Biomass Facilities Research Articles

Technical and economic analysis of digitally controlled substations in local district heating networks

Since the 1990s, there has been a noticeable increase in the establishment of local district heating networks in Germany, coinciding with the use of thermal energy from biogas and biomass facilities. Historically, the prioritization of economically efficient heat utilization was subdued due to favorable electricity feed-in tariffs. However, with the expiration of Renewable Energy Sources Act subsidies, operators shifted focus to the operational costs of district heating networks. This study aims to examine the effects of optimizing controllers and valves at district heating substations in single-family homes, utilizing two local district heating networks. The emphasis is on evaluating impacts on operating costs and determining whether the economic and energetic benefits justify implementation. Simulation studies in MATLAB/Simulink Simscape depict both consumers and district heating networks individually, without aggregation. In the most favorable scenario, investing in enhancing substation controllers in single-family homes is projected to yield returns after 13 years. Comprehensive optimization of all substation controls in single-family homes can potentially result in up to 9 % savings in thermal energy demand due to reduced heat losses and a corresponding 9 % reduction in electrical power consumption for the main pump.

Using remote sensing technique to assess biomass energy potentials and appropriate site locations in Nigeria

In a bid to promote clean energy usage and conserve the forests, the Nigerian bio-energy policy was recently constituted, to help tackle the energy insecurity in the country and help increase its carbon credit in line with the United Nations development goals. This paper presents a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based assessment of biomass energy potentials and appropriate siting of biomass plant in Nigeria using remote sensing technique. It promotes sustainable and clean energy penetration and conserve forest life, which supports the UN SDGs on; Clean and Affordable Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land, including forest sustainability (SDG 15), and the Federal Government of Nigeria's net-zero emission commitment. The weighted overlay decision analysis was employed considering multicriteria approach. The various vegetation, forest, water bodies, lands, water source locations, accessibility to roads, aspect and topography were the criteria that were considered for locating the biomass facility. Efforts were made to quantify the biomass energy potentials of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the possibility of locating biomass plant; North East, North West, North Central, South East, South West and South South. The results obtained in this study reflect that the north eastern part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of crop residues (1163.32, 399.73 and 110.56 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (52.36, 17.99 and 4.98 PJ/yr, respectively). Also, the north western part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of forest residues (260.18, 156.11 and 43.18 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (1.79, 1.08 and 0.30 PJ/yr, respectively). The remote sensing technique employed in this study suggested that the northern part of Nigeria is most suitable for siting biomass plants in the country.

Multicriteria GIS-based assessment of biomass energy potentials in Nigeria.

The understanding of the geographical variability of biomass energy is an essential requirement for the optimal location of biomass energy conversion plants. This research presents a multicriteria GIS-based assessment of biomass energy potentials and the appropriate siting of biomass plants in Nigeria. The study applies the weighted overlay multicriteria decision analysis method. Crop and forest areas, settlement (energy supply areas), shrub/grasslands, barren land, water bodies, distance from water sources, road accessibility, topography, and aspect are the criteria that were considered for locating a biomass facility in this study. The results suggest that the theoretical, technical, and economical energy potentials of crop residues are highest in the North-East region of Nigeria and estimated at 1,163.32, 399.73, and 110.56PJ/yr, respectively, and lowest in the South-East at 52.36, 17.99, and 4.98PJ/yr, respectively. The theoretical, technical, and economical energy potentials of forest residues are highest in the North-West, estimated at 260.18, 156.11, and 43.18PJ/yr, respectively, and lowest in the South-East at 1.79, 1.08, and 0.30PJ/yr, respectively. Although most areas were identified to be suitable for siting biomass plants across Nigeria, the most suitable areas are located in the northern part of the country and include Niger, Zamfara, the Federal Capital Territory, Nassarawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Borno State. The study supports the Nigerian bio-energy policy that proposes to effectively utilize Nigeria's non-fuelwood as a substitute for the felling of trees. This is very important to strengthen its commitment at the COP26 International Climate Conference, which is to conserve and restore its forest. Furthermore, this study will serve as a good reference for policymakers to make well-informed decisions on tackling the energy insecurity in Nigeria.

