Biomass Pellet-Fired Boilers

Biomass plants are facilities that generate electricity by harnessing the energy stored in organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and dedicated energy crops. They provide a sustainable and renewable source of energy by utilizing biomass, which is a carbon-neutral fuel. Biomass plants convert biomass materials into heat, which then drives a turbine to produce electricity. These plants help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills and utilizing it for energy production. They play a crucial role in promoting energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Biomass plants also contribute to rural development by creating jobs and supporting local economies through the cultivation and processing of biomass materials. They can be designed to co-generate heat and power, maximizing the efficiency and utilization of the biomass feedstock. Biomass plants can be integrated with existing energy infrastructure, making them flexible and adaptable to different energy systems. As renewable energy sources, biomass plants play a vital role in combating climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable and lowcarbon future. Their ability to provide baseload power makes them a reliable and resilient option in the energy mix. Renewable Energy Transition: Biomass plants offer a significant pathway for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Their ability to convert organic waste and biomass materials into electricity provides an alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. Sustainable Waste Management: Biomass plants play a vital role in sustainable waste management by diverting organic waste from landfills and utilizing it as a valuable resource for energy production. This reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal and promotes a circular economy approach. Energy Security and Independence: Biomass plants contribute to energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. They provide a domestic and renewable energy source, helping to stabilize energy prices and enhance energy independence. Methodology refers to the systematic and structured approach used to conduct research or study a particular subject. It outlines the methods, techniques, and procedures employed to gather, analyze, and interpret data in order to address research questions or objectives. The methodology provides a clear roadmap for researchers, ensuring that their study is conducted in a rigorous and systematic manner, leading to reliable and valid results. A1 Energetic cultivation, A2 Forest and agricultural wastes, A3 Farming industrial waste, A4 Forest industrial waste. Power (Gwh/year), NPV (Euros ∗ 106), Maturity (1–5), Emissions(tCO2/y), Jobs. shows graphs and tables under topsis method Their ability to provide baseload power makes them a reliable and resilient option in the energy mix

Importance of reducing GHG emissions in power transmission and distribution systems

Kicking the Oil Addiction

The development of urban settlements and the quality of their spaces are related to wide range of different factors, where the basis is natural capital, its components and the benefits provided from them in the form of ecosystem services. The greenery in the city significantly affects the effects of climate change. Green areas are increasing in Slovakia but the cities still do not fully exploit the potential of micro-regulatory ecosystem services. We need to focus more on reducing heat islands, dust, noise, or impacts of weather changes. The impact of greenery in cities has a positive effect on the lives of the inhabitants and urban temperature islands have a negative impact on the health of the people who live in them. The effect of temperature islands can be significantly influenced by "green buildings". We can therefore consider climate change and its negative effects to be one of the greatest threats to stability and prosperity, and it is rightly expected that the urban environment will be threatened to an even greater extent. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to ensure quality of life in the future. Thus, our settlements should not only urgently proceed to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, but also systematically prepare for the expected negative effects of climate change. Mitigation of the negative impacts of climate change is vitally important for our cities. Effective measures reducing greenhouse gas emissions (transition to renewable energy sources, changes in land use, changes in the transport system, increased energy efficiency of buildings or sustainable waste management solutions) are the fundamental topics in this field. The second step of adaptation to climate change includes vulnerability assessments, potential risks in all key areas and measures proposed to reduce the city's vulnerability. Main purpose of this paper is to entirely analyse process of cooperation of the city management with the public and private sector in relation to the implementation of mitigation and adaptation climate measures. Concluding, we are providing proposed and implemented measures and activities in the field of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their practical demonstrations in the city of Bratislava.

Objective: Ghana has an abundance of energy resources, including biomass, hydrocarbons, hydropower, solar, and wind. The purpose of this work is to explain the importance of using, woody biomass in particular as a renewable source of energy. To improve the utilization of all types of woody biomass, particularly those that are currently considered waste, this paper provides an analysis and overview of the possibilities for using wood waste as a renewable energy, as well as the challenges that producers in Ghana face due to underdeveloped markets and a large amount of capital required to begin production of briquettes and pellets. Methods: The research strategy is based on the use of secondary data obtained from the internet, as well as analytic and synthetic methods in the preparation of the paper. As a data source, the literature on the production and use of biomass was used. The "Journal of Renewable Energy Review" and other expert literature were used to determine the energy potential of woody biomass residues in Ghana. Results: More than 3.5 million m3 of wood is cut annually in Ghana to meet the energy demand. Wood biomass has traditionally been used for energy but the way it is used is outdated, and its efficiency is extremely low. Additionally, the current situation on wood biomass, management of waste in saw mills and, the need for future development of the industrial development is also briefly described. It is of great necessity to fulfill what is outlined in the Convention on Climate Change to transition to a more modern method of producing and using woody biomass. Conclusion: Biomass has the potential of replacing 25% of the total energy production. Woody biomass process at sawmills generates more than 20% of residues in form of briquettes and pellets, most of which are not exploited. Creation and utilizations wood waste is limited due to lack of technologies, markets, pollution of environment with primary and secondary waste, etc.

