Biomass Power Generation Research Articles

A Sustainable Rural Electrification of Morocco Using Stevia Biomass Power Generation: Lessons for Paraguay

A Sustainable Rural Electrification of Morocco Using Stevia Biomass Power Generation: Lessons for Paraguay

Assessing the Potential of Biomass Power Generation for Renewable Energy Transition in South Papua Province, Indonesia

This study aims to explore the potential for biomass-based power plant to accelerate the development of renewable energy to replace the role of fossil energy in Merauke district, South Papua Province. The method used in this study is, first, to collect data and analyze the load on the grid system and the portion of the energy mix as well as the availability of woody biomass from forest areas by making a simulation of the development of a 2 x 12 MW Biomass Power Plant. Second, by conducting experiments to obtain woodchip conversion, as the fuel of the Biomass Power Plant, from the wood log and conversion from Biomass Power Plant capacity to the required biomass plantation area. The results provide an overview of the big potency for developing biomass-based power generation by utilizing biomass from the local industrial plantation forest and show the energy transition towards energy independence. This study can be useful for policy makers and opportunities for entrepreneurs or suppliers of wood biomass, as well. For the future, in terms of fuel efficiency, it is necessary to reduce the plantation area as a source of biomass for power plants by reducing the moisture content of the woodchip to increase the calorific value and utilizing the forest residue. Furthermore, the comparison cost study between fossil power plant and biomass power plant, as well as the strategy for preserving the plantation to ensure a steady biomass supply is conducted.

Performance analysis and prediction of a modified precompression transcritical CO2 power generation cycle

The efficient utilization of biomass energy and the optimal operation of integrated renewable energy sources in virtual power plants have become critical issues to achieve carbon neutrality targets in rural areas. In the rural areas of Northeast China, a large amount of electricity can be generated from biomass. It is very important to develop biomass power generation equipment for this rural area. Due to the high thermal efficiency and its compact system without freezing process like water, CO2 thermal cycle is an appropriate option for this kind of power generation equipment. According to whether the flow is separated, CO2 cycles can be divided into the single flow layouts and split flow layouts. Compared to the single flow layouts, split flow layouts have higher efficiency, but more complex structures and lower heat transfer power per unit area. Considering the climatic characteristics of Heilongjiang Province and the seasonality of straw biomass utilization, this study proposes a modified scheme for the precompression transcritical CO2 cycle in the single flow layout to meet the simple structure requirement of the small power plants in cold areas like Northeast China. Through energy analysis, the study calculates the thermal efficiencies of the two cycles when the inlet pressure of the main compressor is 5 MPa, the turbine inlet temperature is 550 °C and the pressure ratios of the main compressor are in the range of 4.5–5.5. The optimal efficiency of the traditional precompression cycle is 43.55 % when the main compressor pressure ratio is 5.5, while the modified precompression cycle is 44.86 % when the pressure ratio is 5.0266. The modified precompression cycle has a higher efficiency than the traditional precompression cycle at a lower pressure ratio of the main compressor.

Integrating process safety management into Canadian wood pellet facilities that generate combustible wood dust

AbstractWood pellets, which are manufactured from sawmill and forest residues, are sold in bulk for biomass power generation or in bags for residential heating. Wood pellet production involves combustible dust, which presents the risk of fires and explosions. Process safety management (PSM) is a framework for preventing and mitigating process‐related incidents. While PSM has historically been integrated within the chemical process industries, there is a need to systematically manage process‐related hazards in other sectors, including wood pellet and wood product manufacturing. However, there is a need to identify an approach to PSM implementation that is reasonable and achievable based on the relative complexity of the production process, as well as onsite resources. The scope of this project was to develop an integration tool for wood pellet production to serve as the foundation for a long‐term strategy and implementation plan led by industry. This research resulted in a PSM integration tool consisting of a PSM survey for gap analysis, self‐assessment worksheets that include numerous PSM best practices, factsheets, and an implementation strategy. Using the CSA Z767 Process Safety Management standard as the basis, the research included the development of a phased approach to integrating PSM elements to help improve feasibility. The selection of PSM element phases was informed by surveys of operations and subject matter experts. This research recognizes that, while PSM is currently mostly voluntary in Canada, some organizations have adopted the CSA Z767 standard into regulations and proactively implementing a PSM framework will position companies well should regulations change.

