Biofuel Consumption Research Articles

Are Biofuel Technologies a Revolution for Environmental Sustainability in the United States?

ABSTRACTMany countries accelerate climate change by using fossil fuels like coal, gas, and petroleum to power their energy production systems and boost economic growth, which in turn releases large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG). Recently, biofuels (BIO) have gained significant global attention for their potential to decarbonize the economy and reduce dependence on petroleum by replacing fossil fuels. This study examines the effect of biofuel consumption and innovation in non‐fossil fuels on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the United States spanning from 1981 to 2020. The empirical outcomes verify the validity of the load capacity curve (LCC) theory. In addition, biofuel consumption has a favourable impact on LCF. The findings further demonstrate that innovation in non‐fossil fuel technologies has no significant impact on the LCF. Based on these outcomes, the US government should increase the share of BIO as an energy component in the energy mix to replace fossil fuels. As a result, BIO have significant potential for the United States to meet its low‐carbon goal by efficiently reducing GHG.

Nonlinear impacts of environmental transport taxes and biofuel consumption on greenhouse emissions in the four largest European Union countries

AbstractIncompatible with the pioneering role of the transportation sector in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, this research mainly deals with GHG emissions from the transport sector. In this context, the study looks at the four leading European Union (EU) countries (i.e., Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), investigates emissions from their sub‐types of the transport sector (i.e., aviation, rail, and road), uses environmental transport taxes (ETAX) as the main explanatory variable in the bivariate modeling, and considers biofuel consumption (BIO) as a control factor in the multivariate modeling. The study uses monthly data between 2004 and 2022, bivariate and multivariate quantile‐on‐quantile regression as well, and Granger causality‐in‐quantiles as the main approaches. The results demonstrate that (i) ETAX is completely inefficient on aviation and road transport GHG emissions; (ii) ETAX curbs rail transport GHG emissions in France at only middle quantiles; (iii) with the moderating impact of BIO, ETAX becomes effective in declining aviation, rail, and road transport GHG emissions (iv) BIO has a certainly reversing impact on the nexus between ETAX and transport sector GHG emissions. Overall, the study highlights that ETAX has a stand‐alone ineffective impact in curbing transport sector GHG emissions, but BIO has a certain moderating contribution in this manner. Thus, the study strongly recommends taking further actions, such as more use of BIO as in the case of this study, to support ETAX practices in combating GHG emissions for the EU countries.

Assessing the power of biofuels and green technology innovation on the environment: The LCC perspective

The global concerns over the climate crisis have led countries to reconsider their energy options, directing the focus of policymakers toward clean energy sources that can support a transition to a more sustainable future. Herein, biofuel energy, with its clean characteristics, has become a vital alternative to fossil fuels, paving the way for a sustainable environment. In this context, this study explores the impact of biofuel consumption and green technology (GT) innovation on the load capacity factor. To this end, the study applies the regularized common correlated estimation to panel data from the top five biofuel consumer countries over the period 2002–2021. The empirical outcomes reveal that (i) the load capacity curve (LCC) hypothesis is invalid; (ii) biofuels are essential elements of a sustainable energy system that ensure better access to eco-friendly energy and contribute to environmental quality; and (iii) innovation in GTs contributes to environmental quality. In light of the findings, the study reveals the essential role of biofuels and GT innovation on the path toward a greener future, and policymakers should consider the power of these factors in formulating environmental policies.

