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The pulp and paper industry (PPI) has several opportunities to contribute to meeting prevailing climate targets. It can cut its own CO2 emissions, which currently account for 2% of global industrial fossil CO2 emissions, and it has an opportunity to produce renewable energy, fuels, and materials for other sectors. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of the decarbonization prospects of the PPI. The study provides insights on the magnitude of needed annual renewal rates for several possible net-zero target years of industrial fossil CO2 emissions in the PPI and discusses decarbonization opportunities, namely, energy and material efficiency improvement, fuel switching, electrification, renewable energy production, carbon capture, and new products. The effects of climate policies on the decarbonization opportunities are critically evaluated to provide an overview of the current and future business environment of the European PPI. The focus is on Europe, but other regions are analyzed briefly to widen the view. The analysis shows that there are no major technical barriers to the fossil-free operation of the PPI, but the sector renovates slowly, and many new opportunities are not implemented on a large scale due to immature technology, poor economic feasibility, or unclear political environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need for energy sources with lower environmental impacts to dispose of waste generated by human activities. In this context, a holistic analysis of energy use of waste from agricultural and forestry activities, animal excreta, urban solid waste and sewage, waste from the pulp and paper industry and charcoal in Brazil is presented. Based on a bibliographic review, the current Brazilian panorama is presented in figures giving, a vision of national potential for harnessing bioenergy from this theoretical and technical potential. The QGIS3.24.2 Tisler geoprocessing tool was used to generate potentiality maps from census data of microregions and municipalities available in the IBGE database (2022) and in the Geocentric Reference System for the Americas (SIRGAS 2000). The results of map analysis by micro‐regions of the primary energy from agricultural residues highlight sugar cane, corn and soybeans crops, followed by wastewater and animal excreta. They stood out amont the studied sources of biomass with technical potentials of 53.17, 15.23 and 6.81 GW, respectively. With these results, it is concluded that Brazil could enable around 75 GW installed power, reusing all biomass, potentially 12.5 PJ, without considering the 16 GW already installed from sugarcane and paper black liquor plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU has set the ambitious target of raising the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 32% by 2030, with a target of climate neutrality by 2050. The aim of this paper is to assess the role of biomass usage in the context of these targets. The paper identifies the progress made between 2013 and 2022 by focusing on a selection of EU countries. The largest bioenergy increments of 130, 77, and 60 PJ were reported for Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. This study evaluates the crucial role of co-generation and heat in EU regions, with biomass usage between 55 and 80% of the combined heat and power (CHP) energy in Nordic countries. The future perspectives for bioenergy based on EU policies, biomass resources, and technical issues were addressed. The EU possesses around 9% of the global biomass supply, ensuring a certain level of biomass resource dependence. Thus, the biomass usage demand in energy production, non-energy sectors, and transport is expected to rise, leading to increments of 13–76% on biomass imports. It appears that bioenergy development is mostly limited by economic issues and uneven support for bioenergy in different EU countries as well as environmental issues. The study shows a promising and sustainable potential of bioenergy in the EU as a renewable energy source while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and the economy. By 2050, liquid biofuels are likely to be increasingly used in the transport sector. Non-energy sector usage of biomass is still in an early stage of development, except for the pulp and paper industry, and significant use of biomass in non-energy sectors seems unlikely in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an economic assessment of two different policies – both implying an increased demand for forest ecosystem services – and how these could affect the competition for forest raw materials. A forest sector trade model is updated to a new base year (2016), and then employed to analyze the consequences of a more intense use of bioenergy and increased forest conservation in Sweden. These scenarios are assessed individually and in combination. A particularly interesting market impact is that bioenergy promotion and forest conservation tend to have opposite effects on forest industry by-product prices. Moreover, combining the two policies mitigates the forest industry by-product price increase compared to the case where only the bioenergy-promoting policy is implemented. Namely, the energy using sector (heat and power) is less negatively affected in terms of increased feedstock prices if bioenergy demand targets are accompanied by increased forest conservation. This effect is due to increasing pulpwood prices, which reduces pulp, paper and board production, and in turn mitigates the competition for the associated by-products. Overall, the paper illustrates the complexity of the forest raw material market, and the importance of considering demand and supply responses within and between sectors in energy and forest policy decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy use of residues from agriculture, forestry, and solid waste can foster the transition towards a more renewable energy supply. This paper analyzes the energy potential of the above-mentioned sources for energy applications in Kosovo. The analysis is based on statistical data from different studies and reports, analyzing and calculating them to determine the theoretical and energy biomass potential. Kosovo can increase its self-sufficiency by taking advantage of its rich but under-utilized potential of biomass energy sources. This is a novelty study in this area, considering Kosovo lignite-dominated heat energy and electricity consumption and the available special literature. According to our estimates, the theoretical potential is 6.13 million tons/year, while the biomass energy potential should be around 4.57 million tons/year, including approximately 74.6% of biomass, which can be used for energy needs (heating and electricity). Based on the data and calculations, the available and usable potential shows biomass as an energy source with high potential in Kosovo; its share is very low, but it is reasonable to grow for both environmental and economic reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For all of human history except the past two centuries or so, bioenergy provided nearly all the world's primary energy. Then, fossil fuels largely replaced bioenergy, but concern about climate change and fossil fuel depletion will force a move back to renewable energy, including bioenergy. The main method used here to study the future of global bioenergy was a literature surview of relevant published papers, with emphasis both on those published after 2020, and those having a global focus. The key finding is that bioenergy is unlikely to greatly increase its share of global energy consumption, for several reasons. Liquid biofuel production for transport is likely to almost disappear as countries progressively phase out internal combustion engine vehicles. Traditional firewood use is also projected to fall. There are also doubts about the technical potential of bioenergy, not only because it must compete with the other uses for biomass—food, fodder, fibre and timber—but also because in many cases its climate change mitigation impact is less than for other approaches, including alternative renewable energy sources. The overall conclusion is that bioenergy will have a minor but still useful role in the future global energy system, but global energy reductions are likely to be more important for climate stability than bioenergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the development of the alternative energy market between 2010 and 2022 in seven Central European countries, namely Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Hungary, and Bulgaria. Analyzing changes in electricity generation from hydro, solar, wind and bioresources makes it possible to comprehensively assess trends in the development of alternative energy. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe are economically and climatically similar to Ukraine, so studying the development of their renewable energy is of scientific value for the drafting of both Ukrainian and European energy strategies in the context of the transforming global energy system. Additionally, the article discusses the impact of renewable energy development on the labor market, outlining potential challenges and threats to regional labor markets. Research conclusions confirm the practical development and effective implementation of RES in the European energy system, even in countries that do not take the lead in generating energy from renewable sources, i.e., in Central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the Special Issue on Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: Past, Present, and Future. The papers selected for publication include advanced wastewater treatment and monitoring technologies, such as membrane bioreactors, electrochemical systems; denitrifying biofilters, and disinfection technologies. The Issue also contains articles related to best management practices of biosolids, the influence of organic matter on pathogen inactivation and nutrient removal. Collectively, the Special Issue presents an evolution of technologies, from conventional through advanced, for reliable and sustainable wastewater treatment and reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal (HM) pollution occurs in ecosystems from various sources and can inhibit plant growth or cause toxic effects in humans when in the food chain. HM remediation has attracted considerable attention from many researchers over the years. However, conventional and physical methods can help curb the situation, but they exhibit severe limitations. Phytoremediation is alternatively an economically viable and environmentally friendly approach for restoring HM-polluted environment. The present paper reviewed the techniques, detoxification, translocation, and tolerance mechanisms of phytoremediation. Phytoremediation alone to decontaminate and accumulate toxic metals may not completely remediate HM contamination. Therefore, additional discussion is provided on how supporting phytoremediation with additives can improve efficiency and accelerate the removal of HM from contaminated soil. Meanwhile, plants used in phytoremediation produce much biomass that requires proper disposal to reduce biomass waste in the environment. Hence, this paper provides new strategies to deal with the harvested biomass through the thermochemical process to produce energy and biofuels for use. These strategies can reduce the operating costs of phytoremediation and make the technology commercially viable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources such as biomass, solar, hydro and geothermal energy can provide important energy services based on the use of available local resources, studies to date show that the potential of these energy sources is enormous, they can cover in principle several times energy demand. This paper presents some considerations on the methods of converting biomass into convenient energy, respectively the most used method for obtaining biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas has garnered increasing interest as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. However, due to the complexity of generating biogas, it is crucial to adopt adequate methodologies that aid planning, building, and running operations. Mathematical models have proven to be useful for assisting in the production of biogas, and they are applicable in different stages of the process. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to investigate how mathematical models can contribute to enhancing the efficiency and optimizing the biogas generation process. The Methodi Ordinatio methodology was used to conduct a systematic review of the literature. The VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix package in R were used to generate visual maps. The results revealed that mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models are the most common, accounting for 27% of the studies, followed by simulation models (SIM) with 14%, and hybrid models (HYB) and nonlinear programming models (NLP) in equal proportions, both at 13%. These models are useful for predicting and simulating biogas production. The analysis also revealed a significant trend toward integrating biogas production with the agricultural sector. Continuous advancements and applications of mathematical models are expected to increasingly facilitate biogas generation, thereby propelling global energy usage toward a sustainable energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resource utilisation is becoming more prevalent in society and can be a sustainable method to meet rising energy demand and consumption. The International Renewable Energy Agency reports that presently, approximately 33% of total electricity output around the world is from renewable energy sources. However, in Nigeria, the World Bank reported this figure as 18.2% in 2015. It is important to understand how Nigeria can raise this average as the world moves towards less use of fossil fuels. Therefore, the aim of this work was to provide a review of the established literature, which can then be used to support the development of renewable energy systems in Nigeria. The methodology employed for the study of the literature involved a systematic review method, including identification, screening, eligibility and inclusion criterium steps. Understanding the national energy landscape is essential to support potential projects, and consequently, energy supply, demand and consumption in Nigeria are observed. The review examined renewable energy sources in Nigeria with a focus on solar and biomass/bioenergy. The levelised cost of electricity from renewable technologies was analysed, and the paper identified and evaluated past projects centered on solar and biomass, presenting three main case studies. The results indicate that solar and biomass have the most potential for energy generation in Nigeria, with 4–6.5 kWh/m2 of solar irradiation available per day and approximately 2.3 × 109 GJ bioenergy potential per year. However, solar PV is currently of most interest in Nigeria due to the lower cost of on-grid solar PV electricity, which can comfortably compete with fossil fuels. Nevertheless, costs still need to be lowered to compete fully. Finally, the findings also indicate that there is an omission in the literature surrounding the existing renewable projects and technologies in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy accounts for 33 percent of the primary energy consumption across the world. Current world faces a major waste and climate change crisis. In many developing countries, over the past two and a half centuries, a variety of renewable power techniques have been actively pursued in distinct fields in the fields of research, growth, demonstration, manufacturing, and implementation. A replacement for fossil fuels using waste biomass is essential and considered as a promising strategy to meet our energy needs. At the same time, the emissions of greenhouse gas and managing municipal solid waste have to become crucial due to growing population demand. Biomass includes the energy stored in the sun and plants. It also serves as a primary energy source. Plants absorb the power of the sun during the process called photosynthesis. When biomass is combusted, chemical energy can be released into biomass as heat that can be used for domestic applications. The use of biomass results in management expenses contributes to climate changes, decrease the risk to lives and assets thereby ensure a safe and competitive energy source for the beneficial impact on the environment and the economy. This paper overviews about various applications of renewable energy sources produced from the municipal wastes and microbes. Prospects for the commercialization of bio-algal fuels, applications, and its challenges are discussed. The role of microbes (microalgae) in the energy production process and to use bioenergy as a future trend for economic development is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Union set an ambitious 20% target of its energy consumption from renewable resources 20% by 2020. The aim of this paper is to assess the contribution of solid biomass to renewables use in the EU. During 2010–2018 the share of solid biomass increased from 6.1% to 8.0% of total GFEC, an increase of almost 300 PJ. The paper identifies leading and lagging countries in biomass development by focusing on their current solid biomass share in GFEC. The study shows that leading countries have reached or are close to reach their target, while lagging countries are far from their targets. ETS and non-ETS targets play both a role in the growing use of solid biomass. Despite some challenges, the forest biomass sector allows the sustainable increase of bioenergy in the EU, when the harvest level remains below 90% of net annual increment (except for natural disasters) and there is a stable division between fuelwood and harvested wood for solid products. Forests available for wood supply (FAWS) should be treated differently from non-FAWS areas (protected forests, biodiversity areas), because of different carbon dynamics. The EU Member States may wish to introduce a fixed ratio between FAWS and non FAWS areas, in order to optimally meet the corresponding wishes in EU's forest and biodiversity strategies. • The European Union placed ambitious target of share of EU energy consumption from renewable resources as 20% by 2020. • The paper identifies leading and lagging countries in biomass development on their current solid biomass share in gross final energy consumption (GEC). • This study tries to clarify the connection between the bioenergy developments in