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Alternanthera philoxeroides and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix offer significant nutritional benefits. This study evaluates the proximate composition, amino acid profile, GC-MS analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and EDX, and color values of edible paper sheets (EPSs) derived from Alternanthera philoxeroides incorporating different levels of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix flesh. The protein content in the EPSs varied based on fish flesh incorporation, peaking at 52.66% in Ap100/Hm300 (Non-boil). Protein and carbohydrate contents showed an inverse correlation across EPSs, with the highest carbohydrate content of 60.89% in sample Ap400/Hm0 (Boil). Lipid content was also found to correlate with H. molitrix flesh content in EPSs, ranging from 1.59% to 18.41%. Amino acid analysis identified 11 types, with methionine as the most prevalent, followed by leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine. GC-MS analysis revealed 51 bioactive compounds, including carbonic acid, hentriacontane, and various fatty acids. FT-IR analysis showed characteristic bonds, while color analysis displayed L* values ranging from 24.37 to 30.97. SEM analyses depicted the microstructure, surface view, and elemental composition of the EPSs, and EDX showed an abundance of Ca, N, K, O, C, Mg, Na, P, Cl, Mn, and Fe. Therefore, EPSs prepared from A. philoxeroides and H. molitrix could offer a promising approach for effectively utilizing aquatic biomass and providing both plant and animal nutrients to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hibiscus cannabinus (kenaf) is an annual fiber crop grown in warm seasons and known for its remarkable productivity; it has been cultivated worldwide for thousands of years as a fiber source. While every part of the plant can be utilized for some purpose, its primary significance lies in the diverse applications of its cellulosic fiber. Kenaf features a blend of long bast and short core fibers, rendering it suitable for various industrial uses. Initially utilized for cordage and livestock feed, kenaf's applications have expanded over the last century to encompass its utilization as paper pulp, biocomposites, textiles, biomass energy, seed oil, filtration aids, industrial absorbents, and even as a component of potting medium or as a potential source of medicine. Although traditionally a niche crop, the discovery of its diverse applications positions kenaf for rapid expansion in production in the upcoming decades. This article aims to explore the manifold applications of kenaf, highlighting those with the greatest future potential and discussing those that hold promise for commercial-level application with additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic melting is an effect of climate change; the use of fossil fuels in marine shipping emits large amounts of air emissions that impact climate change, and Arctic aquatic and human life. Swedish pulp and paper mills generate large amounts of waste and side streams that could be utilized. The production of forest-based biofuel may be a promising solution to achieve sustainable Arctic marine shipping. This review highlights the socio-economic impacts associated with the production of forest-based biofuel in Sweden, the related opportunities, challenges, knowledge gaps, and further need of research. From the economic perspective, it was found that the production and use of forest-based biofuel have short and long-term economic sustainability benefits: (a) short-term benefits, the use of the waste and side streams of the pulp and paper industry is a low-cost available feedstock, unlike first-generation biofuel from crops like corn forest-based biofuels neither require additional land use, water resources nor compete with food. (b) Long-term benefits: (i) the Swedish shipping sector depends on imported fossil fuels, these new biofuels can replace partly those imported fossil fuels that will reduce shipping costs, and generate economic benefits for local consumers. (ii) Usage of forest-based biofuels as blends with conventional fuels in existing engines will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Arctic shipping to the set limits in the region. (iii) One of the important socioeconomic impacts of forest-based biofuel production and use is the new job creation and employment opportunities that will impact the local communities and livelihoods of indigenous people in the area. From a societal perspective, stakeholder involvement is essential to address the sustainability challenges of biofuel production: EU policymakers need to encourage the production and use of biofuels by developing policies that promote biofuel use. Further studies are needed to develop more efficient and low-cost biofuel production routes, more investments in related research and development are required as well. Local indigenous communities must be involved in the decision-making process through surveys, local dialogues, and research studies. The production of forest-based biofuels has great potential and many social-economic impacts alongside the environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the economic viability of municipal household solid waste (organic matter + paper) for the production of gas, coke and biofuel through the pyrolysis and distillation process. The waste was collected in the city of Belém do Pará-Brazil and pretreated at the Federal University of Pará. The analyzed fraction (organic matter + paper) was subjected to the pretreatment of drying, crushing, and sieving and was subsequently subjected to proximate characterization and, finally, pyrolysis of the organic fraction (organic matter + paper) in a fixed bed reactor. Initially, it was necessary to review the literature, and with the yields obtained by pyrolysis of the fraction, economic feasibility analyses were carried out. The economic indicators for evaluating the most viable pyrolysis process were basic payback, discounted payback, net present value, internal rate of return, and profitability index, which are all financial metrics commonly used in investment analysis and decision making. These metrics provide valuable insights into the financial viability and attractiveness of investment projects. They are essential tools for assessing the feasibility and profitability of various ventures, helping decision-makers make informed choices in allocating resources. The analysis of the indicators showed the economic viability considering an analysis horizon of 10 years of materials based on organic material and paper. The breakeven point obtained was USD 0.96/dm3 and the minimum biofuel sales price found in this project was USD 1.30/dm3. The sensitivity research found that material costs (organic matter + paper), bio-oil yield, total project investment and electricity, respectively, are the variables that most affect the minimum biofuel sales price. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper uses the biomass of livestock, poultry manure and straw to study the resource utilization and integration technology by division and classification. The SPSS regression analysis and integration were applied to analyze the economic benefits of the base period (2018) and the audit period (2020). The analysis gives an opportunity in rural areas to reduce chemical fertilizers, pesticides, electricity and coal cost in planting, and this paper opens a novel window for utilizing renewable energy resources and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producers of biofuels for the EU market may use 'low ILUC-risk' certification as evidence that they have not deprived other economic sectors of feedstock material, and hence that indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions have been avoided. At present, the uptake of low ILUC-risk certification is limited to a handful of niche projects, as there is little commercial incentive for obtaining certification. This may be considered a missed opportunity, because low ILUC-risk farming methods offer a range of sustainability co-benefits beyond the mitigation of ILUC emissions. This paper examines the policy foundations of low ILUC-risk and develops policy recommendations that would aim to confer advantages to low ILUC-risk biofuels. Some weaknesses in the low ILUC-risk system's environmental safeguards are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper deals with the evaluation of the impact of newly developed biofuels together with a comparison with conventionally produced fuel, diesel, in terms of their impact on the technical and emission condition of a studied vehicle. The main energy and emission parameters of the internal combustion diesel engine were evaluated. For laboratory experiments, a discrete test method was used for comprehensive assessment, the procedure of which is described in the methodology of the paper together with a description of the measurement chain designed to achieve the determined results. The paper deals with the evaluation of the measured results of power, torque, consumption, and emissions such as CO2 and absorption coefficient. Among the technical parameters, the power and torque drop were observed for each biofuel. The decrease is attributed to lower values of calorific value, viscosity, and density. A positive effect was observed for the CO2 and absorption coefficient emission parameters, i.e., a decrease for each of the newly developed biofuels studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecofuels and their feedstock come in three main product classes: electrofuels (e-Fuels), biofuels, and non-biowaste-derived fuels. Ecofuels originate from non-fossil sources, derived from circular raw materials such as non-food organic waste, renewable hydrogen, and captured CO2 through a rapid process of carbon fixation. Proposed regulation drafts under discussion indicate that new fuels would need to reach a substantial degree of climate neutrality. The manufacture of all ecofuels, however, requires energy input to accomplish the conversion of the initial feedstock; their climate neutrality claims stem from the use of renewable electric energy and/or biomasses in the production process, but fossil fuels are still the main primary sources of global (and the EU's) electric power, and most biofuels consumed in the EU transport mix are still crop-based, with potential conflicts with food and land use. Furthermore, entirely neglecting GHG emissions from renewable energy generation is scientifically debatable, as the impact of the energy (and the related GHG emissions) embedded in the materials used to build renewable energy facilities is small, but not nil. The paper reports ecofuel trends according to the above-mentioned originating technologies and discusses the issues related to their development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion chromatography and related techniques have been the most popular separation methods used in the determination of organic and inorganic anions and cations, predominantly in water and wastewater samples. Making progress in their development and introducing new stationary phases, methods of detection and preparation of samples for analyses have given rise to the broadening of their analytical range. Nowadays, they are also used for substances that are not ionic by nature but can convert to such forms under certain conditions. These encompass, among others, carbohydrates, whose role and significance in humans' lives and environment is invaluable. Their presence in the air is mostly due to the industrial burning of biomass for energy production purposes. In addition, the content of sugars in plants, fruits and vegetables, constituting the base of human diets, affects our health condition. Given that, there is not only a need for their determination by means of routine methods but also for searching for novel analytical solutions. Based on literature data from the past decade, this paper presents the possibilities and examples of applications regarding ion chromatography and related techniques for the determination of carbohydrates in environmental samples, biomass and plants constituting food or raw materials for food production. Attention has been paid to the virtues and limitations of the discussed separation methods in this respect. Moreover, perspectives on their development have been defined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the first study of phyco-remediation of cyantraniliprole, a second-generation diamide insecticide with high toxicity and persistence in aquatic environments, using the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Cultures of C. reinhardtii were treated with four concentrations of cyantraniliprole (0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm). The removal efficiency, antioxidant responses, and biomass composition of the microalga were measured after 1 h and one week of exposures. C. reinhardtii was able to remove cyantraniliprole from the medium by biodegradation, biotransformation, bioaccumulation, and bio-adsorption mechanisms, achieving up to 87.0% removal within 1 h and 84.5% after one week. The microalga also maintained acceptable levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, indicating its tolerance to cyantraniliprole stress. Moreover, some treated cultures (especially those with 25 and 50 ppm cyantraniliprole) showed enhanced specific growth rate, and biomass productivity compared to control cultures. In addition, those with 50 and 100 ppm cyantraniliprole showed enhanced carbohydrate and lipid concentrations compared to the control cultures. These results suggest that C. reinhardtii is a promising candidate for bioremediation of cyantraniliprole-contaminated water and biofuel production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change intensifies and the need to reduce human-caused emissions becomes more urgent, transitioning to a bio-based economy is essential. This paper explores the diverse industrial applications of plant oils as sustainable alternatives to petroleumbased products, including their use in food, polymers, lubricants, surfactants, pesticides, emollients, and biofuels. This review delves into biosynthetic pathways, detailing the key enzymes and processes involved in the synthesis of triacylglycerol. It thoroughly discusses how genetic and metabolic engineering can not only increase oil yields but also modify fatty acid compositions to better meet industrial requirements. By understanding genetics and utilizing advanced biotechnologies, the oil content and quality of plant sources can be significantly enhanced, aligning with both sustainability goals and industrial demands. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current uses and genetic engineering of plant oil production, proposing innovative strategies such as utilizing oils from biomass or cultivating non-edible oil crops. These approaches aim to establish a sustainable industrial system, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote the growth of an environmentally responsible biobased economy. Additionally, the review highlights future directions, examining the economic implications and environmental benefits of adopting plant oils across various sectors and positioning them as pivotal to achieving an eco-friendly, bio-based economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, Energy has become one of the most important issues. Negative environmental effects of fossil fuels lead countries to use renewable and sustainable energy sources day by day. In addition, energy supply and security have been an motivator factor in this field. This study focus on biomass that renewable and sustainable energy source. According to studies in literature, energy production from biomass resource less than other energy sources. The most important reason for this is the logistics costs. Therefore, biomass supply chain optimization is an important issue. In this study, mathematical models of biomass supply chain are reviewed. When the studies are evaluated, there are three approaches in modeling biomass supply chains. These approaches are as follows: 1) Collection and Distirubiton, 2) Selection, 3) Clustering. In additon, researchers generally focus on single-aim mixed integer mathematical models. However, recently, it is seen that there are multi-aim models in the literature for minimizing emissions as well as supply chain costs. In this study, general information about biomass and biomass supply chain, studies of in this area, mathematical models, details of published papers are given. Objective functions, cost/income items, methods of these models are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution caused by marine engines fueled with fossil fuels is a matter of growing significance. The search for renewable and clean energy sources and improvements in the way fossil fuels are burnt aims to reduce the environmental impact of these engines. For this purpose, fatty acid methyl esters were produced from pure canola oil using KOH-assisted methanol-based transesterification with a maximum yield of 90.68 ± 1.6%. The marine engine's model was created with CONVERGE software, followed by experimental verification. This paper examines the blended fuel characteristics of a diesel engine with biodiesel blends (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) at different loads of engines (50%, 75%, and 100%). It also explores the variation in these characteristics of B10 (10% biodiesel–diesel blends) at three different load conditions and four different EGR rates (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). The results indicate that the addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel reduces CO, HC, and soot emissions, while increasing NOx emissions. Additionally, the EGR rate decreases NOx emissions but results in higher levels of soot, CO, and HC emissions. Finally, response surface methodology was used to elicit the engine's characteristics. It was determined that the optimum experimental operating conditions were 100% engine load, 6.9% biodiesel addition, and 7.7% EGR. The corresponding BTE, BSFC, NOx, and HC emissions were 38.15%, 282.62 g/(kW-h), 274.38 ppm, and 410.37 ppm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Τhis paper proposed a sustainable treatment scheme for effluents from fruit and vegetable processing industries with high organic load that combined heterotrophic microalgae cultivation with microalgae spray drying producing end-products of commercial interest (biofertilisers and/or animal feed). A pilot plant was operated with feedstock from a fruit and vegetable processing industry and its final products were assessed. The pilot plant was powered by renewable energy (solar energy supported by biomass), which minimized the carbon footprint and operating costs of the process. Through the ultimate analysis of the produced algae, it was evident that in all cases it could be commercialized as a solid NPK organic fertilizer being in line with the respective EU and Spanish legislation framework. As far as the animal feed perspective is concerned, the end-product of the pilot plant could be efficiently included in the feed of various animals, substituting a significant part of the animal feed required. The results from the implementation were used for the design of a full-scale implementation of the innovative treatment scheme, proving that 1.26 ton/d of microalgae could be produced, which could be later used as fertiliser and/or animal feed from the daily wastewater production of a medium sized fruit and vegetable processing company. From an environmental perspective, the proposed solution provides a gold standard example of the circular economy concept, since 1.15 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of sludge avoided could be saved. Additionally, the use of renewable energy (solar and biomass) will result in a saving of 0.531 kg of CO2 emissions per kWh consumed. Conclusively, the proposed treatment scheme could meet circularity and sustainability since the end-products quality permits their integration into new value chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam, a country in Southeast Asia, is anticipated to experience an increase in energy consumption due to the growth of its manufacturing and industrial sectors, which aims to establish Vietnam as the world's new production hub. Fossil fuels, which are ecologically unfriendly and quickly running out, are now Vietnam's primary energy source. Due to the detrimental effects of fossil fuels on the environment, we can apply strategic decision-making in the industrial sector to choose the best alternative for a renewable energy resource (RER). RERs such as solar energy, wind energy, solid waste energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, biofuel energy, and hydropower energy are important for generating energy and will be crucial for the survival of humanity, the planet, and other living things in the future. The actions of RER-based industrial development must be encouraged since they will make a significant contribution to overcome environmental impact limitations. The 2-tuple linguistic q -rung orthopair fuzzy set (2TL q -ROFS) is a novel development in fuzzy set theory that presents a decision-making method for selecting the most appropriate alternative. In this paper, we develop a family of the 2TL q -ROF Maclaurin symmetric mean aggregation operators such as the 2TL q -ROF Maclaurin symmetric mean (2TL q -ROFMSM) operator, the 2TL q -ROF dual Maclaurin symmetric mean (2TL q -ROFDMSM) operator and its weighted forms. We also look into a few of the proposed operators' properties and special cases. Then based on 2TL q -ROFS, a new Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model is constructed, which can use the decision makers' preferences to get the optimum objective weights for attributes. Next, we extend the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to 2TL q -ROF version which not only covers the uncertainty of human cognition but also gives decision makers a larger space to represent their decisions. Utilizing this model the best RER for Vietnam is selected. The outcomes of the hybrid 2TL q -ROF-DEMATEL-TOPSIS method reveal that among the energy resources, hydropower energy ranked highest, followed by biofuel energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In addition to the other uses for macroalgae, since the 1970s, there has been interest in using macroalgae as a source of biofuels, due to the high rates of productivity and intrinsic advantages over other biofuel crops such as not requiring land use or significant freshwater input. A wide range of conversion processes exist but anaerobic digestion was one of the first demonstrated and is still a widely proposed conversion pathway. To be economically viable and scalable within Europe, the industry will need to be based on a small number of fast growing, high-yielding European macroalgae species. There is a wide body of scientific work on the conversion of seaweeds to biofuel via anaerobic digestion. Main text: These studies demonstrate that the efficiency of this conversion pathway is highly variable between species, processing techniques, composition and digestor conditions. In this paper, we review this body of work specifically linking it to candidate species for European macroalgae bio-energy cultivation with the aim to promote the