Методологічні основи визначення і контролю витрат біопалив у процесі руху автомобіля

The paper proposes a methodological approach to determine and control fuel consumption (biofuels) of a car that has known design parameters and moves in known conditions at known modes. It is noted that at this stage it is more attractive to use mixed fuels based on gasoline or diesel fuel with the addition of various impurities of biological origin. For gasoline-based fuels, impurities can be methyl or ethyl alcohol, for diesel fuel – vegetable oils, as well as their methyl and ethyl esters of these oils. A structural and logical scheme has been developed, which explains the main provisions of the proposed determining method and controlling the biofuels consumption. In the structural and logical scheme, the following groups of parameters that take place during the car movement are highlighted: parameters of the conditions, the driving mode design. The mutual influence of parameters among themselves and between groups, the influence of the biological component concentration on its consumption, which must be taken into account to determine and control the consumption of biofuels during the movement of the car, was analyzed. It is shown that when switching to the use of biofuel, there is a change in the indicator coefficient of the internal combustion engine, which also affects the change in consumption.It has been proven that in the process of using biofuel, important factors affecting its consumption are density, lower heat of combustion, and the theoretically required amount of air for kg of biofuel combustion, which depends on the volumetric a specific biological component concentration in it. It has been proven that in the biofuel use process, important factors affecting its consumption are density, lower heat of combustion and the theoretically necessary amount of air for combustion in 1 kg of biofuel, which depends on the volumetric a specific biological component concentration. Taking into account the relative indicators of the «main» fuel (lower combustion heat, density and theoretically necessary air amount for the combustion of 1 kg impurities), it was established that the smallest increase in fuel consumption by the car engine during operation occurs when rapeseed oil is added to diesel fuel.

CO2 emissions from solid biofuel consumption in rural communities in Durango, Mexico

Objective: the objective of this study was to calculate the amount, in kilotons per year (kt a-1), of CO2 emissions from firewood consumption in rural communities of Durango in managed areas (UMAFOR– Forest Management Units) and at the municipality scale. Design/ Methodology/ Approach: the firewood consumption was determined for each of the UMAFOR areas and the 39 municipalities into which the state of Durango is divided. Greenhouse Inventory Software® was used to determine CO2 emissions. Results: the annual CO2 balance due to firewood consumption in Durango was 268.05 kt of CO2. These emissions in relation to the national scale represent 1.52% per year. Those UMAFOR and the municipalities that are geographically located in the semi-arid zone of the state of Durango were those with the higher CO2 emissions. Findings/ Conclusions: it is necessary to couple the consumption of firewood with eco-technologies that favor its efficient consumption, thus mitigating CO2 emissions.

Improving environmental indicators of the wheeled tractor diesel engine by using biofuels

The object of this study is the process of operation of a diesel engine in a wheeled tractor on methyl ether of spent frying sunflower oil. The task being solved is to improve the environmental performance of a diesel engine in a wheeled tractor during the operation of its diesel on such biodiesel fuel and its mixtures with mineral diesel fuel. The characteristics of the diesel D-243 were determined by the experimental method with the measurement of the toxicity of the waste gases during its operation on the methyl ether of the spent sunflower oil, mineral fuel, and their mixtures. A decrease in the content of soot in diesel exhaust gases and a slight increase in the types of nitrogen oxides was registered. The theoretical method using a mathematical model determined the indicators of a wheeled tractor during its movement with a trailer for the accepted driving cycle and the operation of its diesel on different fuels. To that end, the characteristics of a specific diesel engine were described by polynomial models. The adequacy of the mathematical model of the movement of a tractor with a trailer over a driving cycle was tested. By means of a mathematical model, the total road emissions of harmful substances of a diesel engine were calculated when the tractor is running with a trailer over the accepted driving cycle. Calculations were performed for two types of fuel: mineral diesel fuel and biodiesel fuel. Biofuel consumption increases by almost 10 % compared to diesel fuel. The total emissions of harmful substances are 1.1 times lower in a diesel engine running on biofuel than when using mineral fuel. The results could be used in the operation of technological transport in the industry and agriculture provided there is a sufficient volume of raw materials for the production of biofuel

Identification of new lines resistance to blackleg in an Argentinian rapeseed-breeding program