EU Member States and environmental issues such as GHG savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The depletion of fossil fuels and climate change concerns are drivers for the development and expansion of bioenergy. Promoting biomass is vital to move civilization toward a low-carbon economy. To meet European Union targets, it is required to increase the use of agricultural residues (including straw) for power generation. Using agricultural residues without accounting for their energy consumed and carbon dioxide emissions distorts the energy and environmental balance, and their analysis is the purpose of this study. In this paper, a life cycle analysis method is applied. The allocation of carbon dioxide emissions and energy inputs in the crop production by allocating between a product (grain) and a byproduct (straw) is modeled. Selected crop yield and the residue-to-crop ratio impact on the above indicators are investigated. We reveal that straw formation can consume between 30% and 70% of the total energy inputs and, therefore, emits relative carbon dioxide emissions. For cereal crops, this energy can be up to 40% of the lower heating value of straw. Energy and environmental indicators of a straw return-to-field technology and straw power generation systems are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper evaluates the relation between energy input (Ei) and output (Eo) of biogas production from six energy crops: maize, sorghum, sunflower, triticale, reed canary grass (RCG), and Virginia mallow (VM), cultivated in three different nitrogen fertilization levels. Furthermore, in the case of RCG, the impact of cutting system was examined. The results showed that raised N fertilization dose (in the range of 40–120 kg ha−1 and 80–160 kg ha−1, depending on the crops) increased biomass yield and methane productivity (MP) but simultaneously caused also the increase in Ei. Nonetheless, the application of higher N doses did not cause drastic decrease in energy use efficiency (EUE). The Ei was significantly lower for perennials than for annual crops. For this reason, EUE for RCG harvested in two cuts (5.0–5.2 GJ GJ−1) was close to EUE for maize (5.7–6.8 GJ GJ−1), despite the much lower MP (2027–2903 m3 ha−1 and 4409–5692 m3 ha−1, respectively) and Eo (73–105 GJ ha−1 and 159–205 GJ ha−1, respectively). Furthermore, the collection of RCG in more than two cuts turned out to be unjustified, due to increase in Ei and, simultaneously, decrease in MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of climate change, there is pressure worldwide to curb emissions via energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. Woody biomass has a role in sustainable energy transitions, contributing to emissions reduction, economic development, and energy security as a dispatchable resource. This potential is recognized globally, but the woody biomass supply chain has faced technical and social challenges. Smart technologies are increasingly discussed in discourse on supply chain management, such as their potential to improve transparency and efficiency. Despite a variety of research related to woody biomass as well as smart technologies, little attention has been given to integrating the two perspectives. This study explores this intersection by highlighting smart technologies and mechanisms by which they may contribute to overcoming challenges in the woody biomass supply chain, exemplified by the case of Japan. Based on qualitative expert interviews, exploratory results suggest potential of smart technologies that would contribute to addressing both social and technical challenges of woody biomass in Japan. These challenges include transportation infrastructure, biomass quality management, business model integration (cascading), stakeholder relationship management, and local community revitalization and socioeconomic development. This contribution is based on various mechanisms such as improved transparency, information-sharing, accountability, automation, and value maximization. The results of this paper delineate a potential future development path that integrates smart technologies, woody biomass supply chains, and sustainability goals. This is an important further consideration for energy policy in academia, industry, as well as government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

So far, various studies assessed global biomass potentials and came up with widely varying results. Existing potential estimates range from 0 EJ/a up to more than 1,550 EJ/a which corresponds to about three times the current global primary energy consumption. This paper provides an overview of the available research on bioenergy potentials and reviews the different assessments qualitative way with the objective to interpret previous research in an integrated way. In the context of this paper we understand bioenergy as energy from biomass sources including energy crops, residues, byproducts and wastes from agriculture, forestry, food production and waste management. In this review special attention was paid to the difference between residue and energy potentials, land availability estimates, and the geographical resolution of existing potential estimates. The majority of studies concentrate on energy crop potentials retrieved from surplus agricultural land and only few publications assess global potentials separated by different world regions. It results that land allocated to the exclusive production of energy crops varies from 0 to 7,000 ha, depending on land category and scenario assumptions. Only a small number of available potential assessments consider residue potentials as well as energy crop potentials from degraded land. Future energy crop potentials are assumed to vary in the mean from 200 to 600 EJ/yr. In contrast residue potentials are expected to contribute between 62 and 325 EJ/yr. The highest potentials are assigned to Asia, Africa and South America while Europe, North America and the Pacific region contribute minor parts to the global potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for social and regulatory forest ecosystem services can significantly modify the availability and cost of biomass for energy purposes. This article presents a model for optimizing biomass supply chains using a linear programming framework integrated with a geographic information system (GIS). Based on a given type of biomass resource, its calorific value, price, distance from the power plant, and transportation costs, the model identifies the optimal source of biomass, allowing it to cover the demand for the required total energy value with the lowest possible costs. The case study includes the Połaniec power plant in southeastern Poland and potential sources of forest biomass and agricultural straw within 100 km of the plant. The impact of constraints on the availability and cost of biomass was analyzed in the following scenarios: (1) all forest and agriculture biomass is available, (2) forest area in Natura 2000 network is excluded, and (3) firewood and forests with dominated ecological and social function are excluded. Unit costs of biomass varied depending on biomass availability and energy demands. The lowest unit costs of biomass (3.19 EUR/MJ) were for energy demand at the level of 1 TJ yearly for all kinds of biomass and the highest (4.91 EUR/MJ) for ecological and social constraints and energy demand 4 TJ. As energy demand increased, unit costs increased, and the ability to meet this demand with just one type of biomass decreased. The energy biomass sector can utilize the model to benefit both biomass producers and their final buyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Policymakers are tasked with both driving the rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies and, additionally channelling the limited national potential of biomass into areas where it can provide the greatest benefit to the energy system. But do current policy instruments promote the use of biomass in these areas? As biomass is limited, its use must be sustainable without leading to further biodiversity loss or depleting forest or soil resources. In this study, short-term energy scenarios are generated using the BenOpt model, which take into account both current and alternative policy instruments under limited biomass utilisation. The results are compared with long-term, cost-optimal energy scenarios for the use of biomass. Results: The analysis reveals that the instrument of a GHG quota does not promote the use of biofuels in hard-to-electrify areas of the transport sector, where they should be cost-optimally allocated according to long-term energy scenarios. Biofuels are promoted for use in passenger road transport and not in the shipping or aviation sector. In contrast, alternative policy scenarios indicate that the sole instrument of a high CO2 price is more conducive to direct electrification and could displace more fossil fuels by 2030 than the GHG quota alone. This instrument also promotes the optimal use of biogas plants in the power sector in accordance with long-term cost-optimal developments. Conclusions: The instrument of a GHG quota might lead to counterproductive developments in passenger road transport, but it also helps to ramp up the biofuel capacities required in shipping and aviation in the long term. However, it does not provide the necessary