MILP model for optimal operation of biomass facility treatment for efficient oil palm biomass management

MILP model for optimal operation of biomass facility treatment for efficient oil palm biomass management

Emissions of wood pelletization and bioenergy use in the United States

Despite a significant increase in United States biomass energy sector activity, including domestic bioenergy deployment and wood pellet production for overseas exports, the associated criteria pollutant emissions are not well quantified in current regulatory emissions inventories. We present an updated U.S. emissions inventory, with emphasis on wood-based biomass pretreatment (e.g., drying, condensing, storage of wood pellet) and the use of biomass for energy generation. As a significant number of wood pellet production facilities are not included in current inventories, we find that this sector's emissions could be potentially underestimated by a factor of two. Emissions from biomass-based facilities are on average up to 2.8 times higher than their non-biomass counterparts per unit energy. We estimate that 2.3 million people live within 2 km of a biomass facility and who could be subject to adverse health impacts from their emissions. Overall, we find that the bioenergy sector contributes to about 3–17% of total emissions from all energy, i.e., electric and non-electric generating facilities in the U.S. We also review some drivers of bioenergy expansion, such as various feedstocks and technologies deployed with an emphasis on wood-based bioenergy and discuss their implications for future air quality and health impacts.

Who has the power? Reflections on citizen engagement in district heating schemes in the UK and Sweden

District heating (DH) schemes linked to Energy from Waste (EfW) and Biomass facilities have been championed for their potential to decarbonise heating yet their role in energy policy is contested. These schemes are a unique intersection between two vital environmental policy agendas - waste and energy - and can offer opportunities for citizens to affect both environmental agendas and future energy infrastructures.Much has been written on the technical opportunities of DH and its policy landscape. This paper explores an important missing piece, to explore to what extent and how DH schemes support citizen engagement in local heat infrastructure decision-making. The benefits of citizen engagement are understood but there is currently no clear and consistent implementation of stakeholder engagement policy in this area. Evidence from four qualitative case studies is presented from the UK and Sweden to investigate strategies used by developers and operators to engage with stakeholders and how this influences their decision-making. However, limited examples of bottom-up, unplanned moments of citizen engagement were found as practice fails to live up to theory and policy rhetoric: ownership structures came through in our research as a key factor in this disconnect.

Hot air or new energy: Are we seeing signs of improved citizen engagement in district heating schemes?

<h2>Abstract</h2> District heating (DH) schemes linked to Energy from Waste (EfW) and Biomass facilities have been championed for their potential to decarbonise heating yet their role in energy policy is contested. These schemes are a unique intersection between two vital environmental policy agendas - waste and energy - and can offer opportunities for citizens to affect both environmental agendas and future energy infrastructures. Much has been written on the technical opportunities of DH and its policy landscape. This paper explores an important missing piece, to explore to what extent and how DH schemes support citizen engagement in local heat infrastructure decision-making. The benefits of citizen engagement are understood but there is currently no clear and consistent implementation of stakeholder engagement policy in this area. Evidence from four qualitative case studies is presented from the UK and Sweden to investigate strategies used by developers and operators to engage with stakeholders and how this influences their decision-making. However, limited examples of bottom-up, unplanned moments of citizen engagement were found as practice fails to live up to theory and policy rhetoric: ownership structures came through in our research as a key factor in this disconnect.

