Carbon-constrained Economy Research Articles

International Conference on Animal Production for Food Sustainability

PrefaceAssalamualaikum wr.wb.Dear all of the scientists, delegates, participants, ladies, and gentlemen,Alhamdulillah…as the host of The 1st International Conference on Animal Production for Food Sustainability (ICAPFS), we do impress, thankful, and present a high appreciation for your participation in joining the ICAPFS 2018 in Padang, West Sumatra-Indonesia. As an international meeting for researchers, educators, professionals, and students, the meeting will attract more than 100 participants with common but diverse interests in the future of animal production.The theme of 1st ICAPFS 2018 is “The Future, Challenges, and Strategy for Animal Production”. The livestock sector globally is highly dynamic. In developing countries, it is evolving in response to rapidly increasing demand for livestock products, largely driven by human population growth, income growth, and urbanization. In the future, production will increasingly be affected by competition for natural resources, particularly land and water, competition between food, feed, fuel and fiber by the need to operate in a carbon-constrained economy. Developments in breeding, nutrition and animal health will continue to contribute to increasing potential production and further efficiency and genetic gains. Demand for livestock products in the future could be heavily moderated by socio-economic factors such as human health concerns and changing socio-cultural values. There is considerable uncertainty as to how these factors will play out in different regions of the world in the coming decades.On behalf of 1st ICAPFS 2018 committee and all associates, we wish all of the participants having a great achievement of success and fulfill the expectation as well as enjoying the interaction with all scientists participating in Conference.Thank you, invited speakers and delegates, thank you for choosing to come to this conference and to “Minang” Padang-West Sumatra, Indonesia. We hope the arrangements we have put in place meet with your requirements. We wish you fruitful deliberations and intellectually and socially rewarding stay in Padang, West Sumatra.We are looking forward to meeting you all in the future Congress to continue.Terimakasih, Thank youRusmana W.S. NingratChairman of 1st ICAPFS 2018

Mapping dynamics of low-carbon energy innovation for small hydropower technology in Nigeria

The urgent need for clean innovative energy systems is widely recognized amidst increasing concerns over energy insecurity, climate change and other environmental impacts of a carbon-constrained economy. Several renewable energy technologies such as small hydropower (SHP) are poised to play a critical role in the transition to a low-carbon future in Nigeria. The technically exploitable small hydro capability in Nigeria is high but underutilized in spite of the recent power sector reform of the government. The main objective of this paper is to trace the evolution of small hydropower and determine what component of the interactive learning mechanisms would result in the most significant outcome. The paper also maps out the networks of actors and linkages among those involved in the development and deployment of SHP technology in Nigeria. The study assesses the innovation process of the key stakeholders on models of sustainable SHP in the country. In the final assessment, the study identifies four models with firm-driven and a hybrid of policy and donor-driven models producing the most significant outcome. The findings of this study suggest that SHP could play an important role in remote off-grid communities as well as grid-based power generation. However, barriers such as low level of technological capability, lack of up-to-date sound technical and financial analysis and low investment have hindered its deployment. This paper concludes by outlining several policy priorities that would entrench sustainable SHP for multiple societal and economic development objectives in Nigeria.

Development of triple bottom line indicators for sustainability assessment framework of Malaysian palm oil industry

The production of crude palm oil has environmental, economic and social implications. A sustainability assessment framework is needed to improve the sustainability performance of crude palm oil production in a carbon-constrained economy. The objective of this paper is to develop Performance Measures for triple bottom line assessment in the Malaysian palm oil industry, which includes Key Performance Indicators and Higher Performance Indicators for implementing the sustainability assessment framework. The Performance Measures of the triple bottom line assessment were built on the framework of Lim and Biswas (Sustainability 7(12):16561–16587, 2015). The measures were further developed through a participatory approach involving stakeholders and area experts, including Government, Industry, Academia and Local Smallholders/Non-Government Organisations. The developed framework presents a final list of Performance Measures, Key Performance Indicators and Higher Performance Indicators using a structured process and introduces weighting factors to the indicators to reflect the difference in the perceived level of importance. The calculation methods of the assessment framework were verified, and finally, the framework was tested using hypothetical data.

Carbon emission risks and management accounting: Australian evidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to apply regulatory mix theory as a framework for investigating the use of management accounting techniques by Australian large listed companies in constraining their carbon emissions.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews are conducted with senior managers involved with managing their companies’ carbon emission risks. Analysis of the interview data is undertaken with a view to provision of insight to the impact of the regulatory framework imposed to deal with carbon emissions.FindingsThe findings reveal that regulation impacting companies’ economic interests rather than requiring mere disclosure compliance is much more likely to be behind focusing top management and board attention and use of management accounting techniques to set targets, measure performance and incentivise emission mitigation. However, there remains much scope for increased use of accounting professionals and accounting techniques in working towards a carbon-constrained economy.Research limitations/implicationsThe usual limitations associated with interpretation of interview data are applicable.Practical implicationsUnder-use of management accounting techniques is likely to be associated with less than optimal constraint of carbon emissions.Social implicationsCarbon emissions are accepted as being involved in harmful climate change. To the extent effective techniques are under-utilised in constraining emissions, harmful consequences for society are likely to be heightened unnecessarily.Originality/valueThe topic and data collected are original and provide valuable insights into the dynamics of management accounting technique use in managing carbon emissions.