incentives for the ramp-up of battery electric vehicles, which would be the cost optimal solution in passenger road transport according to the long-term scenarios. Even though alternative policy scenarios show that the sole instrument of a high CO2-price is more conducive to direct electrification, a high CO2 price alone is not enough (e.g. in the heat sector) to promote the efficient use of biomass instead of simply covering the base load demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, population growth and lifestyle changes have led to an increase in energy consumption worldwide. Providing energy from fossil fuels has negative consequences, such as energy supply constraints and overall greenhouse gas emissions. As the world continues to evolve, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and finding alternative energy sources becomes increasingly urgent. Renewable energy sources are the best way for all countries to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while reducing pollution. Biomass as a renewable energy source is an alternative energy source that can meet energy needs and contribute to global warming and climate change reduction. Among the many renewable energy options, biomass energy has found a wide range of application areas due to its resource diversity and easy availability from various sources all year round. The supply assurance of such energy sources is based on a sustainable and effective supply chain. Simultaneous improvement of the biomass-based supply chain's economic, environmental and social performance is a key factor for optimum network design. This study has suggested a multi-objective goal programming (MOGP) model to optimize a multi-stage biomass-based sustainable renewable energy supply chain network design. The proposed MOGP model represents decisions regarding the optimal number, locations, size of processing facilities and warehouses, and amounts of biomass and final products transported between the locations. The proposed model has been applied to a real-world case study in Istanbul. In addition, sensitivity analysis has been conducted to analyze the effects of biomass availability, processing capacity, storage capacity, electricity generation capacity, and the weight of the goals on the solutions. To realize sensitivity analysis related to the importance of goals, for the first time in the literature, this study employed a spherical fuzzy set-based analytic hierarchy method to determine the weights of goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to resolve the existing research gaps on olive pomace (OP) hydrochars application as a fuel by evaluating its molecular structures (FTIR and solid NMR analysis), identifying influential characteristics (Pearson correlation analysis), process optimization (response surface methodology), slagging–fouling risks (empirical indices), and combustion performance (TG-DSC analysis). The response surfaces plot for hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of OP slurry performed in a pressure reactor under varied temperatures (180–250 °C) and residence times (2–30 min) revealed 250 °C for 30 min to be optimal conditions for producing hydrochar fuel with a higher heating value (32.20 MJ·Kg−1) and energy densification ratio (1.40). However, in terms of process efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the optimal HTC conditions for producing the hydrochar with the highest energy yield of 87.9% were 202.7 °C and 2.0 min. The molecular structure of hydrochar was mainly comprised of aromatic rings with methyl groups, alpha-C atoms of esters, and ether bond linkages of lignin fractions. The slagging and fouling risks of hydrochars were comparatively lower than those of raw OP, as indicated by low slagging and fouling indices. The Pearson correlation analysis emphasized that the enrichment of acid-insoluble lignin and extractive contents, carbon densification, and reduced ash content were the main pivotal factors for hydrochar to exhibit better biofuel characteristics for energy applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy production from coal combustion is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions including SOx and NOx. This study aims to produce solid biomass fuels from oil-palm residues by torrefaction, having a high heating value (HHV) equivalent to fossil coals. The experiments were designed using Design Expert version 13 software to optimize the conditions affecting the fuel characteristics of the torrefied products. The statistical analysis suggested that the optimal conditions to achieve a high HHV and fixed carbon content while retaining the mass yield of biomass mainly depended on the temperature and torrefying time, while the size played a less important role in affecting the properties. The optimal conditions were observed to be at 283 °C (120 min) for EFBs, 301 °C (111 min) for PF, and 285 °C (120 min) for PKSs. The maximum HHV of 5229, 5969, and 5265 kcal/kg were achieved for the torrefied EFBs, PF, and PKSs, respectively. The energy efficiency of torrefied biomass was increased to 1.25–1.35. Ecoefficiency analysis suggested that torrefaction should be carried out at high temperatures with a short torrefying time. This low-cost bio-circular torrefied biomass showed promising fuel characteristics that could be potentially used as an alternative to coals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass energy makes up a large share of renewable energy consumption in the EU, and the largest share in countries like Denmark. However, little is known about how the public perceive it. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire-based survey of the public in Denmark focusing on attitudes toward woody biomass for energy. The main findings are that, while more people favor than oppose it, a large proportion are undecided about the use of woody biomass. The survey also revealed a lack of knowledge about this energy source. A Best-Worst Scaling methodology revealed that Danes prioritize environmental sustainability concerns – namely biodiversity loss, the hindering of the development of other renewable energy sources and the climate change mitigation potential of woody biomass – over societal and/or economic ones when it comes to the promotion of woody biomass. Finally, it was found that concern about climate change, belief in the mitigation potential of woody biomass, and being younger explained the formation of positive attitudes toward woody biomass. Policy makers aiming to take public concerns into account in discussions about Denmark's energy future should focus more on minimizing the negative environmental impacts associated with woody biomass rather than on its economic benefits. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present work investigates solid biofuel, derived from household food waste (food residue biofuel, FRB) as a potential bioenergy source in cement manufacturing. Up-to-date investigations of household food waste as a solid fuel focused on composition and heating value, yet no results are available regarding impact on plant efficiency and emissions upon utilization. A multidimensional model based on fundamental principles (mass and enthalpy balances) is used together with actual data from fossil fuel operation to identify and quantitatively asses the impacts on plant performance, product quality and atmospheric emissions. Τhe energy needed to prepare low moisture FRBs is determined and suitable processes are singled out. Key issues of cement plant operation are identified and quantitatively assessed via simulation in an actual dry-process plant, when FRBs substitute 20% of thermal energy (provided by petcoke). The facility utilizes 1.65 × 105 tpa of fossil fuels to produce 1.5 × 106 tpa clinker. It is found that energy efficiency falls and clinker production diminishes by about 0.5 t clinker/t FRB. Refractory thermal rating and main blower capacity constraints remain satisfied. Non-biogenic green-house-gas emissions are reduced by ~60 kg/t clinker. Emitted concentrations slightly increase for several pollutants, mainly nitrogen oxides (NO x) hydrogen chloride (HCl) and metals; they decrease for sulphur dioxide (SO 2) and particulates. Maximum emission limits are observed for all regulated pollutants but NO x. Incombustible chlorine and inclusions of alkalis in cement increase by ~9%. To reap the bioenergy benefits and mitigate impacts, blends of FRB (~80%wt) with paper residues (~20%wt) are investigated. Conforming to plant operational constraints and product specifications, the blends ensure production level, environmental compliance and reduced emission rates. The results direct towards customer-tailored FRB blends with lignocellulosic residues, that best suit the design, specific quarry raw materials, operating conditions and individual parameters of the cement plant towards more sustainable cement manufacturing. Highlights • Food waste can be valorized to biochemicals and biofuels, including solid fuels. • Drying to ≤ 15% moisture gives stable, nonhazardous food residue biofuels (FRBs). • Substitution of petcoke by FRBs in cement kilns decreases clinker level. • Lower CO 2 , SO 2 and mercury but higher chlorines and NO x emissions result. • Superior blends of FRB with paper residues improve clinker production and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a