An Evaluation of Woody Biomass and Pulpwood Market Competition within a Range of Procurement Distances

Abstract In the Southern United States, a rising number of biomass facilities have created new market opportunities for forest landowners, consulting foresters, and loggers, which could increase the competition between the biomass market and pulpwood market for forest biomass. Thus, comparing the profits from conventional roundwood harvesting and biomass harvesting within a range of procurement distances could be crucial to make a harvest decision. In this study, we considered two harvesting systems: conventional and biomass. We developed a decision support tool to predict and compare the final stumpage value from both harvesting systems based on the stand and site conditions, market conditions, and distance to the nearest market. We grew (simulated) loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations to six different thinning ages (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 yr) at five different site indices (17, 20, 23, 26, and 29 m at a base age of 25 yr) using the PTAEDA4.0 software. Different models were fitted and evaluated for certain training and validating criteria. In both harvesting systems, we select the cube root-transformed model as the best model. Using the models, we predict that the utilization of logging residues and pulpwood as wood chips may yield a higher return to the landowner when the delivered price of the wood chips is comparable to the delivered price of the pulpwood and within the same procurement distance. The selected models thus serve as a decision support tool to inform stakeholders to further maximize their economic return from timber harvesting operations by selecting the most profitable option.

Linking Federal Forest Restoration with Wood Utilization: Modeling Biomass Prices and Analyzing Forest Restoration Costs in the Northern Sierra Nevada

Over half of California’s forestland is managed by the US Forest Service, and the agency has identified a need to scale up forest restoration treatments in the state to one million acres per year by 2025. However, the high costs of mechanical fuel reduction and lack of markets for biomass pose significant barriers to accomplishing this target. The objectives of this case study were: (1) to identify costs of forest restoration treatments on federally-managed land in the Northern Sierra under a variety of harvesting scenarios and haul distances to biomass facilities, and (2) to understand what market prices for biomass must be offered to support such efforts. We modeled silvicultural prescription and harvesting options, machine productivity and costs, and transportation costs to assess economic thresholds. Biomass harvest, chip, and haul costs ranged from $55/bone dry ton to $118/bone dry ton, depending on the harvesting system scenario and distance from the biomass disposal site. Results suggest that the cost of forest restoration far exceeds current market prices for biomass, and additional investment is needed to adequately pay for federal forest restoration in California. Additional takeaways include that biomass outlets closer to supply sources can reduce both haul costs and production costs, and local wood utilization campuses can play a key role in supporting forest restoration.

Willingness to Pay for Renewable Energy in Myanmar: Energy Source Preference

The increased use of renewable energy is imperative as a countermeasure to climate change. As with conventional electricity generation technologies, public acceptance of renewables is an important issue, and willingness to pay (WTP) is a widely used indicator to assess such public attitudes. Unfortunately, the literature to date mostly covers developed countries, with few WTP surveys in developing countries. Tackling climate change is an urgent issue for these developing countries; therefore, understanding of public attitudes toward renewables in developing countries is crucial. This study conducted the first survey on WTP for introducing renewable energy in Myanmar. Although Myanmar boasts abundant renewable energy resources, including solar power and biomass in addition to large-scale hydro plants, its resources are not being properly utilized to generate electricity. This study surveyed WTP for power generation by solar photovoltaics, small hydropower, and biomass facilities. The results showed the highest WTP for solar power (USD 1.92) with 10% share in the energy mix, and lower WTP for biomass and small hydropower electricity generations (USD 1.13 and USD 1.17, respectively). Careful public communication is thus crucial for expanding biomass and small-scale hydro power plants.

Site suitability assessment of para rubberwood-based power plant in the southernmost provinces of Thailand based on a multi-criteria decision-making analysis

