Bioenergy Plants Research Articles

Simulating impacts on UK air quality from net-zero forest planting scenarios

Abstract. The UK proposes additional bioenergy plantations and afforestation as part of measures to meet net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, but species and locations are not yet decided. Different tree species emit varying amounts of isoprene and monoterpene volatile organic compounds that are precursors to ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation, the latter of which is a component of PM2.5. The forest canopy also acts as a depositional sink for air pollutants. All these processes are meteorologically influenced. We present here a first step in coupling information on tree species planting suitability and other planting constraints with data on UK-specific BVOC emission rates and tree canopy data to simulate, via the WRF-EMEP4UK high spatial-resolution atmospheric chemistry transport model, the impact on UK air quality of four potential scenarios. Our “maximum planting” scenarios are based on planting areas where yields are predicted to be ≥ 50 % of the maximum from the Ecological Site Classification decision support system (ESC DSS) for Eucalyptus gunnii, hybrid aspen (Populus tremula), Italian alder (Alnus cordata) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis). The additional areas of forest in our scenarios are 2.0 to 2.7 times the current suggestions for new bioenergy and afforestation land cover in the UK. Our planting scenarios increase UK annual mean surface ozone concentrations by 1.0 ppb or 3 % relative to the baseline land cover for the highest BVOC-emitting species (e.g. E. gunnii). Increases in ozone reach 2 ppb in summer when BVOC emissions are greatest. In contrast, all the additional planting scenarios lead to reductions in UK annual mean PM2.5 – ranging from −0.2 µg m−3 (−3 %) for Sitka spruce to −0.5 µg m−3 (−7 %) for aspen – revealing that PM2.5 deposition to the additional forest canopy area more than offsets additional SOA formation. Relative decreases in annual mean PM2.5 are greater than the relative increases in annual mean ozone. Reductions in PM2.5 are least in summer, coinciding with the period of maximum monoterpene emissions. Although only a first step in evaluating the impact of increased forest plantation on UK air quality, our study demonstrates the need for locally relevant data on land cover suitability, emissions and meteorology in model simulations.

Биоэнергетические и репродукционные насаждения настоящих тополей в Центральном Черноземье России

The need to use fast-growing tree for bioenergy production was noted in the international and domestic press in the second half of the 20th century. In the first twenty years of the current century in a number of countries this problem has not only acquired research character, but also found a practical solution. The results of the research of true poplars (black, balsamic and their hybrids) on newly established field experiments in the Central Black Earth Region of the Russian Federation are considered. The aim of the research is to study and select promising forms of true poplars. Two types of experimental plots were established: variety testing plots and collection-stool bed plantations for reproduction of promising clones and varieties. The rooting ability, safety and growth in height were monitored on variety testing plots, and the yield of planting material (stem cuttings) was determined on reproductive collection-stool bed plantations. The best results on growth were noted on 2-year variety testing site facilities of LLC "United Nurseries" and carbon polygon of Voronezh State Forestry University named after G.F. Morozov in Voronezh region. Several fast-growing clones and varieties of true poplars at juvenile age were identified here. Among them we can mention P. trichocarpa No. 84, euramerican cultivar Sacrau-59, hybrids E.s.-38, and Version. Their average heights ranged from 359±21.5 to 416±12.7 cm, and maximum heights ranged from 435 to 495 cm. The best results in growing reproductive material were obtained at the collection-stool bed plantation of the Kulikovsky Forestry of the Lipetsk Forestry Department. Among annual plants the best growth results were found in the poplars trichocarpa No. 84 (183 cm), deltoides (149 cm), Marylandica (147 cm), simonii (133 cm) and E.s.-38 (157 cm). Among the annual shoots grown on three-year-old roots, Sacrau-59 (340 cm), E.s.-38 and deltoides (240 cm each), Marilandica' (230 cm) and Version (200 cm) were superior to the others in height. In general, the yield of standard stem cuttings from annual plants on 1-year-old roots was about 16 thousand pieces/ha and from annual plants on 3-year-old roots – 78 460 pieces/ ha. The clones and varieties mentioned above can be recommended for creation of bioenergy plantations in the Central Black Earth region of the Russian Federation. The first obtained results of these studies are promising in terms of rational use of renewable energy resources in Russia. For citation: Tsarev A.P., Tsareva R.P., Tsarev V.A., Evlakov P.M. Bioenergetic and Reproductive Plantations of True Poplars Species in the Central Black Earth Region of Russia. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2023, no. 5, pp. 75–89. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2023-5-75-89