This study was conducted to evaluate cassava processing methods in Nigeria, its antinutritional components and the possible impact on the health status of children. The traditional method of cassava processing involved peeling of cassava tubers with a knife, manual grating, dewatering with logs of wood and/or stones, sieving with a cane‐woven sieve and frying in a local metal fryer on a wood fire. In contrast, the modern method involved the use of knives for peeling, a mechanical grater, a hydraulic press for dewatering, iron sieves for sieving and an improved metal fryer for frying on a coal fire. The products of both methods included gari (accounting for 70% of Nigeria's total cassava consumption) and lafun. The intake of gari and other foods in 129 3–5‐year‐old children in Benin City, Nigeria was also assessed based on a food frequency questionnaire. The children were classified into normal and protein‐deficient groups using lower/middle/upper‐arm circumference and clinical features of malnutrition. Based on the number of households in villages around Benin City who were involved in cassava processing, 90% used the traditional processing method compared with 10% using the modern method, although the latter controlled the commercial production and sale of gari. There were significantly (P < 0.05) higher intakes of protein and energy in normal compared with protein‐deficient children, but the latter group obtained higher percentages of protein and energy from gari. In addition, the correlation between the amount of gari consumed and clinical scores of malnutrition was low (R2 < 0.2). This may be due to the children consuming gari from both methods and also from different sources. The average gari intake for these children was 320 g day−1 and HCN levels may be as high as 10.24 mg day−1. Some children who are exposed to these levels with poor nutritional status and lack of access to food varieties may develop sublethal effects in the short term. The higher protein intake by the normal children may also reduce the toxicity of HCN. We conclude that methods of processing cassava have profound effects on HCN retention and chemical composition of cassava products. In addition, the modern processing method is more efficient than the traditional method, with significantly reduced processing losses, labour input and levels of HCN. The HCN content in combination with the quantity and quality of protein in the diet has significant impact on the health status of children. Therefore, in susceptible children with poor nutritional status who consume inadequately processed cassava products with limited food choice, these may predispose them to the effects of HCN and thiocyanate.© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry

Introduction. The issues of sustainable development, environmental protection and transition to a low-carbon economy remain relevant for countries worldwide, including the Russian Federation. In the context of global climate change and depletion of traditional energy sources, the need to develop "green" energy has become increasingly important. However, despite the presence of a certain potential, this sector in Russia is still underdeveloped, which is due to various economic, technological and legislative factors. There are numerous theoretical studies on renewable energy sources in the scientific literature, but many aspects of their functioning and development remain insufficiently explored. This scientific gap makes it difficult to fully understand the mechanisms and strategies for its further development.In connection with the above, this study aims to analyze the current features and trends in the development of green energy in the Russian Federation. The study will also identify potential obstacles and opportunities for the expansion of green energy, as well as ways to overcome negative aspects of its functioning. The objectives of the authors of the study are focused on analyzing the priorities of public policy in Russia as a signatory to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Kyoto Protocol on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, on determining the impact of public policy, technology and investment on the development of renewable energy sources, as well as on studying factors that can accelerate the country's transition to more sustainable energy models. The results of the study aim not only to fill a current gap in scientific knowledge, but also to provide the basis for developing recommendations that can help optimize energy policy in the country.Materials and Methods. The authors analyzed legislative materials related to the topic of study. Statistical data on the types of energy capacities in the country over the past decade were used. The study was conducted based on regulatory and legal acts of the Russian Federation. Results from monitoring the implementation of government programs and strategies on the issue were also studied. Content analysis, structural and functional analysis were used as main research methods. The current state of affairs in the energy industry was presented based on the analysis of hierarchies, which was a set of elements, each of which reflected a specific step in achieving the goal.Results. The clear growth of renewable energy sources (RES) use in the total global energy capacity has been explicated. It has been established that Russia is paying significant attention to the development of renewable energy sources, with a focus on introducing public-private partnerships in this area. Methods and principles of government support aimed at developing this sector, as well as competitive technologies (RES.1 and RES.2) for the commissioning of generating facilities using various forms of renewable energy, have been analyzed. It has been confirmed that the energy development roadmap in Russia corresponds to a proposed hierarchy of strategies based on a hybrid approach. Priorities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating pollution have also been established.Discussion and Conclusion. The data obtained from the research conducted by the authors indicates that Russia has started to move towards the active implementation of renewable energy sources while not disregarding the use of traditional energy from non-renewable resources, taking steps to minimize associated costs. The development of green energy in the country is still proceeding at a slow rate. Its development is hampered, on the one hand, by the already powerful potential of energy capacities, and on the other hand, by negative factors affecting both the production and use of renewable energy sources. While advocating for a faster transition to green energy, it is important to acknowledge that this process is fraught with challenges that must be predicted and addressed. To do so, a thorough analysis of the impact of different types of renewable energy sources on the environment and human health is necessary. Therefore, the introduction of renewable energy sources should be phased and carefully thought out. In this regard, this topic requires further study.