This study presents a methodology to determine suitable locations to establish energy facilities using para rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) as a biomass resource, with application in the southernmost provinces of Thailand. A Geographic Information System (GIS), along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), were used to compute the influencing factors and constraints in consideration of environmental and socio-economic siting criteria. As the time scale of the analysis is over one life cycle of para rubber trees, the methodology is based on a secure supply of para rubberwood feedstock required to supply individual 9.5 MW biomass facilities for at least 20 years. This study found that the region of the southernmost provinces of Thailand has significant capacity to generate electricity using para rubber tree biomass. Out of 13,941 km2 of the study area, 4,890 km2 (35%) are either highly or moderately suitable to establish para rubberwood-based energy facilities. In conformity with the Very Small Power Producer (VSPP) policy of Thailand, and using para rubberwood biomass from trees at the end of their productive latex life-cycle, 12 power plants, with a total capacity of 114 MW, could be installed in the highly suitable areas, with an annual energy production of 767 GW h/yr and CO2e emission avoidances of 444 ktonnes, annually. When considering both the highly suitable and moderately suitable areas, 22 power plants, with a total capacity of 209 MW, could be installed, with an annual energy production of 1,406 GW h/yr and CO2e emission avoidances of 815 ktonnes, annually. This would correspond to nearly 7% of the current installed renewable power capacity of the generation portfolio of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). The results of the study show that para rubberwood fuel resources can make significant contributions in solving the energy issues of southern Thailand.

A web-based tool framing a collective method for optimizing the location of a renewable energy facility and its possible application to sustainable STEM education

Abstract In this study, a prototype web-based tool is introduced for the estimation of the Location Suitability Assessment of a Biomass Plant (LSABP): input demands, inner procedures, and output results in response to various levels of government strategies. A collective methodology of Geographic Information System-Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) and the Fuzzy-DEcision-MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL) is presented. After implementing the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) and two-way sensitivity analysis, we accomplish the most suitable biomass plants’ locations. The developed web-based tool framing the collective method targets and generates Multi-Criteria-Spatial Decision Support System (MC-SDSS). Precisely, four main sections are described as general overview, MC-SDSS, two-way sensitivity analysis, and final result section for the LSABP. In final result section, users particularly test the location suitability option for five biomass plants with the chosen criteria. The results confirm that the suitable locations of biomass plants are situated near forests and in zones with low transport costs, which comprise only 9.25% highly suitable area. Five plants are not located in the highly suitable areas. The most influential criteria of the LSABP are the vegetation cover, agricultural area, transport cost, and potential demand criteria. By assessing diverse alternatives, the LSABP assists certain decisions for adjusting and analyzing the setting of biomass facilities on a strategic, tactical, and operational level. Therefore, this work demonstrates the novelty of framework development as a cleaner production for integrating globally accessible spatial and environmental algorithms and datasets in computing with newly designed and implemented an interactive web-based tool for the evaluation purpose of various personal and government levels. Particularly, it is necessary to apply its experience to the possible sustainable Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, which requires constant acquisition of knowledge and its dissemination.

GIS-MCDM approach to scrutinize the suitable sites for a biomass power plant in southernmost provinces of Thailand

Identifying suitable locations for biomass base facility is a tremendous task. This study developed a GIS-AHP based methodology to determine the suitable locations for 9.5 MW biomass facility considering para rubberwood as a biomass resource in southernmost provinces of Thailand. In total 10 siting criteria under environment and socio-economic capacity was assessed. The area needed to secure a feedstock for a 9.5 MW facility for sustainable operation, using an assumption-based method was also conducted. This study found that out of 13,941 km2 of the study area, 4,890 km2 (35%) is either highly or moderately suitable to establish para rubberwood-based energy facilities. Where 21 power plant can be constructed in the study area considering both high and moderately suitable areas and that capacitates to generate 1580 GWh/year.