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is the third most important oil crop worldwide and it has a high demand for its industrial characteristics that make it suitable for human consumption and production of biofuels. The main yield losses of the crop are produce by blackleg, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Desmaz.) Ces. and of Not. [Anamorph Phoma lingam (Tode ex Fr.) Desmaz]. In this context, 469 inbred lines (ILs) of the INTA-EEA Paraná breeding program were phenotypic characterized for its resistance to Blackleg by artificial inoculations with a local isolation. From the initial 469 ILs, a total of 59 (13%) were identified as phenotypically resistant and were characterized by molecular makers associated to resistant genes (Rlm1, Lepr3, Rpg3Dun, and Rlm4) with the aim to identify lines carrying different resistance genes to be selected as parental lines in the development of new resistant genotypes. Moreover, the resistant ILs were characterized for its agronomics performance, including yield; percentage of oil; and content of fatty acids, over two crop seasons (2018 and 2019). A Generalized Procrustes Analysis was conducted to correlate all the traits evaluated and identify elite lines. From the 59 resistants ILs, four lines were selected based on their high performances and multiple resistant gene combinations, as started lines to develop a pyramiding gene strategy. The selection of these elite lines to combine traditional breeding and gene-pyramiding based on MAS in our breeding program is a useful strategy to develop superior rapeseed genotypes.

A highly efficient and cost-effective liquid biofuel for agricultural diesel engines from ternary blending of distilled Yang-Na (Dipterocarpus alatus) oil, waste cooking oil biodiesel, and petroleum diesel oil

This study reports a highly efficient and cost-effective liquid biofuel for agricultural diesel engines by a ternary blending of waste cooking oil (WCO) biodiesel, distilled Yang-Na oil, and petroleum diesel oil. Biodiesel oil from WCO synthesized by NaOH-catalyzed pilot plant-scale solar reactor exhibited fuel properties that met ASTM-D6751 and EN-14214 standards. Crude Yang-Na was distilled at 280 oC to obtain distilled Yang-Na oil with major components of α-Gujernene (63.07 wt.%), α-Caryophyllene (19.08 wt.%), γ-Gujernene (5.16 wt.%), and γ-Elemene (5.23 wt.%), along with 7.46 wt.% of other hydrocarbon compounds. The ternary blendings of waste cooking oil (WCO) biodiesel, distilled Yang-Na oil, and petroleum diesel oil were formulated (50:30:20 and 50:25:25) and their physicochemical properties were evaluated and compared with a commercial B10 petroleum diesel oil. The formulated liquid biofuels met standards and closely resembled petroleum diesel with a viscosity of 3.86 cSt, density value of 876 kg m-3, and heating values of 9991 kcal/kg. The performance testing of the blended fuels in a small agricultural diesel engine showed the efficiency levels matched with a commercial B10 petroleum diesel oil and outperformed individual biodiesel and distilled Yang-Na oil. Variances in Brake Power and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption were <1% with low emissions of CO2, CO, HC, and NOx, while Engine Torque and biofuel consumption during cultivation showed differences of 3.42% and 2.54%, respectively. Accordingly, the obtained blended fuel is a promising option for community resource utilization, offering an alternative energy source for future communities.

АКТУАЛЬНІСТЬ ВПРОВАДЖЕННЯ ВИРОБНИЦТВА БІОПАЛИВА

Strategic management of modern enterprises must take into account the goals of sustainable development, which makes the study of biofuel production extremely relevant. This issue is important for agricultural enterprises, as they can simultaneously serve as both suppliers of raw materials for biofuels and as producers and consumers of biofuels. The production of biofuels from plant biomass raises discussions regarding sustainability, the effectiveness of greenhouse gas emission reductions, the importance for agriculture, and the food-or-fuel dilemma. Therefore, the aim of the research is to determine the advantages and prospects for the development of enterprises that supply raw materials and produce biofuels using animal fats in Ukraine as a type of activity for agricultural producers. The possibilities and experience of using livestock waste for the purpose of obtaining energy and biofuel production in the countries of the European Union are considered in the article. The results of the study indicate an increase in the consumption of biofuels from animal fats in the EU countries. This creates new opportunities for Ukrainian agricultural enterprises through the export of animal fats. The largest producer and exporter of animal fats in Ukraine is PrJSС “MHP”. The advantages of producing biofuels from animal fats have been identified, which include economic benefits for agricultural enterprises, energy supply stability, stimulation of research and innovation, reduction of environmental impact, and the development of a circular economy. At the same time, potential risks associated with the production of biofuels from animal fats are highlighted. These risks include the need to ensure environmental safety and ethical use of resources, for which appropriate legal acts and regulations need to be developed. The integration of biofuels from animal fats into existing energy systems must also be addressed. As a result of the research, a conclusion was made about the prospects for the creation of bioenergy enterprises in Ukraine and the increase in the export volumes of animal fats, which serve as raw materials for biodiesel production.