Technical, Economic and Environmental Viability of Offshore CO<sub>2</sub> Reuse from Natural Gas by Dry Reforming

The recent discoveries of Pre-Salt layers in Brazil require process developments for enhanced sustainability as these reservoirs have oil with associated natural gas exhibiting an expressive amount of CO2 [1,2]. The challenge is thus to expand the supply of this fossil raw material to produce energy and chemicals in a carbon-constrained economy. In this scenario, CO2 capture and reuse techniques are important routes for a moderate transition from the present fossil-based economy to a long-term sustainable future. This work evaluates two process alternatives for a floating unit consisting of physical absorption of CO2 from natural gas, with propylene carbonate, producing a natural gas stream poor in CO2 and a stream consisting of a mixture of CO2 and hydrocarbons. Two alternatives are evaluated for processing the CO2 rich stream to yield methanol. Technical, economic and environmental analyses of the process flowsheets are performed for comparison purposes. Alternative 1 combines dry and steam reforming in one reactor (one pot reactor, Bi-Reforming), while Alternative 2 segregates the two reactions: dry reforming (Dry-Reforming) occurs in one reactor and water gas-shift reaction takes place in a subsequent reactor. The two Alternatives are evaluated with ASPEN HYSYS® (ASPENTECH Inc) simulator for calculation of energy and mass balances necessary to assess economic and environment performances. The economic evaluation employed the software Capital Cost Estimation (CAPCOST) for calculations of CAPEX and OPEX. The software Waste Reduction Algorithm (WAR, EPA) was used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts, by PEI (Potential Environmental Impact). Results indicate that the performance of Alternative 1 was better than Alternative 2: (a) methanol production (17905 kg/h) 4 times higher, (b) CAPEX (U$$75.497.127), 21,7% lower, (c) Sales Revenue (U$$144,890,686) 181% greater, and (d) the index for environment impact (868 PEI/hr) 47,7% lower.

Sustainably Managing Australian Riparian Zones in a Carbon-Constrained Economy: Management Practices for Farmers

The riparian zone is crucial in providing a number of important environmental services but its condition is becoming increasingly degraded and thus is under serious threat. Therefore protection, restoration and rehabilitation of riparian environments is a priority. In a carbon constrained economy, greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation or carbon sequestration activities are rewarded. Therefore, for farmers, a better understanding of no regret farming activities, which increase the profitability and sustainability of the farming systems is desirable. This review provides farmers with recommendations for best management practices in Australian riparian zones. Adopting these practices represent significant opportunities for farmers to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce GHG emissions whilst improving the efficiency and profitability of their farming system. Many of these practices are eligible activities under the Australian Government Emissions Reduction Funds and those which are not, have the potential to be included in the future.

Conversion of metallurgical coke and coal using a Coal Direct Chemical Looping (CDCL) moving bed reactor

The CLC process has the potential to be a transformative commercial technology for a carbon-constrained economy. The Ohio State University Coal Direct Chemical Looping (CDCL) process directly converts coal, eliminating the need for a coal gasifier oran air separation unit (ASU). Compared to other solid-fuel CLC processes, the CDCL process is unique in that it consists of a countercurrent moving bed reducer reactor. In the proposed process, coal is injected into the middle of the moving bed, whereby the coal quickly heats up and devolatilizes, splitting the reactor roughly into two sections with no axial mixing. The top section consists of gaseous fuel produced from the coal volatiles, and the bottom section consists of the coal char mixed with the oxygen carrier. A bench-scale moving bed reactor was used to study the coal conversion with CO2 as the enhancing gas. Initial tests using metallurgical cokefines as feedstock were conducted to test the effects of operational variables in the bottom section of the moving bed reducer, e.g., reactor temperature, oxygen carrier to char ratio, enhancer gas CO2 flow rate, and oxygen carrier flow rates. Experiments directly using coal as the feedstock were subsequently carried out based on these test results. Powder River Basin (PRB) coal and Illinois #6 coal were tested as representative sub-bituminous and bituminous coals, respectively. Nearly complete coal conversion was achieved using composite iron oxide particles as the oxygen carriers without any flow problems. The operational results demonstrated that a moving bed reactor design is favorable for the CDCL application.