Influence of Policy, Air Quality, and Local Attitudes toward Renewable Energy on the Adoption of Woody Biomass Heating Systems

Heat produced from woody biomass accounts for a significant portion of renewable energy in the United States. Economic and federal policy factors driving institutional adoption of woody biomass heating systems have been identified and examined in previous studies, as have the effects of state policies in support of biomass heating. However, plans for a number of mid- to large-scale biomass facilities have been abandoned after being proposed in communities with many of the factors and policies considered favorable to the adoption of such systems. In many of these cases, opponents cited potential negative impacts on local air quality, despite being generally in favor of renewable energy. This study employed a zero inflated negative binomial (ZINB) statistical model to determine if state policies, air quality, and local attitudes toward renewable energy have a significant effect on the adoption and retention of distributed-scale biomass combustion systems used for institutional heating. State policy appears to have a negligible effect, while the influences of historic and current air pollution and local emissions appear insignificant. However, local attitudes in favor of renewable energy are associated with the adoption and retention of distributed-scale woody biomass heating systems. This is an indication of the importance of local support in determining the fate of future biomass energy projects.

Wood Waste and Race: The Industrialization of Biomass Energy Technologies and Environmental Justice.

In the 1980s, engineers developed new ways to use one of humanity's oldest fuel sources-wood-to create electrical power. This article uses envirotechnical analysis to examine the development of a wood-burning power plant in Flint, Michigan, and argues that when public officials began working with major energy corporations to build industrial biomass facilities in the 1980s and 1990s, new energy technologies designed to run on renewable fuels became part of an entrenched fossil fuel-based power structure that maintained deep historical inequalities. Like other examples of environmental injustice, the burdens of industrial-scale biomass power systems tended to fall on poor, nonwhite communities. By exploring the creation of the Genesee Power Station as part of an envirotechnical regime in Flint, this research seeks to develop conceptual bridges between the history of technology, environmental history, and environmental justice, and demonstrates the use of history to inform contemporary debates about sustainability.

Optimizing the location of a biomass plant with a fuzzy-DEcision-MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL) and multi-criteria spatial decision assessment for renewable energy management and long-term sustainability

Abstract The selection of the location of a biomass plant is a critical concern because biomass feedstocks are geographically and spatially dispersed. Geographic Information System-Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) techniques are powerful methods that have been applied to various disciplines using suitable criteria. These methods can be used to solve power planning problems, such as determining the optimal locations of biomass plants in the context of renewable energy. In response to the promotion of renewable energy in European strategy, Extremadura (Spain) is boosting energy generation from biomass as an alternative to traditional generation to protect the environment. This study presents a combined application of GIS-MCDA and the Fuzzy-DEcision-MAking Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL) technique to identify suitable and favorable sites for biomass facilities in terms of long-term sustainability. The main criteria established in this approach are outlined, evaluated, weighted and allocated to three criteria groups: environmental, geophysical and socio-economic groups. In the F-DEMATEL participatory method, constraints and their weight coefficients, with regard to their influence, are calculated. The most suitable locations are obtained after applying the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method. In the final stage of the decision-making problem, a sensitivity analysis of the criteria set is conducted, and the weights are determined for four implementation strategies. The model is applied in a case study of Extremadura where forest and agriculture are the typical land uses. The results of the F-DEMATEL/GIS-MCDA analysis suggest that the optimal sites for the locations of biomass plants are situated near forests and in zones with low transport costs, which comprise only 9.247% (Sh) of the total study area. Currently, five plants are installed in this area; however, they are not located in the most suitable areas (Sh). The most influential criteria of the model are the vegetation cover, agricultural area, transport cost and potential demand criteria. This methodology can be used in other studies to verify suitable locations for biomass plants in areas with similar geographical and spatial characteristics and available spatial data. Additionally, the proposed method of renewable energy policy planning can be applied to decision-making problems in the private sector and at various government levels.

A Multicriteria GIS-Based Assessment to Optimize Biomass Facility Sites with Parallel Environment—A Case Study in Spain

Optimizing a biomass facility site is a critical concern that is currently receiving an increased attention because of geographically spread biomass feedstock. This research presents a multicriteria GIS assessment with Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) (most suitable areas) and a sensitivity analysis (implementation strategies) applied to various disciplines using suitable criteria to optimize a biomass facility location in the context of renewable energies respecting the environment. The analyses of results with twelve criteria show the most suitable areas (9.25%) and constraints in a case study in Extremadura (Spain), where forest and agriculture are typical for land uses. Thus, the sensitivity analysis demonstrates the insight of the most influential criteria for supporting energy planning decisions. Therefore, this assessment could be used in studies to verify suitable biomass plants sites with corresponding geographical and spatial circumstances and available spatial data necessary in various governmental and industrial sectors.