future development of the European macroalgal cultivation sector and allow for a better alignment with the requirements for biofuel production from macroalgae. Conclusions: Overall, anaerobic digestion of seaweed offers opportunities for large-scale energy production which avoids some of the issues that have faced previous generations of biofuels, but there are a number of key challenges to overcome to ensure wider adoption and economic viability. (1) Optimising the biomass production to ensure an economic and uniform feedstock with the composition optimised to increase desirable characteristics such as sugar content and the carbon and nitrogen ratio and to reduce inhibitory factors such as halogenated secondary metabolites, sulphur and heavy metals. (2) Improving conversion rates through co-digestion, pre-treatments and tailored microbial communities, using scalable and economically feasible technology. (3) Developing tailored microbial communities capable of utilising the diverse polysaccharides in seaweed feedstock and being tolerant of the saline conditions associated with them. Addressing these issues will deliver significant benefits towards the development of a bio-energy industry based on the anaerobic digestion of cultured seaweeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper delves into the intricate challenge of transforming microalgal biomass into biofuel through anaerobic digestion, elucidating its significance for sustainable energy production and waste management. Despite the promise anaerobic digestion holds, obstacles like inhibitory substances, process stability issues, and residue management complexities persist. Microalgal biomass, characterized by high biogas yields and carbon sequestration potential, emerges as a viable solution to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency. Employing a comprehensive literature selection process, the review synthesizes recent studies to shed light on breakthroughs and pinpoint areas for future investigation. Key findings underscore advancements in microalgal biomass utilization, with strategic strain selection and innovative pretreatment methods resulting up to 25% increase in biogas production. Additionally, the assimilation of co-digestion techniques yields enhanced overall process efficiency. Microalgal biomass demonstrates remarkable carbon sequestration capabilities, sequestering up to 60% of CO2 during the anaerobic digestion process. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that despite inhibitory substances posing challenges, innovative approaches have reduced inhibition by 15%, promoting more stable and efficient digestion. Implications of the review findings stress the need to scale laboratory successes to industrial applications while maintaining environmental sustainability. Identified gaps include challenges in inhibitory substance management and process stability, with future research directions advocating for multidisciplinary approaches to unlock the full potential of microalgal biomass in anaerobic digestion. In conclusion, the review contributes significantly to understanding the intricate relationship between microalgal biomass and anaerobic digestion, highlighting the importance of continued research and development to address existing challenges and advance towards a more regenerative bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody biomass has gained increased attention as a source of renewable energy. However, its categorization as a sustainable source of energy remains controversial, as its carbon neutrality depends on its end use, moisture content, bulk density, and the distance between the source of biomass and its end use. Due to these mediating factors, policies largely shape its sustainability and ability to mitigate emissions. This paper organizes and evaluates the current state of research through a systematic review of global literature from 2011 to 2021 (n = 345) on the governance of the production, transportation, sale, and use of woody biomass for energy. Peer-reviewed literature emphasizes the role of woody biomass as a decentralized energy source for individual households and communities, focusing on its harvest, transport, and localized energy conversion. Policies primarily address land management and energy infrastructure rather than direct emissions reduction. Research gaps in policy within the Global South underscore the need to examine biomass regulation in regions with limited energy diversity. The key factors that drive the sustainable uptake of woody biomass include strict sustainability criteria, fiscal incentives, technological development, and wood utilization from across its value chain. Effective policy implementation increases rural employment, boosts rural economies, provides energy security to remote areas, improves overall environmental sustainability, reduces emissions, and improves land management practices. Our systematic review reveals that future research should focus on improving conversion efficiencies in small-scale systems, reducing emissions in the international trade of woody biomass, and using the wood value chain to increase the profitability of bioenergy products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the study of an amperometric glucose biosensor based on an enzymatic biofuel cell consisting of a bioanode and a biocathode modified with the same enzyme—glucose oxidase (GOx). A graphite rod electrode (GRE) was electrochemically modified with a layer of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles embedded in a poly(pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid) (PPCA) shell, and an additional layer of PPCA and was used as the cathode. A GRE modified with a nanocomposite composed of poly(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione) (PPD) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) entrapped in a PPCA shell was used as an anode. Both electrodes were modified with GOx by covalently bonding the enzyme to the carboxyl groups of PPCA. The developed biosensor exhibited a wide linear range of 0.15–124.00 mM with an R2 of 0.9998 and a sensitivity of 0.16 μA/mM. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were found to be 0.07 and 0.23 mM, respectively. The biosensor demonstrated exceptional selectivity to glucose and operational stability throughout 35 days, as well as good reproducibility, repeatability, and anti-interference ability towards common interfering substances. The studies on human serum demonstrate the ability of the newly designed biosensor to determine glucose in complex real samples at clinically relevant concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae play a crucial role in various sectors, such as biofuel production or environmental monitoring. The ability to accurately classify and analyze microalgae species from optical images is vital for advancing research and applications. Generally, the data regarding the population of microalgae constitute a valuable input for machine-learning algorithms whose aim is to classify real data derived from optical images of microalgae cells. However, obtaining a diverse dataset of microalgae populations to train machine-learning models can be challenging and resource-intensive. This paper presents a machine-learning algorithm based on a dataset of algal records generated by a simulation model. The simulation model uses a combination of mathematical models, probabilistic distributions, and biological knowledge to create realistic data on microalgae populations. The dataset generated from the developed model serves as a resource for training and validation of the subsequent machine-learning model proposed for the microalgae classification task. The machine learning model, trained on this synthetic data, can subsequently be applied to efficiently classify and analyze