Biofuels, environment, and food security in Africa

AbstractIn recent years global hunger has increased across the world. Africa is the main contributor to this and more people in Africa are affected by undernourishment. This issue is likely to be exacerbated by the rapid development of the biofuels industry across the globe. However, it would be very strange to conclude that the production of biofuels should be neglected given that biofuels are intended to preserve the quality of the environment. Hence, the objective of this study is to search for a win‐win solution between biofuels and food security. Dynamic generalized method of moments results indicate that biofuels will have a positive effect on food security if their production can also promote environmental quality, which is favorable to crop production. Thus, it indicates that the significant expansion and consumption of biofuels could contribute to increasing food security and sustaining environmental quality.

The influence of biofuel energy production on the exports of the palm oil industry in Malaysia: A panel GMM and robust standard error approach

In recent years, there has been a consistent and significant increase in the consumption of biofuels by countries across the globe. Numerous governments have implemented distinct quotas and objectives aimed at promoting and governing the augmented utilization of biofuels. The demand for biofuel is growing in European countries, which increases the export of biofuel energy in parent countries such as Malaysia. The Malaysian government has suggested receiving different sustainability certifications that are relevant to the biofuel industry. The Malaysian government has made it compulsory to attain environmental sustainability for oil-producing certification. The purpose of this article is to examine the role of biofuel energy production on the exports of the palm oil industry in Malaysia. This study uses the annual data of Malaysian palm oil exporters from 2009 to 2018 and employs the generalized method of moments (GMM) and the robust standard error methodologies. The findings showed that the production of palm oil plays a positive role in the exports of Malaysia’s palm oil industry. This study will serve as a guide for future research in this area and for the authorities when formulating policies regarding exports. It is recommended that these authorities should put extra emphasis on the productivity of the palm oil industry to further enhance Malaysia’s exports of biofuel, and the government needs to implement regulations to protect the environment.

The impact of blending mandates on biofuel consumption, production, emission reductions and fuel prices

The transport sector accounts for about 20% of EU's GHG-emissions. Progress in emission reductions has been slow and primarily driven by biofuels promoted through national blending mandates. The mandates differ in whether they are measured in volume, energy, or emission reduction and in how gasoline and diesel are targeted. Due to this, national mandates and their effects have not previously been quantitatively compared on an EU level. In this article we convert the mandates for all EU member states between 2009 and 2020 to a common unit and study their impact on biofuel consumption, production, emission reductions and fuel prices. We find that mandates are driving biofuel consumption in the EU and correlates with emission reductions. Increased mandates have however often been fulfilled by blending biofuels eligible for double counting. We also find that reduction mandates have been effective in encouraging high-performance biofuels. For historical fuel prices, we do not see a clear correlation between countries' shares of biofuel and consumer fuel prices while the global oil price has a considerable impact. For biofuel production, increased demand drive investments in the EU, but when it comes to localisation of new plants factors such as local infrastructure are more important than national mandates.

Opportunities for resource recovery from Latvian municipal sewage sludge

Sewage sludge is a type of waste that has high health and environmental risks associated with its reuse. Moreover, sludge has been neglected in global circular economy targets because it is generated in considerably lower quantities than municipal solid waste. At the same time, European Union's transition towards circular economy has set the need to reduce the amount of waste and to promote the production of secondary raw materials. Many countries have developed national strategies for sludge management to reach their sustainability goals. In Latvia, the current sludge management approaches include land application, composting and anaerobic digestion which all utilize sludge as an organic fertilizer. As an alternative to current management practices, resource recovery is put forward as a solution that is in agreement with EU policy. Carbohydrates (including cellulose), proteins and lipids were selected as candidates for energy and materials recovery from sludge. For the first time, this study demonstrates a comprehensive assessment of Latvian municipal sewage sludge composition and offers the theoretical yields of secondary resources on a yearly basis. Primary, secondary, and anaerobically digested sludge from 13 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Latvia was characterized in this study. The most abundant sludge type – secondary sludge – contained 18.5% proteins, 9.8% lipids and 2.6% cellulose per TS. On a yearly basis, secondary sludge from all Latvian WWTPs could provide 2530 t proteins, corresponding to 750 t protein-based fertilizer. Primary sludge contained 23.9% proteins, 9.1% lipids and 7.1% cellulose per TS. Primary sludge could provide 763 t/a carbohydrates, including 545 t/a cellulose. The currently available secondary and digested sludge would yield 727 t bioethanol, corresponding to 4.0% of the national biofuel consumption. This work applies the concept of resource recovery to the Latvian wastewater sector and shows the potential of simultaneously addressing waste and wastewater management issues.

Research of diesel bus performance when using diesel biofuel

Problem. The article focuses on the use of diesel biofuel to expand the fuel base and improve ecological indicators of diesel buses. Goal. The study aimed to refine the mathematical model of bus movement in urban driving modes to determine fuel-economic and ecological indicators of the bus when using traditional diesel fuel and diesel biofuel. Methodology. Experimental studies were conducted on motor-tractor diesel 4CH11.0/12.5 (D-241) to determine its fuel economy and ecological indicators when running on both fuels, checking the adequacy of polynomial models of the diesel. Practical tests were performed on PAZ-32054 buses with diesel engines to verify the refined mathematical model on both fuels. Results. The study showed that diesel biofuel could be used in motor-tractor diesel engines without requiring any changes in their construction. However, hourly and specific consumption of diesel biofuel increased by 11-16% compared to traditional diesel fuel across a wide range of speed and load modes. The concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (CmHn) varied depending on the diesel engine's load. With an increase in the load, the concentrations of CO and CmHn were lower by 3% and 23%, respectively, compared to traditional diesel fuel. The study concludes that diesel biofuel is a practical alternative for diesel engines, which can be an important step towards improving the ecological situation in urban areas. By reducing the consumption of traditional diesel fuel, diesel biofuel can also help in diversifying the fuel base of diesel buses. Originality. The originality of the study lies in its experiments to prove the practical use of diesel biofuel in diesel engines and in demonstrating its ecological benefits. Practical value. The practical significance of the study is the possibility of using diesel biofuel in existing diesel engines without the need for major changes to the engine's construction.

Biomass power plants

Biomass power plants

Energy conservation and emission reduction of a new pulp mill by improving production processes

A new method of recycling cooking with pulping wastewater was developed to save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions in a pulp mill, which used bio-fuel of eucalyptus instead of coal and oil, and reduced the steps of black liquor combustion and lime regeneration in the traditional pulp mill to reduce carbon dioxide emission. As results, the bio-fuel consumption and CO2 emission are 2.04 × 104 MJ (1.2 tons of eucalyptus) and 2.2 tons for per ton of pulp. It reduces 28.23% of fuel energy consumption and 14.06% of CO2 emission comparison with that by the traditional pulp mill. In addition, while using the generated lignin as part of bio-fuel, the product value-added is 765.88 RMB for per ton of pulp, being 23.72% lower than that of 1004.08 RMB by the traditional pulp mill. Therefore, this study demonstrates the advance and feasibility of using only bio-fuel for a new pulp mill with a new method of recycling cooking, and will promote the technological revolution of cleaner production in the pulp and paper industry.