Technoeconomic Analysis of a Hybrid Biomass Thermochemical and Electrochemical Conversion System

AbstractThis study explores an integrated biomass conversion system based on a common fast pyrolysis step and two subsequent bio‐oil upgrading pathways. The two options are bio‐oil thermochemical upgrading to drop‐in transportation biofuels through hydrotreating and hydrocracking, and bio‐oil electrochemical conversion for electrical power generation using a direct bio‐oil fuel cell method. The technoeconomic performances of biomass‐to‐biofuels and biomass‐to‐electricity pathways are first examined individually, and then integrated for the analysis of a hybrid biomass conversion system. A biomass facility of 2000 tonnes per day is investigated as a baseline. The minimum fuel‐selling price (MFSP) is estimated to be $ 2.48 per gallon, with biomass feedstock and other operating costs as major contributors. A very high minimum electricity‐selling price (MESP) of $ 5.36 per kWh is projected based on the current laboratory‐scale fuel cell configuration. Sensitivity analysis reveals that the effective reactant content in bio‐oil, the degree of oxidation, and the fuel cell system efficiency play key roles in the MESP. The estimate can be reduced to $ 0.96 per kWh if target values of the three parameters are met. The results of the hybrid system suggest that the MESP can be reduced substantially from $ 0.96 to $ 0 per kWh when the hybrid system increases the bio‐oil fraction for biofuel production from 0 to 75.8 %, given a biofuel MFSP of $ 3 per gallon.

Renewable energy management to identify suitable biomass facility location with GIS-based assessment for sustainable environment

Identifying proper location of a biomass facility is a critical issue due to biomass materials characteristic geographically spread. This paper presents a GIS-MCDA approach with WLC and sensitivity analysis to optimize suitable areas of a biomass facility. The approach can be used to solve renewable energy planning problems in sustainable environment context. The results’ analysis with 16 criteria concludes the most suitable locations close to agricultural and forestal areas, 8.64% of the Spanish case study region. Therefore, the results denote that the approach proposed could be used for decision-makings for renewable energy management policy in various governmental and industrial sectors.

Economic and spatial planning for sustainable oil palm biomass resources to mitigate transboundary haze issue

Transboundary haze has been a critical environmental concern in the region of Southeast Asia in the recent decades. The smoke occurred by land clearing through burning activities for agricultural cultivation and urban development is a significant contributors to haze issue which has affected countries within the region and beyond. Instead of ‘slashing and burning’ the biomass residues, there is the possibility of utilising the biomass residue produced either by land-clearing or on plantations to become higher value bio-products,with monetary returns to the plantations and farmers. Due to the diffuse nature of biomass which leads to high transportation costs, effective spatial planning is required for cost-effectiveness and sustainable biomass supply. This study focuses on mitigation of transboundary haze by moving away from the conventional activities of biomass ‘slash and burn’ through its conversion to energy. A spatial optimal biomass allocation networks has been developed to address the issue of transportation distance of biomass to the centralised bioenergy facility by taking into account the geographical locations of the biomass, biomass availability, distances, and transportation cost. Five optimal centralised biomass facilities were identified in Peninsular Malaysia. The results indicated that the cost of electricity generated from oil palm trunk (OPT) and oil palm frond (OPF) was USD 0.13/kWh which is comparable with current Feed-in-Tariff (FiT). The result suggests that the conversion of biomass–to-energy could create economic benefits and ultimately reduce open burning practices, and prevent the transboundary haze issue in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries.