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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]

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]

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]

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]