BIOFUELS – A NOVEL DIMENSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The demand for energy has increased globally and the availability of fossil fuel is limited. Added to this, there has been a negative effect on climate due to the emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. These are the alarming signals to explore unconventional and sustainable energy sources. Biomass energy is becoming popular these days as it is clean and sustainable form of energy. It can potentially solve the problems of waste management and energy security. Growth in industrialization and agricultural sector has witnessed the accumulation of huge biowastes like forest residues, food waste, agriculture crop residues, wood processing residues industrial waste and municipal solid waste (MSW). Biomass from these biowastes have also simultaneously emerged prospective feedstocks for bioenergy production. Production and consumption of biofuel is becoming popular as it will be a novel approach for a sustainable future.

Investigation of the determinants of the consumption of biofuels by Greek consumers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the determining factors that contribute to the increase in the use of biofuels among Greek consumers. The research tool is a fully structured questionnaire (260 consumers; random sampling) consisting of closed-ended questions with answers on a 5-point Likert scale. Greek consumers do not use biofuels frequently and their knowledge about biofuels is unsatisfactory. The non-demographic factors that exert a statistically significant influence on the levels of use of biofuels are the lower cost of ownership , lower operating costs , better cost–performance ratio compared to other fuels, fewer installation intervention requirements, less environmental impact, easier handling and the consumers’ knowledge about the biofuels. The influence of demographic factors on the use of biofuels by Greek consumers was also examined. The consumer demographics that showed a statistically significant correlation with and influence on the use of biofuels were gender, age, education, and place of permanent residence. Women, older consumers, and those with a higher level of education end up being more positive about using biofuels in their daily lives. Similarly, the state of rural and island areas ends up being more positive, compared to the residents of urban and semi-urban areas.

Winter-autumn air pollution control plan in North China modified the PM2.5 compositions and sources in Central China

The additional impact of emission-reduction measures in North China (NC) during autumn and winter on the air quality of downwind regions is an interesting but less addressed topic. The mass concentrations of routine air pollutants, the chemical compositions, and sources of fine particles (PM2.5) for January 2018, 2019, and 2020 at a megacity of Central China were identified, and meteorology-isolated by a machine-learning technique. Their variations were classified according to air mass direction. An unexpectedly sharp increase in emission-related PM2.5 by 22.7% (18.0 μg m−3) and 25.7% (19.4 μg m−3) for air masses from local and NC in 2019 was observed compared to those of 2018. Organic materials exhibited the highest increase in PM2.5 compositions by 6.90 μg m−3 and 6.23 μg m−3 for the air masses from local and NC. PM2.5 source contributions related to emission showed an upsurge from 1.39 μg m−3 (biomass burning) to 24.9 μg m−3 (secondary inorganic aerosol) in 2019 except for industrial processes, while all reduced in 2020. From 2018 to 2020, the emission-related contribution of coal combustion to PM2.5 increased from 10.0% to 19.0% for air masses from the local area. To support the priority natural gas quotas in northern China, additional coal in cities of southern China was consumed, raising related emissions from transportation activities and road dust in urban regions, as well as additional biofuel consumption in suburban or rural regions. All these activities could explain the increased primary PM2.5 and related precursor NO2. This study gave substantial evidence of air pollution control measures impacting the downwind regions and promote the necessity of air pollution joint control across the administration.

The impact of biomass consumption on US food prices

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 increased the amount of biofuels that must be mixed with commercial gasoline sold in the US to 7.5 billion gallons by 2012. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 further increased this requirement to 36 billion gallons by 2022. These large increases in the production and consumption of biofuels may compel farmers to divert significant quantities of land away from food and feed crops, which, in turn, may lead to a rise in crop prices, feed prices, and hence, overall food prices. Employing structural vector autoregression (SVAR) models and monthly US data for the period 1974:01 to 2019:12, this paper examines the impact of biomass consumption on food prices. We find that since the passing of these two acts, surges in biomass consumption are associated with food price increases in several categories, namely, fruits, beverages, food away from home as well as meat and poultry.