(Invited) Integrated Chemocatalytic Conversion of Cellulosic Biomass to Gasoline Blended Fuel Using a Multifunctional Nano-Catalysts

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India has initiated several programs to promote effective ways of utilizing biomass energy to boost the country's economy. In order to improve the effective use of biomass resources, the initiative for biomass power and cogeneration has adopted the use of bagasse-based cogeneration and biomass power generation in sugar mills. Because of its remarkable characteristics, including its high-octane number, low cetane number, and significant heat of vaporization, bioethanol is considered as a desirable biofuel. In addition, the increased biofuel production, in particular bioethanol, satisfies the criteria of the energy demand. These criteria include the fuel's ability to be blended with gasoline and diesel, as well as standards for low-carbon fuels.Chemocatalytic conversion using nanowire catalysts reduce side reactions caused on by an intermediate product while facilitating cascade reactions that lead to a desired product. In this work, metal oxide nanowires (TiO2 and WO3) were synthesised using a plasma-assisted method and metal nanoparticles (Pt and Ru) were impregnated on the as-synthesised NWs. In a high-pressure slurry batch reactor, reactions were carried out to obtain the optimal conditions for the desired product. The catalysts were characterised to reveal the catalysts-activity relationship. Various analytical techniques were used to quantify the liquid and gaseous products collected after the reactions.The direct conversion of cellulose to C2-C3 alcohols using tungsten-based co-catalysts was enhanced even at low temperatures. X-ray photoelectrons spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman analysis show the oxygen vacancy (Ov) enrichment on the surface of Pt/TiO2 in presence of tungsten co-catalysts which improved their catalytic activity. The role of metallic platinum (Pto) was also investigated and found to have a linear relationship with the activity as follows: H2WO4 > (NH4)6H2W12O40.xH2O > H3PW12O40 . Maximum yields of 32.33% and 51.52% of ethanol and propane-2-ol at optimum temperatures of 220℃ and 250℃, respectively, were obtained with H2WO4. Catalytic reaction performed using tandem catalytic system gives a high ethanol yield of 25.56%, which is low as compared to an integrated catalytic system. Based on the experimental results, the reaction pathway is proposed which elaborates the activation and cleavage of specific C-C and C-O bonds.Moreover, the dual functionality of tungsten oxide (WO3) nanorods as support and co-catalyst was also studied, enhances the catalytic behaviour, and the promotional study of W was studied for delivering a high yield of ethanol to 43.98% under optimum reaction conditions. The cellulose conversion was calculated to be 98.5%. The XPS study reveals the oxidation state of WO3 employing the change in catalytic activity before and after the addition of co-catalysts. The electron-deficient state of the metallic component (Ruo) is favourable for H2 adsorption on the surface, producing more active hydrogen species and thus promoting hydrogenation. As a result of these electronic understandings of Ruo and W, the reason for the higher activity of these nano synthesised Ru/WO3 compared to WO3 was concluded. Furthermore, a series of characterizations were performed to reveal the catalysts-activity relationship. Our characterization and activity test suggested that the synergistic effect of W6+ and Ruo facilitate the formation of ethanol whereas, Bronsted acid sites from W-based catalysts and Bronsted base from hot compressed water (HCW) collectively participate in the hydrolysis of cellulose and C-C cleavage of glucose to ethanol via selective hydrogenolysis of C-OH. The bond functionality was also investigated by performing reactions with various reactants under the same reaction conditions. This presentation will provide our understanding of the mechanism and kinetic correlation of the integrated cellulose-to-ethanol synthesis important for sustainable ethanol production.Correspondence should be addressed to: sreedevi@chemical.iitd.ac.in. Acknowledgments The authors thankfully acknowledge funding support from TUD-IITD MFIRP project. References Governement of India of India, BioEnergy, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. https://mnre.gov.in/bio-energy/current-status (accessed Dec. 27, 2023).S. Achinas and G. J. W. Euverink, Consolidated briefing of biochemical ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, Electron. J. Biotechnol., 2016, 23: 44–53Beena Patel and Bharat Gami, Biomass Characterization and its Use as Solid Fuel for Combustion, Iran. J. Energy Environ., Iranica Journal of Energy & Environment, 2012; 3 (2):123-128N. Wei, J. Quarterman, S. R. Kim, J. H. D. Cate, and Y. S. Jin, Enhanced biofuel production through coupled acetic acid and xylose consumption by engineered yeast, Nat. Commun., 2013; 4:1–8 Figure 1

