three future scenarios were established: business as usual (BUS), optimistic trends (OPT), and full adaptation response (FAR). The projection is carried out based on four adjusting factors. An uncertainty analysis was carry-out based on a Monte-Carlo method. Projections of bioenergy production in 2050 were compared with other projections in the literature. The FAR scenario showed that it would be possible to produce twenty-one times the current primary bioenergy supply and to even supply all global primary energy demand in 2050, mostly by energy crops. The assumptions adopted for the BUS and OPT scenarios make their projections more likely. Therefore, the contribution of bioenergy in the global energy matrix is expected to be between 64 and 313 EJ (7.5%–37%) in 2050. There would be a significant change in the composition of the bioenergy supply from today's mostly firewood to energy crops and biowastes. The technical potential for fuel and electric power mostly follow the supply trends for primary bioenergy (theoretical). The potential avoided greenhouse emissions are estimated. The heuristics and the level of transparency of the novel model will allow adjustments and exploration of other scenarios as time passes. • Novel model for projections of the potential of global primary bioenergy supply. • Bioenergy supply potential is shown for 11 different groups of biomass. • Global primary bioenergy supply could increase up to 6 times by 2050 (37% of demand). • Full adaptation response scenario could meet 100% of the global energy demand. • Bioenergy can play a major role in the global energy supply. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Classifications and strategies of NZEBs were reviewed. • Multi-criteria analysis supports NZEB designing. • Renewable energy supply options for NZEBs are summarized. • Cost-benefit analysis and life cycle assessment needed for criterion evaluation. Decarbonizing the building sector is extremely important to mitigating climate change as the sector contributes 40% of the overall energy consumption and 36% of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Net-zero energy buildings are one of the promising decarbonization attempts due to their potential of decreasing the use of energy and increasing the total share of renewable energy. To achieve a net-zero energy building, it is necessary to decrease the energy demand by applying efficiency enhancement measures and using renewable energy sources. Net-zero energy buildings can be classified into four models (Net-Zero Site Energy buildings, Net-Zero Emissions buildings, Net-Zero Source Energy buildings, and Net-Zero Cost Energy buildings). A variety of technical, financial, and environmental factors should be considered during the decision-making process of net-zero energy building development, justifying the use of multi-criteria decision analysis methods for the design of net-zero energy buildings. This paper also discussed the contributions of renewable energy generation (hydropower, wind energy, solar, heat pumps, and bioenergy) to the development of net-zero energy buildings and reviewed its role in tackling the decarbonization challenge. Cost-benefit analysis and life cycle assessment of net-zero energy building designs and their challenges were reviewed to shape the priorities of future development. It is important to develop a universal decision instrument for optimum design and operation of net-zero energy buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between energy and climate change is fundamental - energy accounting for two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions. Of all countries, those of the Arabian Peninsula are synonymous with energy and the supply and use of fossil fuels. However driven by commitments to international climate change agreements the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been developing alternative energy strategies with targets for renewables. This paper presents the outputs of biomass resource modelling analyses that identify bioenergy opportunities across the region. Municipal wastes are found to represent a leading opportunity for bioenergy with a combined 19.35 Mtpa of resource across the GCC currently being sent to landfill that could otherwise be used for energy. The research finds that up to 22.5% of GCC country electricity could be generated from bioenergy technologies fuelled by indigenous biomass resources. Interviews were undertaken with Director-level GCC individuals from industry and government and a survey was facilitated to gain an understanding of perceptions of bioenergy and the potential barriers to its greater deployment. There was majority support for renewable technologies and for bioenergy, however a majority of respondents were found to be 'not willing' or 'unsure' when asked if they would be willing to take any individual actions such as recycling to support bioenergy schemes. High availability of cheap fossil fuels, stimulated by fossil fuel subsidies is identified as the greatest barrier to renewables. The GCC's commitment to international climate and sustainability targets represents an opportunity to develop a strategy to phase out fossil fuels. • Focus GCC Countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia & the UAE • 19.35 Mtpa of MSW resource currently sent to landfill, could be used for bioenergy • 1.68 Mtpa of crops residues & 25.52 Mtpa of animal wastes could be used for bioenergy • Bioenergy from indigenous resources could balance up to 22.5% of power. • Expert stakeholder & GCC public supportive of greater deployment of bioenergy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is consensus that the use of renewable energy must be expanded. More and more restrictions on the use of fossil derived fuels may open the way for an increased consumption of biomass event those so far not perceived as feasible, such some biomass residue. Energy derived from biomass residues may provide even more benefits because it may replace other sources of higher-grade energy while providing proper destination for residues. Biomass from pruning residue has been overlooked as an energy resource due to many limitations. This paper addresses the issue and the means for energy valuation of pruning residues while provides final destination for them. It presents a framework to overcome most of today's challenges across the world. A case study was carried out to determine the main constraints and how they can influence the decision-making process. The variety of urban pruning residues and their rate of generation, handling, storage, logistics, economic and environmental issues, institutional regulations for a small city in Southern Brazil were taken into consideration in the analysis. Pruning residues were sampled in the field, then handled, shredded, dried, specified, stored and burnt in a concurrent woodburning furnace for testing. The diagnostics of the constraints and the lab tests were summarized and organized in a framework that aimed to assess the energy valuation of pruning residues. Results show that with proper assessment tools, projects, biomass analyses and burning technology energy valuation of pruning residues can be feasible. • Energy valuation of biomass pruning residues is feasible given proper conditions. • A novel assessment framework provides routes to overcome most of today's challenges. • A case study of energy valuation of urban pruning biomass residue in Brazil showed feasible to generate 1 to 1.5 MWe. • Information and data of bulk density, moisture content, heating value, of residues of five urban tree species. • Estimate of opportunity costs of disposal of biomass pruning residues in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]