Bioenergy crops monitoring using Sentinel-2 and UAV-derived imagery

Purpose. Establishing the regularities for the monitoring of the bioenergy crop conditions using Sentinel-2 and UAV-derived imagery. Methods. A field experiment was carried out in an experimental field of the Institute of Bioenergy Crops and Sugar Beet National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine (50.023194, 30.173895), located in a zone of unstable soil moisture in the Right Bank Forest Steppe, in 2022−2023. Results. Among the studied traditional crops, sugar sorghum, sugar beet, and fodder beet are interesting crops from the standpoint of biomass for energy, as they can produce 110 t/ha, 120 t/ha, and 135 t/ha of biomass, respectively, or 20 t/ha, 26 t/ha, and 24 t/ha of dry matter, respectively. The yield of energy crops can be predicted with an acceptable level of accuracy using many known vegetation indices. However, the relationships between vegetation indices and crop yield are not consistent at every stage of plant growth and development, leading to low accuracy in yield estimation. The combination of vegetation indices related to the structural characteristics of the canopy and chlorophyll content in the aboveground biomass can improve the accuracy of yield estimation. Moreover, combining vegetation indices related to canopy structure, chlorophyll content, and stress indices as input to yield prediction models may provide even higher correlations for yield prediction. Conclusions. Usually, plantations of miscanthus and switchgrass are fertilised annually, while willow and poplar are fertilised every 3–4 years, after each harvesting. Therefore, the nutrient provision of tree species may not be sufficient. It was found that the content of total nitrogen in the soil of bioenergy plantations highly correlates with NDVI. To use NDVI for bioenergy crop prediction, an algorithm for determining the level of plant nutrients should be developed. It was found that at the end of the growing season (September or early October), the use of vegetation indices allows for the accurate estimation of the size and condition of bioenergy plantations since most crops in this period are already harvested. Sentinel-2-derived imagery is useful for monitoring bioenergy crop plantations as it provides images with a resolution of 10 m at 3–5-day revisiting time. We investigated NDVI on a total area of Miscanthus × gigantheus plantations of 2.9 ha. The satellite-derived data accumulated and aggregated by the OneSoil application as of August 20 and September 19 resulted in NDVI values of 0.80 and 0.70, respectively, while the NDVI obtained with UAV imagery was 0.82 and 0.77, respectively. Consequently, the satellite can provide quite acceptable NDVI data for use in the monitoring of bioenergy plantation yield at the national level.

Characterization of Environmental Levels of Pesticide Residues in Household Air and Dust Samples near a Bioenergy Plant Using Treated Seed as Feedstock.

Exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides is associated with adverse human health outcomes. There is environmental contamination in Saunders County, Nebraska, due to the accumulation of fungicides and insecticides from a now-closed ethanol plant using seed corn as stock. A pilot study quantified environmental contamination in nearby houses from residual pesticides by measuring dust and air (indoor/outdoor) concentrations of neonicotinoids and fungicides at the study site (households within two miles of the plant) and control towns (20-30 miles away). Air (SASS® 2300 Wetted-Wall Air Sampler) and surface dust (GHOST wipes with 4 × 4-inch template) samples were collected from eleven study households and six controls. Targeted analysis quantified 13 neonicotinoids, their transformation products and seven fungicides. Sample extracts were concentrated using solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, eluted with methanol and evaporated. Residues were re-dissolved in methanol-water (1:4) prior to analysis, with an Acquity H-Class ultraperformance liquid chromatograph (UPLC) and a Xevo triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. We compared differences across chemicals in air and surface dust samples at the study and control sites by dichotomizing concentrations above or below the detection limit, using Fisher's exact test. A relatively higher detection frequency was observed for clothianidin and thiamethoxam at the study site for the surface dust samples, similarly for thiamethoxam in the air samples. Our results suggest airborne contamination (neonicotinoids and fungicides) from the ethanol facility at houses near the pesticide contamination.

A detailed GIS based assessment of bioenergy plant locations using location-allocation algorithm

Logistics plays a crucial role in the operation and planning of biogas plants. To achieve better economic returns and develop effective waste management strategies, optimizing the location of these plants is essential. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have proven to be a valuable tool for evaluating plant locations and logistics. In this study, a detailed GIS-based mapping of energy sources and plant location optimization was conducted for the Meric-Ergene basin in Northwestern Turkey. This region is well-known for its intensive livestock activities; cattle manure and sewage sludge are considered as energy sources. The model used in this study takes into account various factors, including infrastructural, environmental, and regulatory constraints, transportation distances and costs. Three different scenarios were developed for installed capacities of 5 MW, 1.7 MW, and 1 MW. An energy density map was generated using kernel density interpolation, and the plant locations were determined by solving the location-allocation problem for each scenario. The total energy potential of the study area resulting from cattle manure and sewage sludge was found to be 23.6 MWh per hour. To utilize all the energy sources considered in the study, five plants with a capacity of 5 MW should be constructed. However, when the installed capacity was reduced to 1.7 MW, the number of required plants increased to 14, and for an installed capacity of 1 MW, 24 plants were necessary. The model output revealed that transportation costs increased more than tenfold when installed capacity was increased from 1 MW to 5 MW. Along with transportation costs, the maximum transportation distance should be increased from 40 km to 100 km to cover all energy sources for 5 MW plants. Therefore, it was concluded that installed capacities of 1.7 MW and 1 MW were more suitable than that of 5 MW, considering economic and environmental concerns.

Optimal sites for agricultural and forest residues energy conversion plant using geographic information system

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has committed to net-zero emission development pathways to respond to the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015. However, the country is in dire need of energy to support its developmental ambitions. Therefore, it is necessary to consider green energy technologies to support both socioeconomic development and to meet the FGN's emission reduction target. In view of this, the current work presents the optimal sites for bioenergy plants in a state in Nigeria using Geographic Information System (GIS). Key findings suggest that 62.03 PJ/yr and 4.12 PJ/yr of energy could be derived from crop residues and forest residues, respectively, to support the state's bioenergy development. The crop residues considered include plantain (stem), oil palm (shell and fibre), maize (stalks) and cassava (peel and stalks). Six criteria were used in selecting the optimal sites, and include biomass residue distribution, settlement, road accessibility, nearness to waterline, slope and aspect. These criteria were incorporated into the ArcGIS platform through the weighted overlay tool. Strategically, the analysis presents seven sites for biomass plants to sustainably meet part of the energy needs. The efforts of the current work which supports not less than three SDGs–SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), will assist policymakers in Nigeria to make appropriate policies within the climate change space.

A sustainability assessment of utilising energy crops for heat and electricity generation in Turkey

The share of bioenergy is expected to increase in the future, necessitating the use of various bio-based feedstock, including energy crops. This study sets out to determine life cycle environmental impacts and costs of heat and electricity generation from two potential energy crops in Turkey – poplar (Populus spp.) and Miscanthus (Mischantus x giganteus). Different bioenergy conversion pathways, comprising direct combustion (heat-only and combined heat and power (CHP)), gasification (CHP) and co-firing with lignite, are evaluated via life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC). LCA results show that CHP-combustion using poplar is a better option than the other conversion pathways considered. All bioenergy plants provide great reductions (>80 %) in global warming potential (GWP), fossil fuel depletion and human toxicity (non-cancer) in comparison with heat from natural gas and electricity from the grid. Furthermore, for both feedstocks, CHP systems have lower impacts in seven of 17 categories than the heat from natural gas and electricity from the grid. Overall, the environmental and economic profiles of poplar-based energy plants are better than those of Miscanthus. However, the latter is better for GWP if land use change is considered. The LCC range between $2.2–$11.2/MWhth and $10.6–$28.3/MWhe and all bioenergy plants (except the Miscanthus boiler) would pay back within their lifetime. Compared to the costs of current heat provision in Turkey bioheat is 64 % cheaper, while only direct combustion plants outperform the grid with a 14 % lower cost. If 20 % of fallow and degraded lands are used for Miscanthus, up to 73 Mt./yr (or 14 %) of GHG emissions could be avoided, in addition to saving $4.7 bn (or 37 %) in the fossil-fuel import costs. These findings can be used by energy companies and policy makers to enable a more sustainable transition to a bioeconomy in Turkey.