Distribution and potential assessment of biomass raw material resources in the Inner Mongolia region

Abstract With the national energy transition and upgrading, the development of clean energy has attracted significant attention. Among these, agricultural biomass energy plays a crucial role in realizing a low-carbon transition. Taking the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as a case study, this research assesses and analyzes the potential of biomass availability in agricultural waste by introducing net biomass calculation. It also examines the overall characteristics of the spatial distribution of available biomass resources in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region using GIS software. The results indicate that in 2022, the total amount of straw resources in Inner Mongolia will reach 48, 926, 800, 000 tons, with 24, 198, 900, 000 tons of available biomass energy. Additionally, the dry matter content of livestock and poultry waste is estimated at 28, 198, 000, 000 tons, with 14, 233, 200, 200 tons of available biomass energy. Geospatial analysis reveals a decreasing trend in the regional distribution of available biomass resources from the northeast to the southwest. Furthermore, this paper analyzes various biomass utilization methods. It is estimated that biomass resources can reduce carbon emissions by 913.72 tons if used for biomass power generation. Biomass can also be utilized in pyrolysis and gasification processes. Through these conversion technologies, approximately 2562.62 tons of available biomass in the Inner Mongolia region can be converted. In the benefit analysis, the Inner Mongolia region demonstrates a good economic and environmental situation, with an estimated economic benefit and environmental situation, with an estimated economic benefit of about 70-17 million yuan. Overall, agricultural biomass feedstocks in Inner Mongolia hold significant potential for achieving the dual-carbon goals. Relevant departments should intensify their research and development efforts to promote green agriculture and realize sustainable development.

Enhanced growth of benthic microalgae by tablet from liquid dairy cattle manure-based anaerobic digestate

An effective strategy for utilizing anaerobic digestates is required to promote biomass power generation. We developed an anaerobic digestate tablet using liquid dairy cattle manure derived from a small mesophilic anaerobic digester installed on a dairy farm. Anaerobic digestate tablets are intended for use in the fertilization of oligotrophic coastal seas to promote primary production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the dissolution behavior of nutrients from anaerobic digestate tablets and (2) the effect of the application of anaerobic digestate tablets on the growth of benthic microalgae using a culture experiment. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the dissolution behavior of the nutrients. Cumulative amounts of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate in the anaerobic digestate tablet ranged from 110 to 28.9 μg g−1 after 28 days. The dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the anaerobic digestate tablet was mainly ammonium nitrogen and accounted for 92.4–96.9%, which is advantageous for the growth of microalgae. The growth curve of the benthic microalga Nitzchia longissima was monitored using f/2 medium added to the anaerobic digestate tablet. The growth of Nitzchia longissima was two orders of magnitude greater than that of the positive control. The enhanced growth of Nitzchia longissima by the anaerobic digestate tablet was considered a concomitant effect of moderate dissolution of ammonium nitrogen and high affinity for benthic microalgae. In conclusion, the anaerobic digestate tablets prepared in this study have the advantage of supplying nitrogen to benthic microalgae. This study proposes a new method for utilizing anaerobic digestates.

Straw Logistics Network Optimization Considering Cost Importance and Carbon Emission under the Concept of Sustainable Development

As biomass power generation projects progress, the supply chain of biomass resources has become a key link for the green development of biomass power facilities. The role of biomass recycling logistics in the sustainable development of biomass resources and power generation endeavors has grown increasingly significant. To realize environmentally friendly and economical straw logistics, it is imperative to establish an efficient, economic and sustainable straw recycling logistics network. Therefore, based on the weighting theory and top-down method, this study proposes a planning model aiming at minimum total cost and minimum carbon emission to locate the logistics network. The immune algorithm is applied to solve and analyze the proposed examples. It is concluded that under the condition that the total cost is reasonable, reducing transportation cost. The verification model can enhance the environmental and economic performance of straw logistics networks. From the perspective of theory and practice, we provide ideas for the optimization of relevant biomass logistics networks and promote the realization of low-carbon sustainable development of logistics networks.