optical images of real microalgae populations, leading to improved precision and reliability in the identification of species useful to produce biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro-food industry generates important quantities of by-products, often considered waste, which represent for the companies huge costs of handling and disposal. On the other hand, they contain copious amounts and varieties of compounds that, appropriately extracted, purified, and processed, can be valued in several industrial sectors. Their exploitation generates an improvement of the sustainability performance of the supply chains, since it generates economic advantages, making available new commercial products and reducing disposal costs, improves the environmental performance of the agro-industrial productions, and allows new employment opportunities, thanks to the development of new industrial sectors. The Percival project aims to valorize the byproducts of agro-industrial supply chains of South of Italy, converting them into high-added value products, through innovative, efficient, and low environmental impact processes, going for the development of technologies that could represent new business opportunities for this territory. Particularly, the project deals with the development of processes for pretreatment, extraction, separation, and chemical/biotechnological transformation, using a biorefinery cascade approach. Indeed, the study of processes having the purpose of converting the residues from the above-mentioned transformations into advanced biofuels (biomethane) and agricultural products (e.g. soil improver and bio-stimulants) are also included in the project’s scope. The present paper provides an overview of the Percival project, along with the evaluation of the availability of residual biomasses from the supply chains of typical Southern agricultural products, and the valuable bioproducts achievable from these feedstocks, through a biorefinery processing scheme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper a comparative study is presented between thermochemical routes of pyrolysis (PR), Supercritical water gasification (SCWG), steam reforming (SR), oxidative reforming (OR) and autothermal reforming (ATR) aiming hydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass (LB). For this, thermodynamic approaches were used, based on Gibbs energy minimization (minG) and entropy maximization (maxS) methods, in order to represent isothermal and adiabatic reactors, respectively. To carry out the simulations, the GAMS 23.9.5 software and the CONOPT3 solver were used. The results obtained demonstrated that the regions of greatest hydrogen formation were at high temperatures (≥ 900 K) and at the lowest pressures tested (5 bar for PR; 230 bar for SCWG and 1 bar for the other thermochemical routes). Furthermore, it was verified which type of operation (adiabatic or isothermal) is most favourable for hydrogen production. The adiabatic operation proved to be more important and productive for SCWG and the isothermal operation proved to be efficient for all other thermochemical routes studied. It was also found that adiabatic reactors resulted in higher H2 productivity for SR and PR processes; and isothermal reactors resulted in better quality of gas produced for the OR, ATR and SCWG processes. SR presented the best result for the quality of H2 (47% in the product stream at 1 bar and 1000 K) produced. Exothermic reaction behaviours were observed for ATR, OR and for SCWG reactions, the other thermochemical routes presented endothermic characteristics in most of the operational ranges studied. The proposed thermodynamic models proved to be fast and effective in the calculations carried out in this paper, with computational times of less than 5 seconds in all performed simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2030 sustainable development goal (SDG7) target progress indicators show that developing countries are off track. Ethiopia's low performance to the SDG7 has endangered its economic, societal, and environmental sustainability. The performance in clean cooking has contested its policy, institutional setup, and R&D. The objective of this paper lies in evaluating four improved cook stoves against a traditional stove based on fuel consumption, cooking time, and emission. The study would contribute to solving the clean-cooking challenges by giving scientific evidence on the technological status of these stoves. The evaluation results show that the TCS consumed 2.7 kg of fuel, had a cooking time of 1:30 h, and used 4.3 kg CO2 per cooking period. Similarly, the ICSs required: 1.2 kg, 2 h, and 1.9 kg (EZY); 1.5 kg, 3 h, and 2.4 kg (Tikikkle); and 1.4 kg, 5 h, and 3.2 kg (Lakech), respectively. In addition, these stoves registered a thermal efficiency of 25, 17, and 19%, respectively. The metal body, insulation, and air inlet caused EZY to perform better. However, these technologies are low-order technologies, and their performance is found to be a major locking factor in ICS adoption. This evidence would help ICS actors to understand where to intervene for better adoption. Furthermore, the authors gave implementation fix recommendations to improve ICS programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents methodologies and equipment for SI-traceable inline measurements of water content (a critical quality parameter) in solid biofuels. Inline measurement systems for water content are commonly used at CHP plants, providing continuous real-time data. However, the accuracy of these systems is in most cases unsatisfactory, mainly because the systems are not calibrated representatively for the relevant material, and until now, calibrations traceable to the SI system have not been available. To provide reliable and accurate inline water content data, new procedures and equipment for calibrating measurement systems were developed. Two reference methods for the determination of water content were developed; one measures the airflow and dewpoint of desorbed water in the air passing a test sample, while the other uses a P2O₅-sensor. Additionally, a transfer standard based on a cavity resonance sensor was developed for fast onsite calibration of the inline sensor at the power plant. This new instrument allows for quick and accurate measurements. The transfer standard is made metrologically traceable to the primary measurement standards. The entire system was demonstrated by calibrating an inline microwave-based (MW) sensor at the CHP plant of VERDO in Randers, Denmark. Thus, a complete metrological traceability chain was established from an industrial to a primary standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of civilization is related to an increase in energy demand, while its production is still based mainly on fossil fuels. The release of carbon into the environment, which disturbs the balance of the global system, is the consequence of using these fuels. One possible way to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy sector is the widespread use of cover crops' biomass for energy production. The aim of this paper is to critically review the knowledge on the dissemination of catch and cover crops' cultivation in different regions of the world, and the yield, chemical composition and biomethane potential of their biomass. Additionally, the environmental benefits, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with this biomass use in the energy sector, are considered. The review showed that the aboveground biomass of cover and catch crops is a valuable source for the production of bioenergy in biogas plants. However, the key role of these crops is to prevent soil degradation. Therefore, changes in biomass target use must be preceded by a multi-aspect analysis that allows their impact on the environment to