The greatest sustainability challenge facing humanity today is the greenhouse gas emissions and the global climate change with fossil fuels led by coal, natural gas and oil contributing 61.3% of global electricity generation in the year 2020. The cumulative effect of the Stockholm, Rio, and Johannesburg conferences identified sustainable energy development (SED) as a very important factor in the sustainable global development. This study reviews energy transition strategies and proposes a roadmap for sustainable energy transition for sustainable electricity generation and supply in line with commitments of the Paris Agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the rise in global average temperature to 1.5°C above the preindustrial level. The sustainable transition strategies typically consist of three major technological changes namely, energy savings on the demand side, generation efficiency at production level and fossil fuel substitution by various renewable energy sources and low carbon nuclear. For the transition remain technically and economically feasible and beneficial, policy initiatives are necessary to steer the global electricity transition towards a sustainable energy and electricity system. Large-scale renewable energy adoption should include measures to improve efficiency of existing nonrenewable sources which still have an important cost reduction and stabilization role. A resilient grid with advanced energy storage for storage and absorption of variable renewables should also be part of the transition strategies. From this study, it was noted that whereas sustainable development has social, economic, and environmental pillars, energy sustainability is best analysed by five-dimensional approach consisting of environmental, economic, social, technical, and institutional/political sustainability to determine resource sustainability. The energy transition requires new technology for maximum use of the abundant but intermittent renewable sources a sustainable mix with limited nonrenewable sources optimized to minimize cost and environmental impact but maintained quality, stability, and flexibility of an electricity supply system. Technologies needed for the transition are those that use conventional mitigation, negative emissions technologies which capture and sequester carbon emissions and finally technologies which alter the global atmospheric radiative energy budget to stabilize and reduce global average temperature. A sustainable electricity system needs facilitating technology, policy, strategies and infrastructure like smart grids, and models with an appropriate mix of both renewable and low carbon energy sources.

The rapid depletion of fossil fuels and increased environmental pollution due to vast fossil-fuel consumption is a thrust for efficient use of energy and exploration of renewable and clean energy sources.1 Generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind without producing carbon dioxide-an undesired green house pollutant, offers enormous potential for meeting future energy demands. In this direction, fuel cell technology has gained special attention as it provides promising and sustainable approach for the production of continuous power with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and higher efficiencies compared to combustion based technologies. In particular, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) have got attention as power sources due to advantages like use of methanol as fuel which has higher energy density (3800 kcal/l) than hydrogen (658 kcal/l, used as a fuel in proton exchange membrane fuel cells), safety and ease of handling the fuel (than H2) and low operating temperature. This offers quick start-up and extended durability of system components. The simple system design would be reflected as an ease in operation, reduced cost and high reliability. Hence, they are considered to be an ideal energy source for applications like automobile, portable devices, stationary systems, etc.2One of the major constraints in the development of high performance DMFCs is the low power density of the system due to poor catalytic performance at the electrodes and high capital cost due to use of expensive noble metal electro-catalysts. Hence, it is important to explore new electro-catalyst with reduced noble metal content at both anode and cathode to enhance the efficiency and power density of DMFC. Currently, Pt(Ru) alloy has been identified as a most active anode electro-catalyst for methanol electro-oxidation in DMFC. The synthesis of high surface area Pt(Ru) electro-catalyst is important to improve the reaction kinetics. In addition, efficient utilization of electro-catalyst by achieving high electrochemical active surface area is important, which can be accomplished by dispersing Pt(Ru) electro-catalyst on support with high surface area and superior electrical conductivity. The present study explores highly conductive nanostructured transition metal nitride (MN) as a potential support for Pt(Ru) electro-catalyst for methanol eletcro-oxidation. High surface area Pt(Ru)/MN (~125 m2/g) has been synthesized by wet chemical approach employing non-halide precursors of Pt and Ru. The electrochemical characterization has been carried out in 1 M methanol and 0.5 M sulfuric acid, used as fuel and electrolyte, using Pt wire as counter electrode and Hg/Hg2SO4 as reference electrode (+0.65 V with respect to NHE) and Pt loading of 0.3 mg/1cm2 at 400C. Pt(Ru)/MN shows promising performance for methanol oxidation, showing ~52% improved catalytic activity at ~0.65 V (vs NHE) in half-cell configuration and ~56% higher maximum power density in single DMFC study (Fig. 1) than that of commercial JM-Pt(Ru). This is attributed to well-dispersion of Pt(Ru) on MN (support of surface area of ~125 m2/g) offering high utilization of noble metals Pt and Ru, along with superior electrochemical active surface area and low charge transfer resistance for Pt(Ru)/MN than that of JM-Pt(Ru). Pt(Ru)/MN also shows superior electrochemical stability in half-cell configuration and single DMFC study than JM-Pt(Ru) electro-catalyst. Thus, the present study demonstrates the potential of MN as a support in improving the electrochemical activity of Pt(Ru) electro-catalyst, in the aim of achieving superior electrochemical performance and stability with reduced noble metal content for the electro-catalyst of DMFC. This portends significant reduction in the overall capital cost of DMFC system. Results of the synthesis, structural characterization and electrochemical activity of these electro-catalysts will be presented and discussed.

<abstract> <p>The growing demand for energy, driven by rapid economic development, necessitates higher electricity consumption. However, conventional energy systems relying on fossil fuels present environmental challenges, prompting a shift towards renewable energy sources. In Kosovo, coal-fired power plants dominate electricity production, highlighting the need for cleaner alternatives. Worldwide efforts are underway to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic systems using sustainable materials, essential for ecological and human health. Solar and wind energy are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels. However, global concerns about energy security and environmental sustainability are driving countries to prioritize renewable energy development.</p> <p>In Kosovo, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, is progressing rapidly. However, challenges such as voltage stability and power losses need to be addressed. Distributed generation offers a solution by increasing energy reliability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Further research is needed to assess the technical, economic, and environmental implications of integrating renewable resources into Kosovo's energy system, focusing on power quality, system reliability, and voltage stability. The research focused on the eastern region of the country, operating at the 110 kV substation level. Challenges in energy quality arise due to the lack of 400 kV supply and the continuous increase in energy consumption, especially in the Gjilan area. This paper investigated integrating renewable energy, especially wind and solar sources, into the medium- and long-term plans at the Gjilan 5 substation to enhance energy quality in the area. Successful integration requires detailed analysis of energy flows, considering the impact of photovoltaics (PVs) on distribution system operation and stability. To simulate and analyze the effects of renewables on the transmission system, voltage profile, and power losses, a case study was conducted using ETAP software. The simulation results present a comparison between scenarios before and after integrating renewable systems to improve energy quality in the identified area.</p> </abstract>

In the discussion on biomass as a renewable energy source, its benefits are repeatedly recognised: - reducing greenhouse gas emissions by substituting fossil fuels; - increasing energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on imported fuels; - creating economic prospects by promoting rural development, job creation and valorisation of waste streams. However, the utilisation of biomass in combustion processes faces some challenges. This article emphasises one of them: the ash problem due to the pronounced tendency to form deposits on the heating surfaces. In order to properly design or select a biomass combustion system, the indicators of the tendency of biomass ash to form deposits on the heating surfaces must be adequately determined. Determining ash melting temperatures for biomass is crucial for understanding combustion behaviour and potential problems such as slagging and fouling. Biomass ash melting temperatures are typically determined at 550 °C for biofuels and 815 °C for solid mineral fuels. Some established certification schemes and national regulations favour the preparation of biomass samples by ashing at 815 °C. In this paper, the question is answered whether and how the ashing temperature of the biomass sample influences the characteristic points of the ash melting temperatures. The characteristic ash melting temperatures were determined for different types of biomass (wood chips, soybean and maize straw), where the ash sample was obtained by ashing at three different temperatures (550, 710 and 815 °C).

Densified biomass in the form of pellets, made from cocoa shell pellet (CSP), represents a renewable thermal energy source. Experimental combustion tests and emission readings were then conducted over 15 minutes, both with and without the filter, resulting in significant average improvements; with CO levels decreasing from 1710 to 475 ppm, CO2 levels dropping from 2.13% to 0.2%, H2S levels reducing from 39.36 to 5.7 ppm, and N2 decreasing from 76.64% to 74.71%. O2 levels increased from 15.06% to 17.02%. This assessment showed a modification of environmental impact assessment with the installation of the filtration system, reducing the negative impacts from 18 to 13. It changed from a medium-impact project (without filter) to a low-impact project (with filter), demonstrating the capacity of the filter prototype to improve the environmental conditions of the surroundings. In addition, the potential energy was determined according to ASTM D4809-13, obtaining a higher heating value of up to 15.5 MJ/kg, thereby ensuring the efficient implementation of a combustion chamber with thermal storage that transfers heat to a forced-air drying system for food, replacing the use of fossil fuels in this methodology. The use of these compact drying systems involves the generation of emissions of O2, CO, CO2, N2, and H2S. Therefore, monitoring of these emissions is conducted using a gas analyser.

The European Union’s policy on environmental protection and energy security is not only a set of regulations and bans. At the same time, it introduces new opportunities for economic development, it enhances ecological safety and contributes to public health protection by limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This policy contributes to the development of renewable energy sources (RES) and those take an essential part in limiting consumption of basic energy sources and fossil fuels that are responsible for the current state and further deterioration of our environment. Environmental and energy education of our society has a significant impact on further development of renewable energy sources. It presents real dangers but also values derived from the development of green energy with the support of the state. It will bring a tangible improvement in the society’s quality of life. <br><b>Aim:</b> The main purpose of the article is to attempt to determine the development of the renewable energy sector in the EU. The regulations, EU directives, laws and the current role of the state in the development of the renewable energy market were analyzed. <br><b>Materials and Methods:</b> The source of the data was the extensive literature on the subject and Eurostat. This work used tabular, graphic and descriptive methods. <br><b>Results:</b> Analysis show that energy safety and environmental protection are one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. With the rapid depletion of conventional energy sourcesand the continued growing demand for energy, on which the growth of GDP depends globally, causes accelerated degradation of the environment, and with it , greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As far as energy safety and environmental protection is concerned, the policy of the European Union , through its actions,strives towards development of the renewable energy market . This in turn prevents the depletion of resources and environmental pollution. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The current EU situation, including countries like Poland, shows that the development of renewable energy is one of the most pressing issues in modern management, where renewable energy plays a key role in protecting the environment, public health and economic growth. It also prevents resource depletion, environmental pollution and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It sometimes occurs with the opposition of the private sector and its citizens. To a large extent it is dependent on the availability of financial support from the state.

Optimized cascaded controller for frequency stabilization of marine microgrid system

This study was aimed at exploring the potential of renewable energy sources (RES) in enhancing the resilience of agriculture to climate change, with a focus on the applicability of these technologies in the context of Kazakhstan. The study was based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current state of the sector, comparative analysis of renewable energy technologies, examination of practical cases, and assessment of the applicability in the Republic of Kazakhstan. As a result of the study, it was found that RES, such as solar, wind, and biogas energy, had significant potential for increasing the resilience of agriculture in the context of climate change. It was established that these technologies effectively reduced the dependence of the agricultural sector on fossil fuels, which was particularly valuable for remote regions. It was emphasised that a 2 kW system could generate 6-10 kWh per day in sunny regions such as Turkestan or Almaty regions, where insolation reached 1,500-1,800 kWh/m² per year, and 1-10 kW turbines could generate 2-20 kWh per day in windy areas such as Kostanay and Akmola, where wind speeds reached 5-7 m/s. The study also revealed that in Kazakhstan, from 2020 to 2024, electricity generation from RES increased from 3.24 billion kWh to 7.581 billion kWh. It was noted that such energy sources contributed to climate adaptation by ensuring reliable energy supply for irrigation in arid zones or heating during unstable seasons, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby lowering the environmental burden on the agricultural sector. For Kazakhstan, this opened up prospects for increasing yields due to stable access to energy, reducing dependence on fuel imports, and improving environmental performance, especially considering that from 2020 to 2024, the cost of RES decreased from USD 0.057 to USD 0.04 for solar energy and from USD 0.039 to USD 0.03 for wind energy, while coal and gas ranged from USD 0.04-0.25 with a peak in 2022. Thus, RES addressed current problems and also created a foundation for the long-term sustainable development of agriculture, which was especially important in the context of climate risks