Pathways for Deploying CCS at Australian Power Plants

The Australian energy sector is transforming towards a carbon-constrained economy and large emitters, such as power plants, need to consider the pathways for transitioning. This study highlights the technical and economic issues that need consideration by power generators in meeting the expected increase in energy demand while also meeting greenhouse gas targets. The strategy examined in this study is time phased post combustion capture retrofitted to existing power plants coupled with refurbishment of the power plant. The effect on the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) and the avoidance cost is investigated for both coal and natural gas fired generators.This study assumes that 20% of the Australian electricity fleet is retrofitted with capture in 2020, increasing in 20% increments at 5-year intervals until 2040 when all the fossil fuel power plants have capture retrofitted. The LCOE increases from current values of A$50 - 57 per MWh to A$100 - 120 per MWh for complete implementation of capture in 2040. At the same time, the CO2 emission intensity of the fleet gradually reduces from 0.6 tonnes per MWh to less than 0.1 tonnes per MWh. With phased implementation, the number of power plants that have capture increases over time and hence the avoidance cost increases from A$100 – 160 per tonne of CO2 avoided if capture is implemented in 2020 to A$150 – 240 per tonne of CO2 avoided if capture is implemented in 2040.

Engaging with carbon markets: the Libya case

Climate change and the emerging carbon-constrained economy of the 21st Century present new challenges and opportunities for countries of the Middle East and North Africa. This paper discusses the potential for Libya to participate in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the main flexibility mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development. The paper considers the interaction of Libya's history and socio-cultural characteristics with global policy dynamics and economic forces. Libya's geography presents considerable potential in terms of CDM project opportunities, yet key developments would be required before these could be exploited. The nature of Libya's political system and social structures suggest that these developments are unlikely to occur while the Qadhafi regime endures, and therefore that Libya will not be able to engage successfully with the CDM and international mitigation activities in the short term. However, the CDM represents a means to implement capacity building and technical development programs, which will be integral components of reconstruction strategy in the aftermath of the dramatic events of early 2011.Keywords: Libyan energy policy; Clean Development Mechanism; political ecology; socio-economic reform; Kyoto Protocol.

Livestock production: recent trends, future prospects.

The livestock sector globally is highly dynamic. In developing countries, it is evolving in response to rapidly increasing demand for livestock products. In developed countries, demand for livestock products is stagnating, while many production systems are increasing their efficiency and environmental sustainability. Historical changes in the demand for livestock products have been largely driven by human population growth, income growth and urbanization and the production response in different livestock systems has been associated with science and technology as well as increases in animal numbers. In the future, production will increasingly be affected by competition for natural resources, particularly land and water, competition between food and feed and by the need to operate in a carbon-constrained economy. Developments in breeding, nutrition and animal health will continue to contribute to increasing potential production and further efficiency and genetic gains. Livestock production is likely to be increasingly affected by carbon constraints and environmental and animal welfare legislation. Demand for livestock products in the future could be heavily moderated by socio-economic factors such as human health concerns and changing socio-cultural values. There is considerable uncertainty as to how these factors will play out in different regions of the world in the coming decades.

Aviation and climate change: can the airline industry continue to grow in a carbon-constrained economy?

The aviation industry has grown rapidly over the past 50 years. One of the downsides of this growth has been a substantial increase in aviation greenhouse gas emissions. Concerns about the growth trajectory of the industry and emissions have led to calls for measures to be introduced to restrict demand and prompt innovation. In response, the European Union has announced that both domestic and international flights will be included in its Emissions Trading Scheme from 2012. At the time of writing, no similar measures had been proposed in Australia. This article considers whether the unconstrained growth of the aviation industry in Australia is compatible with reducing the nation's greenhouse gas emissions to levels that are required to minimise the risk of dangerous climate change. To do this, the article projects Australia's aviation emissions (international and domestic) over the period 2005 to 2050 and compares the projections to likely national emission reduction targets in 2050. The results suggest that total aviation emissions could rise by more than 250 per cent over this period. With such rapid growth, aviation could account for over 30 per cent of Australia's entire emissions space by 2050 if there is a desire to reduce emissions by 60 per cent by the middle of this century.

Aviation and climate change: can the airline industry continue to grow in a carbon-constrained economy?

The aviation industry has grown rapidly over the past 50 years. One of the downsides of this growth has been a substantial increase in aviation greenhouse gas emissions. Concerns about the growth trajectory of the industry and emissions have led to calls for measures to be introduced to restrict demand and prompt innovation. In response, the European Union has announced that both domestic and international flights will be included in its Emissions Trading Scheme from 2012. At the time of writing, no similar measures had been proposed in Australia. This article considers whether the unconstrained growth of the aviation industry in Australia is compatible with reducing the nation's greenhouse gas emissions to levels that are required to minimise the risk of dangerous climate change. To do this, the article projects Australia's aviation emissions (international and domestic) over the period 2005 to 2050 and compares the projections to likely national emission reduction targets in 2050. The results suggest that total aviation emissions could rise by more than 250 per cent over this period. With such rapid growth, aviation could account for over 30 per cent of Australia's entire emissions space by 2050 if there is a desire to reduce emissions by 60 per cent by the middle of this century.