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the effects of polyploidization on the lignin content and metabolic pathway in Eucalyptus

BackgroundLignin is a major restriction factor for the industrial production of biomass resources, such as pulp and bioenergy. Eucalyptus is one of the most important sources of pulp and bioenergy. After polyploidization, the lignin content of forest trees is generally reduced, which is considered a beneficial genetic improvement. However, the differences in the lignin content between triploid and diploid Eucalyptus and the underlying regulatory mechanism are still unclear.ResultsWe conducted a comprehensive analysis at the phenotypic, transcriptional and metabolite levels between Eucalyptus urophylla triploids and diploids to reveal the effects of polyploidization on the lignin content and lignin metabolic pathway. The results showed that the lignin content of Eucalyptus urophylla triploid stems was significantly lower than that of diploids. Lignin-related metabolites were differentially accumulated between triploids and diploids, among which coniferaldehyde, p-coumaryl alcohol, sinapaldehyde and coniferyl alcohol had significant positive correlations with lignin content, indicating that they might be primarily contributing metabolites. Most lignin biosynthetic genes were significantly downregulated, among which 11 genes were significantly positively correlated with the lignin content and above metabolites. Furthermore, we constructed a co-expression network between lignin biosynthetic genes and transcription factors based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis. The network identified some putative orthologues of secondary cell wall (SCW)-related transcription factors, among which MYB52, MYB42, NAC076, and LBD15 were significantly downregulated in Eucalyptus urophylla triploids. In addition, potential important transcription factors, including HSL1, BEE3, HHO3, and NAC046, also had high degrees of connectivity and high edge weights with lignin biosynthetic genes, indicating that they might also be involved in the variation of lignin accumulation between triploid and diploid Eucalyptus urophylla.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that some lignin-related metabolites, lignin biosynthetic genes and transcription factors in Eucalyptus urophylla triploids may be relatively sensitive in response to the polyploidization effect, significantly changing their expression levels, which ultimately correlated with the varied lignin content. The analysis of the underlying formation mechanism could provide beneficial information for the development and utilization of polyploid biomass resources, which will be also valuable for genetic improvement in other bioenergy plants.

Green and sustainable biomass supply chain for environmental, social and economic benefits

Bioenergy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can reduce global depency on fossil fuel, and it is a sustainable, economically viable, and socially acceptable. Bioenergy production aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) directly or indirectly. Bioenergy feedstocks are spatio-temporally distributed and, therefore, design of a green and sustainable Biomass Supply Chain (BSC) is pivotal for effective commercialization of bioenergy. The BSC starts with biomass harvest and includes collection, processing, storage, and transportation as intermediate processes and ends with biomass delivery at the conversion facilities. All these processes are spatially interlinked. Cost-effective bioenergy generation requires an effective and efficient BSC model. The absence of such model is the major cause of failure of bioenergy plants. With this backdrop, this paper reviewed literature related to BSC, and its elements. The elements are then linked with emissions, economy, and socio-cultural aspects to draw a wider picture of bioenergy for sustainable development. The challenges associated with bioenergy are elucidated with in-depth discussion. The analysis shows that green and sustainable BSC can be a major tool to achieve UN SDGs in many ways. On the contrary, present situation of BSC is challenging from multiple perspectives: environmental, socio-cultural, economic, policy, institutional as well as technological challenges. To achieve global deployment of bioenergy with net zero emissions target, use of advanced and emerging tools and techniques like artificial intelligence, machine learning, remote sensing & GIS, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is recommended.

Biomass power plants

Biomass power plants

The Role of Renewable-Derived Plastics in the Analysis of Waste Management Schemes: A Time-Dependent Carbon Cycle Assessment

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technology used to achieve negative emissions in bioenergy plants using biomass feedstock (Bio-CCS). In this study, the climate mitigation potential of a novel GGR technology consisting in the production of renewable-derived plastics from municipal solid waste (MSW) refuse has been evaluated. This novel GGR technology allows for carbon storage, for variable periods, in stable materials (plastics), and thus overcomes the technical limitations of CCS. A time-dependent carbon cycle assessment has been conducted based on the Absolute Global surface Temperature change Potential (AGTP) metric. This new method to assess carbon emissions is presented against a traditional life cycle assessment (LCA). The production of renewable-derived plastics proves to be an effective GGR technology for both landfill- and incineration-dominant countries in Europe. The results obtained encourage the implementation of renewable-derived plastics in Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) to assess their global potential in forecasting scenarios to achieve the ambitious climate change targets set in the European Union. Thanks to this study, a novel approach toward a green and sustainable economy has been established. This study will help to fill the gaps between bioenergy and renewable materials production.

Eucalyptus pellita and Acacia hybrid species: potential bioenergy plantation in managing the risk of invasive in Indonesia

Eucalyptus pellita and Acacia hybrid (Acacia mangium × A. auriculiformis) have favourable properties for bioenergy. However, these species have been indicated as invasive species. Because of great economic value of the species, managing the risk of its invasiveness is necessary. This paper presents an analytical study to examine the uses of E. pellita and Acacia hybrid for bioenergy while preventing its invasive potential. Data for the analysis was collected from two demonstration plots which were laid out in randomized completed block design with three replications of 16-squared tree-plots. The observation includes height, DBH, stand volume, and wood properties which were then converted into the wood biomass and energy potential. The findings indicate that E. pellita and Acacia hybrid could be potential sources of bioenergy. At short rotation of 36 months age, the estimated total energy potential for E. pellita ranged from 11.39 to 16.39 toe.ha-1, while the Acacia hybrid ranged from 23.41 to 35.74 toe.ha-1. Plantation management for bioenergy following considerations in reproductive system, growth, tree morphology, and wood properties could be applied to reduce the risk of invasiveness of the species. Implications to improve breeding strategy for bioenergy while avoiding the risk of invasive are also further discussed.

Quality Assessment and Classification of Feedstock for Bioenergy Applications Considering ISO 17225 Standard on Solid Biofuels

Biomass materials play a key role in the renewable energy market as they can serve as a suitable alternative to fossil fuels. However, the quality of the material entering bioenergy plants is often a cause of technical concern. Biomass quality assessment is crucial not only for energy characterization but also for environmental and operational aspects. The goal of this study is to characterize and classify the biomasses used by Italian power plants with reference to the quality classes stated by the ISO standard 17225:2021. A further objective is to verify the ability of the standard to classify heterogeneous and specific biomasses. In this study, more than 900 biomass samples were analyzed. The samples were collected from several Italian power plants with >5 MWe between 2010 and 2020, and the most important physical and chemical parameters were analyzed according to the international standards of reference. The results of the analyses were collected in a large dataset used for subsequent statistical analyses. Statistical analyses applied are Principal Component Analysis and Pearson correlation maps, which showed that the ash content is a fundamental and ideal parameter to assess the biomass quality. Results obtained demonstrate that herbaceous biomasses are of low quality mainly due to the high ash content; a relatively low ash content was found for woody biomasses.

Methodological Aspects of the Technical and Economic Assessment of Rural Power Supply Systems

The issues of rural power supply and the importance of local systems for providing agricultural production with electricity are considered. A system of indicators for a comprehensive technical and economic assessment of the effectiveness of the use of various power supply options is proposed, taking into account the features of the economic assessment of the use of bioenergy plants in agriculture.

Managing Disruptions in a Biomass Supply Chain: A Decision Support System Based on Simulation/Optimisation

To design and deploy their supply chains, companies must naturally take quite different decisions, some being strategic or tactical, and others of an operational nature. This work resulted in a decision support system for optimising a biomass supply chain in Portugal, allowing a more efficient operations management, and enhancing the design process. Uncertainty and variability in the biomass supply chain is a critical issue that needs to be considered in the production planning of bioenergy plants. A simulation/optimisation framework was developed to support decision-making, by combining plans generated by a resource allocation optimisation model with the simulation of disruptive wildfire scenarios in the forest biomass supply chain. Different scenarios have been generated to address uncertainty and variability in the quantity and quality of raw materials in the different supply nodes. Computational results show that this simulation/optimisation approach can have a significant impact in the operations efficiency, particularly when disruptions occur closer to the end of the planning horizon. The approach seems to be easily scalable and easy to extend to other sectors.