be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combustion of fossil fuels constitutes a significant catalyst for climate change, resulting in the annual release of about two billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2). The increase in CO2 emission is directly linked to a heightened occurrence of natural calamities and health-related issues. The substitution of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources is a fundamental approach to reduce the negative impacts caused by consumption of these nonrenewable energy resources. The utilisation of biological methodologies to produce environmentally friendly energy from renewable sources holds significant potential for the sustainable production of fuel. However, the cultivation of first- and second-generation biofuel crops presents a challenge, since they compete for limited cropland, hence constraining their overall viability. In contrast, photosynthetic microorganisms such as algae and cyanobacteria exhibit significant potential as third-generation biofuel catalysts, devoid of the limitations associated with contemporary biofuels. Cyanobacteria, a type of photosynthetic prokaryotes, exhibit significant potential for the direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into biofuels, chemicals, and various other valuable compounds. There has been a growing interest in the concept of utilising biological processes to convert carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. The introduction of a limited number of heterologous genes has the potential to confer upon cyanobacteria the capability to convert particular central metabolites into a diverse range of end products. The progress in the field of synthetic biology and genetic manipulation has enabled the manipulation of cyanobacteria to synthesise compounds that are not generally produced by these organisms in their natural environment. This study focuses on recent papers that employ various methodologies to engineer cyanobacteria for the purpose of producing high-value compounds, such as biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of events such as high-altitude electromagnetic pulses, extreme solar storms, and coordinated cyber attacks could result in a catastrophic loss of infrastructure on a continental or global scale. The lengthy repair of critical infrastructure creates a need for alternative fuels such as wood gas. Wood gas is produced by heating wood in a low-oxygen environment and can be used to power combustion engines. This work investigates a novel wood chipper, designed as an energy-efficient tool for producing wood gas stock, wood chips, aiming to speed up the transition to alternative fuel. A prototype is built and tested to determine the energy efficiency and production rate of the device. The results suggest that the wood chipper could produce one cord of wood chips, 3.6 m3, in less than a day and is a viable alternative to other manual wood-processing methods. In addition, the global scaling up of production of the wood chipper is considered, indicating that the mass production of the wood chipper could accelerate the transition of wood gas production methods from manual to machine-driven immediately after a catastrophic event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search of sustainable route for biofuel production from renewable biomass have garnered wide interest to seek for various routes without compromising the environment. Co-pyrolysis emerges as a promising thermochemical route that can improve the pyrolysis output from simultaneously processing more than two feedstocks in an inert atmosphere. This paper focuses on the kinetic modeling and neuro-evolution optimization in the application of catalytic co-pyrolysis of microalgae and plastic waste using HZSM-5 supported on limestone (HZSM-5/LS), in which co-pyrolysis of binary mixture of microalgae and plastic wastes (i.e. High-Density Polyethylene and Low-Density Polyethylene) was investigated over different heating rates. The results have shown a positive synergistic effect between the microalgae and polyethylene in which the apparent activation energies values have reduced significantly (-20 kJ/mol) compared to that obtained by pyrolysis of individual microalgae component. The kinetic models reflect that the mixture of microalgae and Low-Density Polyethylene for use as co-pyrolysis feedstock requires activation energy that is 23% and 13% lower compared to that required by pure microalgae and the mixture of microalgae and High-Density Polyethylene, respectively. The Progressive Depth Swarm-Evolution (PDSE) was used for neural architecture search, which subsequently provided optimal reaction condition at 873 K can achieve 99.6 % of degradation rate using a tri-combination of LDPE (0.13 %) + HDPE (0.77 %) + MA (0.11 %) in the presence of HZSM-5/LS catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigates the decarbonization potential of large-scale implementation of BECCS (in the form of biomass co-firing and post-combustion amine-based CO2 capture) in over 150 existing coal-fired power plants in China, combining GIS-based geospatial analysis of biomass availability from agricultural residues and modelling of the techno-environmental performance of the retrofitted power plants. Using a 500-m resolution map of cropland in China, the availability of residual biomass at a radius of 25–100 km from each power plant is estimated. The biomass yield is then matched with the required input for a set of co-firing scenarios, identified by the optimal mix of different co-firing ratios (10%, 25%, and 40%) and increasing % of total plant's capacity to be retrofitted with the chosen BECCS system. Power generation performance and required biomass for the retrofitted plants are modelled in the Integrated Environmental Control Model (IECM). According to the results, the total decarbonization potential of the modelled large-scale implementation of BECCS ranges from 0.3 to 1.8 Gt CO2/yr (15–81% of BAU emissions), depending on the biomass collection radius. The Chinese provinces of Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Henan have the most potential for BECCS implementation, while coal-rich regions (e.g. Inner Mongolia) or highly developed coastal areas (Guangdong, Zhejiang) are constrained by local biomass availability. Overall, this work demonstrates the significant potential of the sustainable large-scale implementation of BECCS in China and provides suggestions to policymakers to include this technology in the portfolio of solutions towards carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low carbon renewable energy complementary cogeneration system has broad application prospects in the field of regional comprehensive energy utilization. The author proposes a trough solar assisted biomass cogeneration system that utilizes medium to low temperature trough solar energy to heat conduction oil and drive an absorption heat pump to preheat the water in the heating network, saving heating and steam extraction and increasing power output while maintaining a constant biomass fuel and heating volume. The EBSILON Professional software was used to model and simulate the case unit and integrated system, and based on this, thermodynamic characteristics such as system energy flow and energy loss were analyzed. The results show that under design conditions, a solar power generation capacity of 1.79 MWh can be generated, with a photoelectric efficiency of 20.07% and a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 21.61%. This can provide theoretical guidance for the research and practical application of solar energy and biomass energy in integrated cogeneration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of biochar by slow pyrolysis systems is a promising technology to achieve negative emissions. In this paper, an