Forest resource distribution and transport cost optimization-based economic evaluation of gasification and steam-turbine biomass power generation systems

The economics of decentralized gasification and centralized steam turbine systems with optimized harvesting, chipping, and transportation costs of unutilized forest biomass were analyzed within the context of the spatial distribution of forest biomass resources using a geographic information system in the Fuji area of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The optimized harvesting, chipping, and transportation costs were 62.50 USD/dry-t for the decentralized system and 65.86 USD/dry-t for the centralized system, confirming that the decentralized system was less expensive than the centralized system. However, electricity production costs for centralized systems, ranging from 0.137 USD/kWh (capacity: 5,000 kW), were found to be more economical than that for decentralized systems, at 0.151–0.165 USD/kWh (capacity: 482 kW), resulting in the higher costs of decentralized systems because of expensive initial investment than that of the centralized system. The rate of heat sold, which lowers the electricity production costs of gasification below those of centralized systems, was 20–40 % for all such plants. To lower the electricity production cost of gasification plants below that of steam-turbine systems, a heat sales rate of approximately 10% and a minimum staff of 0.2 persons for remote operation of the gasification system. Higher heat sales rates further decrease the cost of gasification, making it cheaper than steam-turbine systems even at lower operating rates. To achieve this cost advantage at current low utilization rates, a heat sales rate of 50% and a utilization rate of 90%, based on a unit price of 0.05 USD/kWh, are required.

Assessing Energy Consumption, Carbon Emissions, and Costs in Biomass-to-Gas Processes: A Life-Cycle Assessment Approach

China has a huge potential for biomass utilization. Converting low-grade biomass into high-quality hydrogen and natural gas is of great significance in promoting the utilization of biomass resources and the achievement of carbon reduction goals. Based on the data of biomass collection, transportation, power generation, hydrogen production and gas production stages in China, this paper constructs a multi-chain hybrid whole-life process evaluation model for “electricity to gas” and comprehensively compares the energy consumption, carbon emission and cost of the two chains of “hydrogen production from biomass power generation” and “methane production from biomass power generation”. We comprehensively compare the energy consumption, carbon emissions and costs of biomass-to-hydrogen and biomass-to-methane technologies. Biomass natural gas is found to have significant advantages in terms of energy consumption, carbon emissions and economics compared to biomass hydrogen production. In order to promote the development of the biomass “electricity to gas” industry in China, this paper proposes that PEM electrolysis tanks can be used for hydrogen production, and the distance from the biomass feedstock collection to the hydrogen production chemical park should be optimized to reduce the whole-life-cycle cost. Biomass natural gas can buy time for the development of China’s hydrogen industry and infrastructure construction.

Survival of biomass and waste power generation: A global overview

Biomass and waste power generation holds the promise to secure electricity supply for a growing population and mitigate global warming simultaneously. Along with the increasing commission and installation of biomass/waste power units (BWPUs) across the globe, some BWPUs failures have been observed, including the cancellation of planned/commissioned BWPUs and the termination of those in operation before reaching their natural retirement. While empirical evidence suggests that factors like feedstock accessibility and policy instruments might affect the feasibility and performance of BWPUs, there is a lack of comprehensive investigation about why some BWPUs failed at the global scale. To fill this knowledge gap, this study quantifies the hazard ratio of BWPUs via a parametric survival analysis using a panel dataset covering a total of 12,829 BWPUs (relying on woody, non-woody, and waste biomass as raw feedstocks) located in 164 countries/regions worldwide for the period of 2001–2021. The analytical results suggest that large unit size is conducive to BWPUs failure, while feedstock accessibility and the implementation of policy instruments (including Feed-in-Tariff and carbon pricing) could largely reduce the hazard ratio of BWPUs, with varying impacts on BWPUs at the planned/commissioned stage or the operation stage, located in developed or developing countries. Our findings not only shed additional light on the fate of BWPUs, which is crucial to enriching our understanding about the development of the bioenergy sector worldwide, but also provide salient empirical evidence for policy-making in terms of ensuring feedstock accessibility, overcoming diseconomies of scale, and making fiscal instruments available and transparent to boost the confidence of investors and entrepreneurs in support of BWPUs development.

Artificial Intelligence-Driven Multi-Energy Optimization: Promoting Green Transition of Rural Energy Planning and Sustainable Energy Economy

This research contributes to the overarching objectives of achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing environmental governance by examining the role of artificial intelligence-enhanced multi-energy optimization in rural energy planning within the broader context of a sustainable energy economy. By proposing an innovative planning framework that accounts for geographical and economic disparities across rural regions, this study specifically targets the optimization of energy systems in X County of Yantai City, Y County of Luoyang City, and Z County of Lanzhou City. Furthermore, it establishes a foundation for integrating these localized approaches into broader national carbon-neutral efforts and assessments of green total factor productivity. The comparative analysis of energy demand, conservation, efficiency, and economic metrics among these counties underscores the potential of tailored solutions to significantly advance low-carbon practices in agriculture, urban development, and industry. Additionally, the insights derived from this study offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics between government and enterprise in environmental governance, empirically supporting the Porter hypothesis, which postulates that stringent environmental policies can foster innovation and competitiveness. The rural coal-coupled biomass power generation model introduced in this work represents the convergence of green economy principles and financial systems, serving as a valuable guide for decision-making in decisions aimed at sustainable consumption and production. Moreover, this research underscores the importance of resilient and adaptable energy systems, proposing a pathway for evaluating emission trading markets and promoting sustainable economic recovery strategies that align with environmental sustainability goals.

Combustion Characteristics of Coal with Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) Using Thermogravimetric Analysis

Indonesian government is commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, so it is necessary to utilize biomass in power generation as an alternative fuel. This study aims to analyze and evaluate combustion characteristics using TG-DTA (Thermo et al.) with coal, palm kernel shells (PKS), and a mixture of palm kernel shells (PKS) with coal. Sample testing was carried out with four variations of the mixture between PK and coal, namely 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%, Tests were carried out with nitrogen gas and air with a constant heating rate of 20 °C/min at flow gas of 50 mL/min. Then, the mass reduction is calculated as the heating rate increases up to a temperature of 900 °C. Combustion characteristics can be analyzed by observing the combustion profile graph to obtain derived thermogravimetric data (DTG) to obtain the initiation temperature, temperature burnout, maximum combustion temperature, combustion reactivity, and energy activity of palm kernel shells (PKS), and a mixture of palm kernel shells (PKS) with coal with various composition variations. This research obtained the optimal composition for mixing palm kernel shells (PKS) and coal by TG-DTA.

Feed-in-tariff is key to Japan’s current biomass power’s viability, even with environmental externalities

Bioenergy is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, its economic feasibility remains underexplored, particularly when accounting for environmental impacts. This study proposes a quantitative assessment framework to calculate the cost-benefit ratio of biomass power generation and to assess the sustainability of its supporting policy tools, such as feed-in-tariffs (FIT). The framework accounts for benefits through electricity generation and environmental externalities, namely emissions from feedstock production and procurement, such as the transportation of biomass materials. This allows for quantification and a detailed discussion of multiple environmental burdens of biomass energy and economic costs. As a case study, this framework was applied to a hypothetical biomass plant in Japan, which has the fifth-largest biomass market globally. We prepare several scenarios to consider diverse conditions within the Japanese biomass industry, including the types of biomass materials used (pellets versus chips), their sources (domestic versus international), and the biomass technologies employed. The results show that using pellets, predominantly imported, significantly increases biomass energy costs. The increase in cost is directly proportional to the quantity of utilized pellets and their transportation distances. However, pellet production location —whether in Vietnam or Canada—doesn’t significantly change the overall cost calculations in our study. Our result is consistent across various biomass technologies, showing that the high selling price under the feed-in-tariff system, rather than material type, supply origin, or transportation mode, plays the most critical role in economic feasibility, even when accounting for environmental externalities. Thus, decision-makers must reevaluate the efficacy of FIT policies for wood biomass powers, where fuel costs share a substantial portion. We also discuss its synergies with local industries and trade-offs with other land-use objectives.

Performance analysis of a compressed air energy storage incorporated with a biomass power generation system

Compressed air energy storage technology is recognized as a promising method to consume renewable energy on a large scale and establish the safe and stable operation of the power grid. To improve the energy efficiency and economic performance of the compressed air energy storage system, this study proposes a design for integrating a compressed air energy storage system with a biomass power generation system. In the energy storage process, the feedwater from the biomass power generation system is used to cool the compressed air in the compressed air energy storage system. In the energy release process, the flue gas from the biomass power generation system is used to heat the compressed air. Besides, the compressed air from the compressed air energy storage system first works in the expander and then goes to the biomass power generation system for combustion. Based on the system simulation, the proposed system is assessed from the energy, exergy, economy, and environment perspectives. The results show that the round-trip efficiency and the energy storage density of the compressed air energy storage subsystem are 84.90 % and 15.91 MJ/m3, respectively. The exergy efficiency of the compressed air energy storage subsystem is 80.46 %, with the highest exergy loss in the throttle valves. The total investment of the compressed air energy storage subsystem is 256.45 k$, and the dynamic payback period and the net present value are 4.20 years and 340.48 k$. Besides, the proposed system’s CO2 emission is 258 kg/GWh. This study provides a new option for enhancing the performance of compressed air energy storage through the system integration.

Numerical simulation of the co-firing of pulverized coal and eucalyptus wood in a 1000MWth opposed wall-fired boiler

Currently, coal-fired coupled biomass power generation is widely regarded as a primary method for reducing carbon emissions in coal-fired power plants. This research investigates the co-firing of biomass in an opposed wall-fired boiler and the implementation of air-staged combustion technology using numerical simulation approaches. The study examines the impact of various air methods of distribution and blending ratios on combustion properties and NOx emissions. The findings demonstrate that the abrasive wear of fuel particles on the platen superheater is decreased by the addition of biomass to the fuel mix. Furthermore, a drop in the furnace chamber's overall temperature is the outcome of raising the blending ratio. Different blending ratios have their own adapted air distribution methods. At blending ratios of 10% and 30%, the W-type air distribution exhibits the lowest NOx outlet concentrations of 231.84 mg/Nm3 and 220.6 mg/Nm3, respectively. Moreover, the W-type air distribution shows the highest burnup rates of 98.74% and 98.43% at these blending ratios. This suggests that it is feasible to change the burner monolayer air distribution and combine it with co-firing of biomass technology to achieve low NOx and efficient operation of a hedge-fired boiler.

Data-driven two-stage robust optimization dispatching model and benefit allocation strategy for a novel virtual power plant considering carbon-green certificate equivalence conversion mechanism

Aiming at a large number of decentralized resources such as rural biomass, rooftop photovoltaic, and decentralized wind power, a novel rural virtual power plant (VPP) has been conceptualized. The VPP is integrated by biomass waste conversion system (BWC), carbon to energy (C2P), demand response aggregator (DRA), and distributed renewable energy (DRE), namely, BDCD-VPP. Then, this paper proposes a data-driven two-stage robust optimization dispatching model for BDCD-VPP considering carbon-green certificates equivalent conversion mechanism. This model aims to address the uncertainty of wind power plants (WPP) and photovoltaic (PV) power generation. Strong duality theorem (SDT) and C&CG algorithm are applied to construct this model. Thirdly, the Aumann-Shapley method (A-S) was enhanced by incorporating risk factor, cost factor, and carbon reduction factor. This refinement results in the development of a synergistic scheduling revenue allocation method for electricity‑carbon-green certificates. Finally, the Lankao rural energy revolution pilot program in China is selected as the case study, the results showed: (1) The BDCD-VPP aggregates distributed energy sources such as the rural WPP and the PV to realize electricity‑carbon-electricity cycle effect. The BDCD-VPP generates a green certificate revenue of 47.17¥/MWh and exhibited carbon emissions of 0.37 t/MWh. The proposed Carbon-Green Certificates Equivalent Conversion Mechanism increases BDCD-VPP benefit ratio by 3.52%. (2) The proposed two-stage robust optimization dispatching model enhances the ability of BDCD-VPP to adapt to uncertainty. Compared to the day-ahead stage, biomass power generation (BPG) and waste power generation (WPG) increase upward peaking power by 24.05% and 9.99% in intra-day stage. Flue gas treatment system (FG-TS), gas-power plant carbon capture (GPPCC) and power to gas (P2G) increase downward peaking power by 65.15%, 70.99% and 25.94%. (3) Utilizing the proposed benefit allocation methodology, BPG and WPG need to concede 38.25¥/MWh and 65.02¥/MWh for carbon emissions associated with electricity. WPP and PV need to concede 64.25¥/MWh and 33.71¥/MWh for power generation uncertainty. GPPCC, P2G, DRA, and small hydropower station (SHS) obtain revenues of 24.48 ¥/MWh, 55.07 ¥/MWh, 70.38 ¥/MWh, and 51.30 ¥/MWh. Compared to the A-S, the proposed benefit allocation methodology exhibits 6.92% improvement in satisfaction. Overall, the proposed data-driven two-stage robust optimization dispatching model and benefit allocation strategy facilitates the optimal aggregation and utilization of rural distributed energy resources, considering the interests of various stakeholders. This is conducive to achieving a clean and low-carbon transformation of the overall energy structure.

Modeling, design and optimization of integrated renewable energy systems for electrification in remote communities

Integrated renewable energy systems are becoming a promising option for electrification in remote communities. Integrating multiple renewable energy sources allows the communities to counteract the weaknesses of one renewable energy source with the strengths of another. This study aims to model, design and optimize integrated renewable energy systems consisting of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, a biomass power generator, and storage batteries for applications in remote communities in Canada. Biomass is used as a fuel to produce electricity during periods when solar power and wind power are not capable of meeting the power demand. A methodology is developed to optimize the integrated renewable energy systems design, with the aim of minimizing the net present cost (NPC) and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the energy systems. Results show that the NPC is $3.61 M and the LCOE is $0.255/kWh for an optimized integrated renewable energy system in a sample remote community that has a peak power consumption of 238.7 kW and an average load demand of 2230 kWh/day. Through the present research, the integrated energy systems are evidenced to be an effective option for electrification in remote communities.

Analysis of energy, carbon emissions and economics during the life cycle of biomass power generation: Case comparison from China

Straw instead of coal power generation is one of the most promising biomass utilization technologies. It has good potential in energy substitution, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and promotion of agricultural economic development. However, the high cost of biomass power generation has become a key factor limiting its development. In this study, four operating biomass power plants are selected as research objects to evaluate the whole process of biomass power generation with energy utilization, carbon emission and economy as evaluation indicators. The impact of feedstock collection radius on the power generation cost of different power generation systems is analyzed, and the key factors of the corresponding economic indicators are identified. The results show that the cost of electricity generation for the four power generation systems are 0.082$/kWh, 0.087$/kWh, 0.066$/kWh and 0.139$/kWh respectively. Overall, gasification combined cycle power generation has stable advantages in energy utilization and carbon emission reduction. Among them, non-renewable energy consumption is mainly concentrated in biomass collection, pretreatment, and equipment manufacturing processes. Small and medium gasification combined cycle systems represented by 6 MW scale have the lowest power generation costs. The small-scale biomass power generation technology represented by 30 kW gasification power generation shows excellent flexibility in a small area, but it does not yet have economic advantages. According to the collectability of straw, rationally planning the scale of the power plant can effectively reduce the cost. Power generation efficiency is the most direct parameter that affects the results.

A Methodological Framework for Decomposing the Value-Chain Economic Contribution: A Case of Forest Resource Industries of the Lake States in the United States

The forest products industries play a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the Lake States in the United States. While various economic contribution analyses of forest products industries have been conducted to highlight the importance of such industries to regional economies, little effort has yet been made to parse out the contribution of activities in the value chain. The value chain is a series of steps involved in producing goods or services. This study used a matrix decomposition approach to estimate the economic contribution along the value chain through multiple pathways of four forest resource-based industries using wood as inputs: biomass power generation, sawmills, paper mills, and the construction of new single-family residential structures in the Lake States. The direct and indirect economic output values in 2017 resulting from the construction of new single-family residential structures were $19.1 billion, sawmills were $2.5 billion, paper mills were $17.6 billion, and the biomass power generation industry was $759 million. Of the direct and indirect economic output contributed by each industry, the highest percentage of output attributable to the logging industry was observed from the sawmills industry (12%), followed by biomass power generation (9%), paper mills (1.4%), and the construction of new single-family residential structures (<1%), respectively. The percentage of total economic output attributable to the stumpage industry in the region followed a similar trend as commercial logging for all value-chain industries. The relative economic contribution of the value-chain industries to the total economic contribution of the final industry varied based on whether the industry was a primary or secondary forest products industry and the pathways used for sourcing wood inputs.