Design and economic analysis of a pre-treatment process of coffee husks biomass for an integrated bioenergy plant

The beneficiation of coffee produces a large amount of bio-waste, indicating that new policies need to be put into place to address the residues efficiently. Recent studies have shown that coffee husk, particularly, has significant potential for generating electricity but requires a pre-treatment step for efficient thermochemical conversion. Since information about the viability of a pre-treatment process is urgent and necessary and remains insufficient, this study aims to design and perform the economic analysis of a pre-treatment plant of coffee husks, which includes drying, comminution, and densification stages. Drying kinetics experiments were conducted at the laboratory scale to estimate the drying time for the dryer design. A methodology was proposed to encompass equipment design, use of utilities, investment, and total plant costs toward a definition of the optimal operating condition. The economic decision criteria were the net present value (NPV), the payback time (P), and the internal rate of return (IRR). The influence of the drying conditions was analyzed through the leveled cost of production per mass of the briquette (LCM). The results show that the bed height and air inlet temperature were the drying variables with the greatest influence on the design and economics of the plant. The lowest LCM values were obtained for higher values of air temperature, bed height, and biomass flow rate. Economic decision criteria indicated that the project is viable, with an NPV in the range of 28 to 98 million dollars, 166%–574% IRR, and a payback period of 7 months and 7 days.

Maden Sahasından Ağır Metallerin (Cd, Zn, Pb) Ayçiçeği (Helianthus annuus) Bitkisiyle Fitoekstraksiyonu

Aim of study: The aim of this study was to determine the phytoremediation capacity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), which can also be used as a bioenergy plant, in soils contaminated with copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) from the waste dumping sites during the mining operations. Area of study: Phytoremediation study was carried out in Artvin Coruh University Research greenhouse environment. Material and Methods: Plants were grown by mixing clean and contaminated soil at the rates of 0%, 50% and 100%. Bioaccumulation (BAF) and translocation (TF) factors were calculated by measuring heavy metal concentrations in soil and plant samples. The bioaccumulation factor is calculated by dividing the metal concentration in the shoots with the metal concentration in the soil. The translocation factor expresses the ratio of the metal concentration in the plant green parts to the root metal concentration. Main results: The sunflower plant has accumulated the highest Zn in the shoots, while Cu and Pb have accumulated the highest in the roots. The mean BAF values of the plants were determined as 0.72 for Zn, 0.5 for Pb and 0.28 for Cu, while the mean TF values were determined as 1.25 for Zn, 0.97 for Pb and 0.52 for Cu. Highlights: The findings show that the sunflower plant can be used in the phytostabilization of Cu metal and in the phytoextraction of Zn and Pb metal to reclaim heavy metal contaminated soils.

Energy from forest residues in Turkey: An environmental and economic life cycle assessment of different technologies

Forest residues, as cheap and abundant feedstock, can replace current fossil-energy sources, helping to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve energy security. Given 27 % of total lands covered with forests, Turkey has a remarkable potential of forest residues from harvesting and industrial activities. This paper thus focuses on evaluating the life cycle environmental and economic sustainability of heat and electricity generation utilising forest residues in Turkey. Two types of forest residues (wood chips and wood pellets) and three energy conversion options are considered: direct combustion (heat only, electricity only and cogenerated heat and power (CHP)), gasification (for CHP) and co-firing with lignite. Results suggest that direct combustion of wood chips for cogeneration of heat and power has the lowest environmental impacts and levelised costs for both functional units (per MWh heat and per MWh electricity generation) considered. Compared to fossil-fuel sources, energy from forest residues has a potential to reduce the climate change impact as well as fossil-fuel, water and ozone depletion by >80 %. However, it also causes an increase in some other impacts, such as terrestrial ecotoxicity. The bioenergy plants have also lower levelised costs than electricity from the grid (except those using wood pellets and gasification regardless of the feedstock) and heat from natural gas. Electricity-only plants using wood chips achieve the lowest LCC, generating net profits. All biomass plants, except the pellet boiler, pay back in their lifetime; however, the economic feasibility of electricity-only and CHP plants is highly sensitive to subsidies for bioelectricity and efficient use of heat. Utilising the currently available forest residues in Turkey (5.7 Mt/yr) for energy provision could potentially reduce the national GHG emissions by 7.3 Mt/yr (1.5 %) and save $0.5 bn/yr (5 %) in avoided fossil-fuel import costs.

Development of energy plants from hybrids between Miscanthus sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius grown on reclaimed mine land in the Loess Plateau of China.

Miscanthus, a promising bioenergy plant, has a high biomass yield with high cellulose content suitable for biofuel production. However, harsh climatic and poor soil conditions, such as barren lands or abandoned mines, pose a challenge to the survival and yield of Miscanthus feedstock on the marginal land. The selection from the interspecific hybrids of Miscanthus might combine high survival rates and high yield, which benefits energy crop development in multi-stressful environments. A total of 113 F1 hybrids between Miscanthus sacchariflorus and M. lutarioriparius together with the parents were planted and evaluated for multiple morphological and physiological traits on the mine land of the Loess Plateau of China. The majority of hybrids had higher establishment rates than M. sacchariflorus while M. lutarioriparius failed to survive for the first winter. Nearly all hybrid genotypes outperformed M. lutarioriparius for yield-related traits including plant height, tiller number, tiller diameter, and leaf area. The average biomass of the hybrids was 20 times higher than that of surviving parent, M. sacchariflorus. Furthermore, the photosynthetic rates and water use efficiency of the hybrids were both significantly higher than those of the parents, which might be partly responsible for their higher yield. A total of 29 hybrids with outstanding traits related to yield and stress tolerance were identified as candidates. The study investigated for the first time the hybrids between local individuals of M. sacchariflorus and high-biomass M. lutarioriparius, suggesting that this could be an effective approach for high-yield energy crop development on vast of marginal lands.

Перспективні енергетичні культури на осушуваних торфовищах Лісостепу та їх водоспоживання в умовах зміни клімату

Goal. To determine the productivity of energy plantations, to investigate the parameters of water consumption of the main bioenergy crops on the drained organogenic soils of the Forest Steppe of Ukraine in modern conditions of climate change. Methods. Experimental on the basis of lysimeter studies and comparative-analytical, carried out on experimental sites of reclamation systems, mathematical modeling and processing of experimental data. The results. It was found that the maximum water consumption characteristic of the tristem willow in August is 8.02 thousand m3/ha, and this fact confirms the significant drying effect of tree crops. The lowest water consumption during the period of active vegetation was recorded in giant miscanthus — 2.53 thousand m3/ha. The total water consumption of Jerusalem artichoke from May to October was 18,100 m3/ha, corn — 12, sorghum — 10,800 m3/ha. It was found that lowering the groundwater level from 80 to 100 cm had little effect on the water consumption of Jerusalem artichoke, willow and miscanthus. The difference for these cultures does not exceed 1–3%. However, corn water consumption decreased by 112 L/kg dry matter, or 17%, and sorghum water consumption decreased by 205 L/kg, or 30% overall. In case of creation of large-scale bioenergy plantations, the area of which is measured in hundreds of hectares, it is necessary to modernize and repair the drying and humidification system. Conclusions. Climatic changes had a positive effect on the productivity of corn and sweet sorghum, the yield of dry biomass of which increased by 0.8 and 3.4 t/ha on average over three years, respectively, and negatively on the productivity of willow, it fell by 1.4 t/ha ; the productivity of miscanthus and Jerusalem artichoke did not change significantly. Therefore, when growing large plantations of energy crops, it is necessary to take into account the water regime of the land used: in fields with limited water resources, grow such annual crops as sorghum and corn, on lands with sufficient moisture — miscanthus, Jerusalem artichoke, in overmoistened places — willow plantations.