energy analysis model for a biomass-based biochar production plant utilising the slow pyrolysis process is presented. The model was used to evaluate the energy analysis of a plant processing lignocellulosic biomass. The energy analysis considered the main technical parameters of this type of plant, including the moisture content of the biomass, the moisture after drying, the pyrolysis temperature and the characteristics of the biomass. The results showed the heat losses for each component of the plant and the recoverable useful heat from the production process, which represents about 16% of the chemical energy originally contained in the biomass. Although this is a secondary output, this aspect is important for analysing the sustainability of the biochar production chain. The energy analysis enabled by the model presented is indeed a valuable tool for the technical, economic and environmental assessment of biochar production plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of alternative technologies is crucial to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gasses, especially in the transport sector, which is largely dependent on fossil fuels. Considering this, biorefineries are playing a pivotal role in the generation of value-added products, such as biofuels, green hydrogen (H2) and green ammonia (NH3). These compounds have potential to be applied in the industrial supply chain or across different sectors, particularly in mobility. Hydrogen stands out for its impressive gravimetric energy density, being a strong candidate for the future of mobility. However, H2 compression requires a high energy demand and pressure over 700 bar, which is challenging for safety reasons. To circumvent this issue, the use of hydrogen carriers, such as green ammonia, is proposed as a solution. In this scenario, NH3 is reformed in a reactor to produce H2 onboard, which is sent to a fuel cell to convert H2 into electricity. Even so, it has been unclear which process is more efficient: either green H2 production and compression or green NH3 production and its reforming for onsite H2 generation. Therefore, this paper presents the theoretical evaluation of the energy efficiency of both systems, using Aspen Plus® Software. Considering that both processes start from sugarcane bagasse gasification, the system of H2 compression required less energy and showed a slightly higher H2 output than onboard production. Through a sensitivity analysis, it was seen that NH3 reforming is maximised at 1 bar and high temperatures. In the future, it is possible to improve the green NH3 system to become more competitive [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Sugar palm bunch/SPB (Arenga longipes Mogea) waste is a lignocellulosic material derived from the harvest of sugar palm fruit (kolang-kaling). Therefore, this study aims to examine the anatomical, physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of SPB. The anatomical characterization results showed that SPB had two forms of fibrovascular bundles (FVBs), namely large and small. Based on morphology, SPB fibers had a length, diameter, average lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness of approximately 1346.42 ± 415.71 μm, 20.05 ± 3.81 μm, 11.82 ± 2.95 μm, and 4.12 ± 1.08 μm, respectively. FVB tissue of the sample had a fairly high density of 4–6 FVB per 4 mm2 with a non-vascular area/total area ratio of 57.25%. The results showed that the sample contained 45.31 ± 3.20% cellulose, 23.21 ± 3.73% hemicellulose, 27.23 ± 4.23% lignin, and 1.39 ± 0.32% ash content. In addition, the extractive content that dissolved in hot water, cold water, ethanol-benzene, and 1% NaOH was 4.79 ± 0.84%, 7.12 ± 0.68%, 7.27 ± 2.38%, and 29.81 ± 3.78%, respectively. The GC–MS analysis results showed that A. longipes bunch contained several compounds, including carboxylic acid (tetradecanoic, octadecanoic), methoxy group (3-hydoxyphthalide), and palmitic acid. Meanwhile, the FTIR analysis showed the presence of OH groups with high intensity, which were identified as aromatic groups, as well as phenol groups recognized as lignin. Based on these results, characteristics of SPB were more suitable as raw materials for biomass energy, absorbent activated carbon, composite board, and surfactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined heat and power (CHP) plants fueled by biomass can collect and utilize waste straw resources in a productive way. This paper considers the impact of regional factors on biomass energy potential and the energy needs of the population, so as to study the differences in construction of biomass CHP plants and the collection scope of raw materials, and proposes evaluating suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. Taking five counties in China as its study areas, this paper assesses biomass energy potential. A topology system of biomass CHP plants has been reasonably established in different counties through ArcGIS, the required installed capacity has been calculated according to the number of persons served by such plants. Finally, the collection length and corresponding value range of raw materials of CHP plants along roads has been obtained based on biomass energy potential and energy demand. The result shows that the differences in area, straw yield and biomass fuelization rate depending on regions have a great impact on biomass energy potential, while the residue-to-product ratio of straw and biomass calorific value have less of an impact. When the biomass energy per capita of a region reaches 9.75GJ/person, it is suitable for biomass energy development. The installed capacity in the biomass CHP plant system of each study area is mostly within the scope of 3–59 MW, and the collection length of corresponding biomass resources of such plants along roads is mostly within the scope of 5.09–25.23 km. • Assessment of biomass energy potential based on regional biomass differences. • Suitability for biomass energy development based on scope of resource collection. • Strategies for biomass plant system construction in different regions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is an important basic resource for the development of human society. This paper develops a decision support system for collaborative optimization of biomass energy and intelligence using biomass energy and smart energy management technology. Explain the various methods by which biomass can be transformed into usable energy for power plants. A smart energy management model is constructed using Internet of Things technology, and its performance prediction model is predicted using the gray prediction model. To study the optimal allocation of energy in the system constructed in this paper, the objective function and constraints are built using carbon capture technology, and the optimal allocation conditions of energy are calculated. After experimental analysis, it was found that in 2020, biomass energy power generation reached 29 million kilowatts, which was 020.1 million kilowatts higher than in 2015. The co-optimization strategy of biomass energy and smart energy constructed in this paper supports the energy utilization efficiency of the system to reach more than 60%. Compared to the traditional energy division system, the constructed system saves an annual cost of 52.71%. The payback period was shortened to 3.31 years, resulting in a net present value increase of 2.8991 million yuan. The energy synergy system’s power supply produces the least amount of carbon dioxide from an environmental perspective and has been stabilized at 50 kg.

Lignocellulosic biomass holds a crucial position in the prospective bio-based economy, serving as a sustainable and renewable source for a variety of bio-based products. These products play a vital role in displacing fossil fuels and contributing to environmental well-being. However, the inherent recalcitrance of biomass poses a significant obstacle to the efficient access of sugar polymers. Consequently, the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars remains a prominent challenge in biorefinery processes to produce biofuels and biochemicals. In addressing these challenges, extensive efforts have been dedicated to mitigating biomass recalcitrance through diverse pretreatment methods. One noteworthy process is Ammonia Fiber Expansion (AFEX) pretreatment, characterized by its dry-to-dry nature and minimal water usage. The volatile ammonia, acting as a catalyst in the process, is recyclable. AFEX contributes to cleaning biomass ester linkages and facilitating the opening of cell wall structures, enhancing enzyme accessibility and leading to a fivefold increase in sugar conversion compared to untreated biomass. Over the last decade, AFEX has demonstrated substantial success in augmenting the efficiency of biomass conversion processes. This success has unlocked the potential for sustainable and economically viable biorefineries. This paper offers a comprehensive review of studies focusing on the utilization of AFEX-pretreated biomass in the production of second-generation biofuels, ruminant feed, and additional value-added bioproducts like enzymes, lipids, proteins, and mushrooms. It delves into the details of the AFEX pretreatment process at both laboratory and pilot scales, elucidates the mechanism of action, and underscores the role of AFEX in the biorefinery for developing biofuels and bioproducts, and nutritious ruminant animal feed production. While highlighting the strides made, the paper also addresses current challenges in the commercialization of AFEX pretreatment within biorefineries. Furthermore, it outlines critical considerations that must be addressed to overcome these challenges, ensuring the continued progress and widespread adoption of AFEX in advancing sustainable and economically viable bio-based industries. • We review AFEX-pretreated biomass for biofuels, animal feed and bioproducts production. • Biomass recalcitrance poses a major challenge for efficient access to sugar polymers for biofuels and biochemicals. • AFEX pretreatment facilitates opening cell walls, enhances enzyme accessibility and sugar conversion. • We discuss the mechanism of action of NH 3 on lignocellulosic structure of biomass. • Substantial effect of AFEX on increasing biomass conversion efficiency is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

Electricity significantly influences the long-term development of society. Traditional power generation technologies have encountered numerous challenges. The rising demand for power generation and the scarcity of fossil fuel resources have prompted the adoption of renewable energy sources. Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be utilized to generate power and promote a more sustainable environment. This paper presents improved Pythagorean Probabilistic Hesitancy Fuzzy Set (PPHFS) multi-criteria information fusion processes. The development of connection numbers (CN) and the proposal of a distance measure between CNs have been initiated. The suggested solution involves a distance measure based on the CN score function. Set-pair analysis (SPA) is a prior uncertainty theory that incorporates three elements of CN and overlaps with the PPHFS. Biomass energy generation poses a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem that requires a wide range of resources for evaluation. The study introduces a novel Projection Ranking by Similarity to the Referencing Vector (PRSRV) and Simultaneous Evaluation of Criteria and Alternatives (SECA) to effectively handle data ambiguity and generate weights for all criteria in the MCDM problem. The criteria's weights were found to fall within the range of 0.2122 and 0.0232. The proposed method indicates that animal residues are the most desirable resource for bioenergy production, followed by municipal solid residues, agricultural residues, forest and crop residues, industrial residues, and algae. The research aims to assist decision-makers and organizations in evaluating and prioritizing various energy sources on a sustainable scale. The method presented exhibits superior data adaptability compared to other MCDM approaches. • An innovative perspective for assessing biomass energy sustainability is considered. • An innovative PRSRV system developed for sustainability priority. • PPHFS reveals the unpredictability and complexity of assessment parameters. • A hybrid PPHFS-SECA method was used to determine the weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In the global effort to reduce CO 2 emissions, the concurrent enhancement of pollutant degradation and reductions in fossil fuel consumption are pivotal aspects of microalgae-mediated wastewater treatment. Clarifying the degradation mechanisms of bacteria and microalgae during pollutant treatment, as well as regulatory biolipid production, could enhance process sustainability. The synergistic and inhibitory relationships between microalgae and bacteria are introduced in this paper. The different stimulators that can regulate microalgal biolipid accumulation are also reviewed. Wastewater treatment technologies that utilize microalgae and bacteria in laboratories and open ponds are described to outline their application in treating heavy metal-containing wastewater, animal husbandry wastewater, pharmaceutical wastewater, and textile dye wastewater. Finally, the major requirements to scale up the cascade utilization of biomass and energy recovery are summarized to improve the development of biological wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • The synergistic and antagonistic interactions between bacteria and microalgae are summarized. • Different stimulators that could regulate microalgal biolipid accumulation are also reviewed. • Wastewater treatment technologies that utilize microalgae and bacteria in the laboratory and open ponds are described. • The trends in microalgae-bacterial consortium in multistage energy production are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa has been experiencing an energy crisis since 2007 and continues to the present. This has resulted in load-shedding (action to interrupt electricity supply to avoid excessive load on the generating plant). One way to address this problem is to further explore the potential and contribution of bioenergy through research conducted and implementing energy reports. Therefore, the study aims to provide the state of bioenergy and its contribution to the country's economic sector and to enhance the replacement of fossil fuels with bioenergy resources and technology. A total blackout of 15,913 h has been experienced since 2014, according to the weekly system status report released by ESKOM. The power utility (Eskom) responsible for power generation and utility has attributed this problem to insufficient generation and capacity. Based on this, the country is embarking on solving this problem. Although the country is dominated by coal (fossil fuel), constituting 73.8% of the total energy supply, this poses a serious environmental risk and health hazard. Renewable energy is considered an alternative energy source, and its introduction and implementation look promising in reducing and solving the current energy crisis. With abundant renewable energy potential, representing 8.7% of the total energy supply, around 85% is bioenergy. This review's findings revealed that bioenergy contributed mainly towards heat, and fuels admit other energy sources, which is recommended. Therefore, its deployment on a large scale is promising and possible. This study will guide and further encourage the deployment of bioenergy projects in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]