renewable energy, biofuel has greatly attracted worldwide attention due to the growing demands for cleaner sources of energy as an intervention to mitigate the serious environmental problems associated with fossil fuel consumption. As an important non‐food biodiesel plant, Pistacia chinensis has a promising prospect for bioenergy development. Based on the principles of multifactor integrated assessment, this paper provides an operational method for comprehensively evaluating the marginal land resources suitable for developing the plantation of Pistacia chinensis in Shaanxi province, China. The results show that the areas of marginal land resources suitable and fairly suitable for growing Pistacia chinensis in Shaanxi province are 1.21 million hectares and 4.45 million hectares, respectively. The suitable land resources are mainly located in Hanzhong (0.44 million hectares), Ankang (0.30 million hectares), and Shangluo (0.31 million hectares), most of which are moderate dense grassland (accounting for 50.65%), dense grassland (accounting for 21.83%), shrub land (accounting for 8.62%), and sparse forest land (accounting for 15.32%). The comparison between the results and field work data suggests that the pixel size of spatial data and soil organic matter content have important impacts on the final results. The outcome of this research can be used to implement specific policies for developing Pistacia chinensis in China and other countries especially the countries along the Silk Road. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the viability of utilizing agricultural biomass-based energy potential, employing mathematical, engineering, and economic modeling techniques. Moreover, the potential of a biogas-based co-digestion (CD) system, integrating its techno-economic performance and environmental sustainability in terms of electricity generation, has also been studied. In this investigation, the categorization of 25 different plant species into two groups: arable field crops (AFCs) and horticultural plants (HPs), was performed. Data was collected during the 2021‐–2022 cropping season in Bangladesh from various sources, including literature reviews, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. The findings revealed that the available agricultural biomass residues, totaling 1,02,585.75 KT, have the capacity to generate 1,33,815 million m3/year of biogas. This energy potential corresponds to 291,125.85 TJ/year or 9231.60 MW of electricity, which can fulfill 88% of the national total energy demand. In terms of levelized cost, the proposed approach is more competitive and shows a greater promise compared to other technologies. Furthermore, it demonstrates environmental friendliness by reducing CO 2 emissions by 156 tons at a cost of $7/ton while earning $1092 annually from the potential carbon-credit market. This approach presents a potential solution to address Bangladesh's energy crisis. The payback period of the system ranged from 2.93 to 3.75 years, with and without the inclusion of a slurry, respectively. The recommended methods hold significant promise for meeting national energy demands. A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. This study is the first of its kind, providing valuable insights into the renewable energy potential in Bangladesh. The results will assist policymakers in formulating sustainable energy policies. • Mathematics, engineering, economics and environmental modeling explored renewable energy. • Techno-economics and environmental sustainability validated the proposed methodology. • Bioenergy-based electricity could supply 88% of the national energy demand of Bangladesh. • A case study was provided as a proof-of-concept (PoC) to validate the approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews methods that measure mineral resource depletion based on cumulative exergy consumption approaches. It focuses on the exergy replacement cost (ERC), which measures the amount of exergy society would have to consume in order to re-concentrate an extracted and processed mineral to the point that it can be once more exploited by future generations. The ERC, which was originally only suitable for non-fuel minerals, was adapted and extended in 2016, by changing the focus of the ERC from the chemical composition of the resource to its function, to include fossil fuel depletion. This paper discusses the impact of these new developments and identifies conceptual and methodological weaknesses that need to be addressed for the ERC to find widespread use in exergy analysis and in order to assess the sustainability of mineral policy from the grave to the cradle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroindustry waste has exponentially increased in recent years, generating economic losses and environmental problems. In addition, new ways to generate sustainable alternative electrical energy are currently being sought to satisfy energy demand. This investigation proposes using avocado waste as fuel for electricity generation in single-chamber MFCs. The avocado waste initially operated with an ambient temperature (22.4 ± 0.01 °C), DO of 2.54 ± 0.01 mg/L, TDS of 1358 ± 1 mg/L and COD of 1487.25 ± 0.01 mg/L. This research managed to generate its maximum voltage (0.861 ± 0.241 V) and current (3.781 ± 0.667 mA) on the fourteenth day, operating at an optimal pH of 7.386 ± 0.147, all with 126.032 ± 8.888 mS/cm of electrical conductivity in the substrate. An internal resistance of 67.683 ± 2.456 Ω was found on day 14 with a PD of 365.16 ± 9.88 mW/cm2 for a CD of 5.744 A/cm2. Micrographs show the formation of porous biofilms on both the anodic and cathodic electrodes. This study gives preliminary results of using avocado waste as fuel, which can provide outstanding solutions to agro-industrial companies dedicated to selling this fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of final consumers in energy transition and renewable energy development is undeniable. Furthermore, the acceptability and intention to use renewable energy very much depends on different factors behind. This study, based on representative survey in Lithuania, aims to analyse in the line with sociodemographic variables the influence of positive and negative perceptions of renewable energy on intention to use it. The study analyses not only intention to use renewable energy sources (RES) in general but addresses bioenergy and other RES separately. The results indicate higher knowledge of other RES to compare to the bioenergy. Usage of some RES also have influence on RES knowledge and negative environmental perceptions. Applied regression analysis reveals that positive environmental impacts and economy outcomes contribute to the intention to use RES the most. Age, gender, living place and usage of RES are also predictors of intention to use RES, though difference in between predictors behind intention to use bioenergy and other RES is observed. This study could help policy makers and informational campaigns managers to reach the targeted final consumers and improve RES development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With increasing attention on energy shortage and global warming, bioenergy is a promising alternative energy to mitigate CO 2 emissions. Despite the environmental friendly potential, a certain quantity of bioenergy-related CO 2 is still emitted in China. This paper investigates the temporal dynamics of bioenergy-related CO 2 emissions in 2000–2010 in China, and explores the underlying influence factors based on logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI). Then the core results are verified with a GIS-based approach from a spacial perspective. The results show that four impact factors: emission intensity, energy structure, energy efficiency and economic development have different impacts on bioenergy-related CO 2 emissions, of which economic development is the major factor contributing to its increase, while energy efficiency is the major determinant for the decline. Per capita bioenergy-related CO 2 emissions in different areas are verified in accordance with either economic development factor or energy efficiency factor to some extent. To achieve the dual purpose of sustainable development and CO 2 emissions reduction, this paper provides a practical policy framework for rural bioenergy and economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The study focused on a forensic assessment of bioenergy utilization in developing countries, emphasizing how to improve bioenergy resources for a sustainable economy and development. First, a holistic review of energy sources and their impacts on sustainable development was highlighted. The study also looked at the relationships between various energy sources, both the supply and demand of energy, as the population statistics in developing countries. However, renewable energy is yet to be harnessed fully as it lagged by 0.7%. Shockingly, the African continent is backward in both the global energy supply and in tapping renewable energy sources, as only 6% is contributed. More so, applying a clean development mechanism (CDM) for energy utilization and control shows that net emission reduction and global temperature reduction of 1.5°C by 2030 is attainable. Thus, helping to realize low-cost and sustainable energy (SDG 7) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG11). Further, the assessment of the level of bioenergy availability and its utilization shows that 10% of the world's energy is provided by bioenergy. Interestingly, it is available in every region in the form of biomass. The study is helpful for stakeholders, policymakers, and governments managing the affairs of the energy sector on the need to formulate policy that will guide effective bioenergy utilization and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, especially in developing countries thereby, promoting sustainable economic growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw (RS) is the residue obtained during the rice processing process, and is recognized as one of the most abundant biomass resources in the world. Approximately 800 million to 1 billion tons of rice straw are produced globally every year, and most of them are considered general waste and typically end up in landfills or incineration. This approach wastes resources and can also lead to environmental pollution. In the current study, the RS was used as the source of biodiesel production and a comprehensive process model of the RS valorization process was developed to evaluate the energy flow, production efficiency, production costs, and greenhouse gas emissions in Hunan Province, China. The evaluation results showed that the energy efficiency of biodiesel production from rice strawand the overall energy efficiency of the rice straw valorization process are reported as 52.1% and 56.1%, respectively. The minimum selling price of biodiesel, which is CNY 3.03/kg, is considerably lower than the current market prices for similar products in China. The largest proportion of the production cost of biodiesel is the cost of natural gas, followed by utilities, capital, transportation, plant maintenance and overheads, consumables, labor, and waste disposal. For the current RS valorization plant with a 5000 kg/h RS feed rate, the investment payback times are 8.9 yr and 7.1 yr when the biodiesel is sold at the lowest (CNY 4/kg) and highest (CNY 4.6/kg) market price, respectively. Environmental analysis shows that the greenhouse gas emissions intensity of biodiesel production is 75.8 g CO2eq/MJ, which is only about 52% of traditional fossil diesel and indicating that biodiesel is an environmentally friendly energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transport sector, which heavily depends on oil-derived liquid products such as gasoline and diesel, globally occupies the 3rd place when total energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered (after the industry and the building sectors). This consumption level is predicted to increase by 60% by 2030 mainly because of population growth, industrialization and exposure to better living standards. Biodiesel is one of the sustainable sources of energy for meeting increasing global transport energy demand and reducing GHG emissions significantly. The use of non-edible plant oils is very significant because it can be grown in harsh and marginal lands which require less maintenance, less soil fertility and less water as opposed to arable lands for growing edible vegetable oils. However, it is noted that the 2nd generation feedstocks can also be grown in arable lands, but this is not a general practice and is not recommended. The 2nd generation biodiesel can be considered as a promising alternative because of its feedstocks, such as non-edible vegetable oils, animal fats and waste cooking oils are cheaper in most of the countries in the world than the 1st generation feedstocks which are produced from edible-vegetable oils (food crops). Furthermore, the price of biodiesel depends on the cost of feedstocks which makes up 70–95% of the total production costs. However, extraction of non-edible oils as well as conversion process of oil into biodiesel should be well scrutinized. This paper extensively reviews on the selection of 2nd generation biodiesel feedstocks, oil extraction as well as biodiesel conversion techniques with the aim to identify the most appropriate and cost-effective feedstocks, identify the most suitable oil extraction technique and most efficient technology for producing of the 2nd generation biodiesel which will substitute the current dependence on the fossil fuel worldwide. This paper will contribute to greater understanding of the recent development and prospects of 2nd generation biodiesel as a sustainable transport fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Ghana's economy grows, the choice of future energy paths and policies in the coming years will have a significant influence on its energy security. A Renewable Energy Act approved in 2011 seeks to encourage the influx of renewable energy sources in Ghana's energy mix. The new legal framework combined with increasing demand for energy has created an opportunity for dramatic changes in the way energy is generated in Ghana. However, the impending changes and their implication remain uncertain. This paper examines the extent to which future energy scenarios in Ghana could rely on energy from biomass sources, through the production of biogas, liquid biofuels and electricity. Analysis was based on moderate and high use of bioenergy for transportation, electricity generation and residential fuel using the LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) model. Results obtained indicate that introducing bioenergy to the energy mix could reduce GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by about 6 million tonnes CO 2 e by 2030, equivalent to a 14% reduction in a business-as-usual scenario. This paper advocates the use of second generation ethanol for transport, to the extent that it is economically exploitable. Resorting to first generation ethanol would require the allocation of over 580,000 ha of agricultural land for ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide increase in the demand for wood pellets has led to increased interest in the use of biomass feedstock. However, the quality of pellets depends directly on the biomass feedstocks. This paper brings new insights about the influence of lignin distribution, physicochemical characteristics, and microstructure on the quality of pellets. The aim of the study was to characterize the physical, chemical, mechanical and energy properties of pellets produced from Pinus radiata (PR), Eucalyptus nitens (EN), Paulownia elongata × fortune (P), and Miscanthus × giganteus (MG), as well as to use microscopic techniques to examine how lignin distribution influences the mechanical properties. The findings show that the pellets made from PR were more suitable for bioenergy production compared to those produced with EN, P, and MG. Anatomical structure proved to be important in relation to pellet quality. The clear areas on the surface of the pellets presented relationship with the percentage of biomass lignin (which ranged from 26.4 to 34.2%). The P and PR pellets were more durable and had fewer empty spaces between particles. The pellets made from EN, which was the material most difficult to compact, had abundant cracks. Image 1 • Wood, bark and branches of Miscanthus can be used to produce pellets for energy use. • The energy ranking was Pinus radiata > Eucalyptus nitens > Paulownia > Miscanthus. • Cl content is the main factor limiting the quality of Eucalyptus nitens pellets. • High percentages of lignin distributed outside the fibers increase pellet durability. • The uncracked area of the pellets was positively correlated with the lignin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the use of renewable energy sources has become an important policy strategy for mitigating climate change and for providing better energy security and financial sustainability. To overcome the problems generated by non-renewable energy sources, it is essential to use new energy sources. A literature review was conducted to investigate and understand the opportunities for implementing new renewable energy sources. Agricultural residues have great potential to receive significant consideration worldwide as an alternative, sustainable, and green energy source. The use of agricultural residues for bioenergy generation is a broad and favourable scenario for exploration. This review identified potential and almost unexplored research approaches with the aim of contributing and promoting researchers to deliver technological solutions for the society and industrial sectors. For example, a potentially promising technological solution would be for industries that produce machinery and agricultural implements to adapt their harvesters for different grain crops, to collect these agricultural residues simultaneously during harvest and readily perform granulation, compaction (pressing), pelletizing or briquetting directly on the property. Further studies are required to investigate the use of agricultural residues for bioenergy generation, which can contribute to the diversification of the energy matrix. Accordingly, in this review, several challenges and future research perspectives have been presented, such as suggestions for future research on how to collect, transport, process, market and use these agricultural residues to generate bioenergy, aiming at reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass supplies about 66% of total energy consumption in Zimbabwe. In recent times there has been an increasing interest in the country to increase the utilization of biomass resources for energy purposes. The major biomass materials found in Zimbabwe are fuelwood, crop and forestry residues, animal dung, energy crops, municipality and industrial wastes. Biomass energy conversion technologies include anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, gasification, transesterification, fermentation and combustion. The premise of this paper is that as a component of a renewable energy mix, biomass should play an important role in sustainable energy systems in Zimbabwe. With an estimated total energy value of 409pJ, biomass is a huge energy resource for the country and must be optimally exploited. However, traditional utilization of solid biomass materials as a primary source of energy continues to be prevalent in Zimbabwe today. The trend should be to move from traditional biomass energy to improved and modern biomass energy technologies. This is evidenced by numerous projects that have been undertaken in pursuit of this endeavor. The aim of this paper is to review the state of biomass energy technologies in Zimbabwe with a view to provide aggregated information that will inform research, development and policies related to biomass energy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One of the most important challenges facing humanity is the energy challenge to sustainability. The global energy framework is changing, with potentially far-reaching consequences for our society. In the context of the future scenarios rethinking the concepts of development, identify sustainable strategies of global equity and energy efficiency are the main objectives to be achieved. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to consider the Italian issue of ensuring energy efficiency in the agriculture sector through the analysis of the available data, trying to understand the main barriers to its implementation. For this purpose, the paper at first it faces the theme of the energy consumption in agriculture, after which it evaluates the energy production from biomass highlighting the energy potential of the agriculture sector, and then it proposes an evaluation of the main innovative supply chains, as tool for improving the energy supply problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract With their fast growth rate and ability to accumulate a high percentage of their weight as lipid and carbohydrate, microalgae potentially represent an ideal feedstock for the production of biodiesel and bioethanol. In addition, microalgae offer several environmental benefits, and do not compete with food production for land, fresh water, and nutrients. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to provide a quantitative, systematic and harmonized assessment of current bio-energy potential. The analysis is conducted by considering all the main steps in detail, from cultivation to biodiesel production, and by deriving an overall estimation of energy consumption for biodiesel production. Energy consumption uncertainty is also quantified and discussed. A systematic review of all the main technologies available for all the main processing steps towards the production of biodiesel from microalgae is presented, focusing on the derivation of the Net Energy Ratio (NER) of each combination of technologies, complemented by an uncertainty analysis of the data used and those obtained in the present work. A wide scatter in the data available in the literature has been identified, highlighting the need for an uncertainty analysis. If the average overall energy consumption per unit of biodiesel mass is considered, all the routes adopting a raceway pond have a lower energy consumption, but if the uncertainty on the overall energy consumption is also considered, the minimum value of the range of NER values for some of the routes adopting a photobioreactor is comparable to the NER value obtainable by using raceway ponds. Thus, the present framework proposes a harmonized and comprehensive methodology to compare and contrast technologies for the production of biodiesel from microalgae, and is applied in this paper to identify, with an appreciation of the uncertainty, the most promising combinations of technologies. Highlights • Quantitative, systematic and harmonized assessment of microalgae energy potential. • A step-by-step analysis and overall estimation of energy consumption is given. • A substantial uncertainty on the data in literature has been identified. • The energy consumption uncertainty is quantified and critically discussed. • Derivation of the Net Energy Ratio (NER) for each combination of technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Storage is the critical operation within the biomass supply chain to reduce feedstock supply risks and to manage smooth year-around operations of a biorefinery or a bioenergy plant. This paper analyzed the economic and environmental impacts of four different biomass storage systems for woodchips (Outdoor-open, Outdoor-tarped, Indoor, and Silo) and two systems for pellets (Indoor and Silo). Storage cost includes the costs for handling (including ventilation in case of silo storage), infrastructure investment, and dry matter loss (DML) for each system. The estimation of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions includes the fugitive emissions from storage piles and emissions due to electricity and fuel consumption for each system. Among four storage systems, the outdoor-tarped ($15.0 ODMT−1, ODMT: Oven Dry Metric Ton) and silo ($5.8 ODMT−1) storage were the least-cost options for woodchips and pellets respectively. However, silo-storage could be the most promising option for storing woodchips ($5.8 ODMT−1) and pellets ($2.3 ODMT−1), if it is used for short-term (two months) and frequently (at least six times) in a year. The total GHG emissions for six-month storage were 2.8–11.8 kgCO 2 e ODMT−1 for woodchips and 8.6–42.0 kgCO 2 e ODMT−1 for pellets. During Outdoor-open storage, the lower heating value of woodchips could drop to 37% due to increased dry-matter loss (DML) and moisture content. The initial moisture content, bulk density, DML, and resource required during handling were the most sensitive parameters influenced the storage performances of both woodchips and pellets. This study has demonstrated that a combination of different storage options along the supply chain could reduce the total biomass storage cost for a biorefinery or power plant. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Large-scale storage options for storing woodchips and pellets were studied. • The outdoor-open storage was the least-cost option for long-term storage of woodchips. • Bin/silo storage was the best option for short-term storage of woodchips and pellets. • The average bin storage cost ranged from 2 to 22 ODMT−1. • All storage systems had low energy use and GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural solid biomass has been widely recognized as an important source of renewable energy with huge production potential. The utilisation of agricultural solid biomass as feedstock for energy production is continuously growing all over Europe. As shown in the current country's balance of energy production and consumption, Croatia is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. The aim of this paper is to determine the available agricultural solid biomass and its energy potential in Croatia. The quantity and energy potential of solid biomass refer to post-harvest residues, pruning residues, agro-industrial solid waste and biomass from Miscanthus energy crop. In relation to potentially available agricultural biomass, three scenarios have been developed (progressive – S1, optimistic - S2, and conservative – S3) of introducing solid biomass in the renewable energy production sector. On the basis of these scenarios, it can be concluded that in Croatia the following quantities of agricultural biomass are available: 3050.3 t (S1); 1441.8 t (S2); and 733.68 t (S3). These quantities give energy potential of 51.14 PJ (S1), 24.06 PJ (S2), and 12.18 PJ (S3) respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the context of Industry 4.0, hydrogen gas is becoming more significant to energy feedstocks in the world. The current work researches a novel artificial smart model for characterising hydrogen gas production (HGP) from biomass composition and the pyrolysis process based on an intriguing approach that uses support vector machines (SVMs) in conjunction with the artificial bee colony (ABC) optimiser. The main results are the significance of each physico-chemical parameter on the hydrogen gas production through innovative modelling and the foretelling of the HGP. Additionally, when this novel technique was employed on the observed dataset, a coefficient of determination and correlation coefficient equal to 0.9464 and 0.9751 were reached for the HGP estimate, respectively. The correspondence between observed data and the ABC/SVM-relied approximation showed the suitable effectiveness of this procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Algal biomass is a prospective feedstock for the eco-sustainable production of many different products with added value, such as meals, feeds, and fuels. The remaining biomass from the algae can be used as raw material and can be transformed into useful secondary products after the important macromolecules have been removed. By optimizing algal biomass hydrolysate utilizing microbial fermentation, several studies demonstrated the generation of bioenergy (bioalcohol, biogas, and biohydrogen) and biochemicals (organic acids and biopolymers). Since the harvest and maintenance of sustainable algal cultivation incur considerable energy and economical prowess, developing products from algae remains a challenge to be countered in commercial applications. This is a typical bottleneck issue when processing algae for fuels or chemicals at the pilot scale. Implementation of integrated algae biorefinery methods can substantially reduce the cost of production and energy consumption. An algae-based green economy can be financially more viable and utilizable, especially for countries with weaker economies. This review's goal is to examine the implementation of integrated biorefineries for the recovery of bioproducts generated from algae and potential applications. In this context, the life cycle analysis and business elements of a unified algal biorefinery are also addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas production by fermentation is a relatively low-cost and simple method for the transformation of a substrate into an energy carrier with a wide range of possible applications. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of Arthrospira platensis biomass as a source of bioenergy produced during anaerobic digestion (AD). The studies were carried out on a fractional-technical scale. Biogas yield and composition were analyzed as a function of the amount of biomass subjected to anaerobic digestion, the substrate dosing frequency in the digester and the use of biomass pre-hydrolysis in the mixing compartment. The energy efficiency of the process was also compared for each sample. In addition, a biomass conversion power index was developed and determined. It was found that A. platensis biomass had significant energy potential, and the amount of biogas obtained and its calorific value changed depending on the applied treatments. The maximum cumulative biogas production was 505 L kg−1 volatile solids (VS), while the maximum average methane (CH4) content was 67.32%. A two-fold increase in the organic loading rate from 1 g VS·L−1 volatile solids (VS) to 2 g VS·L−1 had a positive effect on methane concentration. The highest energy efficiency of the AD process was obtained for 2 g VS·L−1, with a single feedstock input into the digester, in a single-stage process (2/s/-), while the highest conversion power ratio was for a feedstock of 1 g VS·L−1, under the same process conditions (1/s/-). Moreover, the energy efficiency of the microalgae fermentation process obtained in the study is higher compared to conventional substrates used in biogas plants. This energy analysis can support the selection of cogeneration power engines in a biogas plant and help to determine the potential output of the biogas plant, especially with varying energy and heat demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Northeast Brazil, the use of biomass for energy generation is settled on traditional productive arrangements, such as a sugarcane production system in the humid Atlantic coastal area and firewood extraction from native tropical dry forests in the west. In parallel, substantial amounts of other biomass sources, such as residues from agricultural or urban processes, are still little used or wholly wasted, fudging the opportunity to generate new value chains based on these biomass sources. We hypothesize that using these non-traditional biomass sources to produce biofuels would significantly increase the regional bioenergy supply. In this context, this article discusses the potential for the production and use of biofuels and bioenergy in Northeast Brazil and its effects on regional development, which may be useful for both private actors and policymakers in the energy sector. The use of biomass sources for energy in the region is significant, reaching approximately 8.8 million tons of oil equivalent (toe) per year, emphasizing the already consolidated production of sugarcane and its derivatives. The use of all biomass resources in the Northeast region could supply around 4% of the Brazilian national electrical energy demand, with an environmental footprint of 0.055 tCO2eq per toe, which would contribute to reducing emissions from the Brazilian energy matrix generation. Regarding the spatial distribution of biomass sources, sugarcane prevails on the coast, firewood and livestock manure in the dryland area towards the west, and municipal solid waste is distributed throughout the region within urban areas. Different from what we expected, the potential energy recovery from municipal waste and animal manure would increase by only 17% the current bioenergy supply. In the future, since the majority of the region presents a semi-arid climate with limited rainfall, to increase the use of biomass as an energy source, there is a need to increase the supply of biomass sources with high efficiency in water use and good yields in drylands. For this, the cultivation and use of cacti and agave, for example, could contribute to making biorefineries viable in the region. Above all, public policies for harnessing bioenergy in NE Brazil must seek opportunities associated with the carbon/decarbonization economy, with studies being needed to assess the technical, economic, social, and environmental viability of future productive arrangements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae biomass (MB) is a promising source of renewable energy, especially when the cultivation is associated with wastewater treatment. However, microalgae wastewater technologies still have much to improve. Additionally, microalgae biomass valorization routes need to be optimized to be a sustainable and feasible source of green bioenergy. Thus, this paper aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the production of briquettes from MB, cultivated during domestic wastewater treatment. Also, it was evaluated how much the drying of the MB affected the life cycle and the environment. Improvements in the life cycle to mitigate the environmental impacts of this energy route were proposed. Cradle-to-gate modeling was applied to obtain a life cycle assessment (LCA) from cultivation to the valorization of MB, through its transformation into a solid biofuel. With LCA, it was possible to identify which technical aspect of the process needs to be optimized so that environmental sustainability can be achieved. Two scenarios were compared, one with the microalgae growth in a high-rate algal pond (HRAP) (scenario 1) and the other in a hybrid reactor, formed by a HRAP and a biofilm reactor (BR) (scenario 2). LCA highlighted the electric power mix, representing, on average, 60% of the total environmental impacts in both scenarios. The valorization of MB in briquettes needs to consume less energy to offset its yield. The environment suffered pressure in freshwater eutrophication, due to the release of 3.1E-05 and 3.9E-05 kg of phosphorus equivalent; in fossil resources scarcity, with the extraction of 1.4E-02 and 4.5E-02 kg of oil equivalent; and in climate change, by the emission of 1.0E-01 and 1.9E-01 kg of carbon dioxide (CO 2) equivalent, in scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. Scenario 1 was highly damaging to terrestrial ecotoxicity, with the release of 3.5E-01 kg of 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, coming from the CO 2 used in MB growth. This category was the one that most negatively pressured the environment, differing from scenario 2, in which this input was not required. This was the only impact category in which scenario 2 had a better environmental performance when compared to scenario 1. Cotton, required in scenario 2, represented up to 87% of emissions in some of the evaluated categories. Despite the impacts that occurred in the two modeled scenarios, the environmental gains due to the use of wastewater for microalgae growth, replacing the synthetic cultivation medium, stood out. In the sensitivity analysis, two alternative scenarios were proposed: (i) electricity consumption for drying has been reduced, due to the natural decrease of MB humidity, and (ii) MB briquettes were considered a substitute for coal briquettes. Results indicated that pressures on climate change and fossil resource scarcity were eliminated in both scenarios and this also occurred for freshwater eutrophication in scenario 2. This paper contributes to the improvement and development of converting MB routes into more sustainable products, causing less pressure on the environment. Also, the study contributes to filling a gap in the literature, discussing methods and technologies to be improved, and consequently making microalgae biotechnology environmentally feasible and a potential renewable energy alternative. [Display omitted] • Environmental impacts of microalgae biomass briquette were obtained. • The environment was stressed on terrestrial ecotoxicity, by CO 2 supplementation. • The net energy of the process was negative due to drying. • Optimizing biomass drying improved energy and environmental performance. • Microalgae biomass briquettes to replace coal benefit the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]