Energy Raw Materials Research Articles

Analysis of the Energy Potential of Hazelnut Husk Depending on the Variety

Interest in bioenergy, in particular the use of biomass, has increased significantly in recent years due to increasing climate and economic concerns. As one of the key renewable energy sources, biomass plays an important role in the new energy framework. The aim of this research was to estimate the mass of woody husks and to check the influence of morphological features of selected hazelnut varieties on the energy parameters of waste biomass in the form of husk. Technical and elemental analyses were carried out on the husks of four varieties: ‘Kataloński’, ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’, ‘Olga’, and ‘Webba Cenny’, taking into account their weight, moisture content, heat of combustion (HHV and LHV), and pollutant emission factors (CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, Dust). Research has shown significant differences between the varieties in terms of their energy potential and pollutant emissions. The varieties ‘Olbrzymi z Halle’ and ‘Olga’ were found to have higher calorific values, making them more energy efficient. On the other hand, the varieties ‘Kataloński’ and ‘Webba Cenny’ showed lower dust and NOx emissions, which is beneficial from an environmental point of view. The analysis of the chemical and morphological composition of hazelnut husks allowed for the identification of relationships between morphological features and energy value and emission indicators. The conclusions from the conducted research suggest that hazelnut husks have significant potential as an energy raw material. The selection of an appropriate variety for energy crops should take into account both the calorific value and emission indicators, which will allow for the optimization of production processes and the promotion of sustainable development.

Possible Development of Efficient Local Energy Community on the Example of the City of Žilina in Slovakia

Reducing the energy demand in the housing sector is one of the current topics in the EU. Slovakia, as an EU member, is also trying to lower the dependence on the import of energy raw materials used for heating. While new buildings reflect the technical requirements of applicable standards, buildings built in the past usually do not meet any technical requirements. The basis of efficient operation is not only satisfactory building structures, but also technological equipment of the buildings. The heating system is often in an unsatisfactory state, and an outdated heat source disproportionately reduces the overall efficiency of energy conversion. Complex restoration is, therefore, in most cases, necessary and often financially costly. The presented article analyzes the current state of housing stock in the example of a selected city district. In the next step, the current state and energy consumption are identified. Subsequently, needed retrofit measures are identified and the possibilities of renewal are analyzed. The use of RES in buildings is proposed, while selected city districts could create an independent energy community. The main goal of this article is to show the necessary steps to achieve efficient energy use and, using the example of a Zilina City district, show the possible benefits of such community creation in Slovakia. The article also discusses the correlation between the number of sunny days and possible energy generation in winter months.

Non-Market Price Determinants of Fossil Energy Raw Materials

Non-Market Price Determinants of Fossil Energy Raw Materials

Water Waves – A Source of Clean Energy

The constantly developing world economy needs the energy necessary for the socio-economic development of the countries that constitute it. Easy access and low extraction costs determine the choice of energy source. The exploitation of high-energy deposits of energy raw materials is at such a high level that we are in danger of completely exhausting them. Concern for the state of the environment, which is directly influenced by the use of non-renewable energy resources, has resulted in a focus of interest in renewable energy sources. The authors used theoretical research methods, including: analysis of content and source documents, including reports and statistical data, synthesis, generalization and conclusions. The aim of the article is to demonstrate that in times of global energy crisis caused by the depletion of oil, gas and coal deposits, new technologies mark the beginning of a long road to taming the sea and its waves as a source of clean energy. The article will complement the critically assessed scientific works carried out so far on this topic in terms of their universality, as well as the identified gaps in relation to the use of sea waves for the needs of humanity, in terms of energy.

Decarbonization of mining and steel sectors: experience of Kazakhstan

To strengthen its international position, Kazakhstan is updating the transition to economic decarbonization within the framework of the adopted long-term low-carbon development strategy. This article examines the current problems of decarbonization of the mining and metallurgical industry, which is one of the largest atmospheric pollutants. General scientific methods were used, including the descriptive method, methods of retrospective and cause-and-effect analysis, generalization and structuring of initial statistical data presented in the open press. It has been established that in the current situation of economic and political challenges, the growth of investments in renewable energy sources is focused not so much on achieving environmental indicators, but rather reflects the desireof countries importing energy raw materials to increase their energy security. It is substantiated that the development of ESG principles is becoming a primary factor ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises and the priority of internal production goals of sustainable development. The study analyzes the prospects for using the best available techniques in the low-carbon development strategy of industrial enterprises. The authors conclude that achieving carbon neutrality will require the state to adopt a systematic approach to coal mining as the main source of energy generation. It is shown that institutional measures that stimulate the decarbonization of the mining and metallurgical sector of Kazakhstan in the medium and long term will increase energy efficiency and accelerate the transition of industrial enterprises to renewable energy. The example of Kazakhstan can be useful for countries expanding the presence of mining and metallurgical enterprises in the international market by mastering various decarbonization mechanisms, disclosing information on sustainable development and taking into account ESG risks.

Comprehensive evaluation of spontaneous combustion phenomenon from asphaltite perspective: Comparison with coal and clues of a universal process

Asphaltite holds importance as an energy raw material for Turkey. This study explores the potential for spontaneous combustion during underground mining production of Şırnak Üçkardeşler vein asphaltites and describes a generalized process by highlighting similarities and differences with self-heating of coal. Incubation tests, gas composition analysis, and infrared spectroscopy were conducted. Additionally, thermal analysis, surface area measurements, pore diameter analysis, mechanical testing, proximate analysis, and ultimate analysis were performed on the samples. The results reveal key differences in the spontaneous combustion behavior of asphaltites compared to low-rank coals. Melting, occurring between 60 and 80 °C, replaces the moisture-related stagnation observed in coals. The role of different functional groups, such as OH, CH, and CH2, in fueling the initial oxidation processes and other radicals initiating thermal runaway is identified. The reduction in surface area and pore diameters of asphaltites at higher temperatures limit their oxidation capacity. The compressive and tensile strengths of asphaltites significantly decrease with temperature. Similar to coals, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are indicative of spontaneous combustion, with carbon monoxide exhibiting a regular increase in temperature. The Arrhenius form confirms the occurrence of homogeneous reactions in asphaltite spontaneous combustion after 75 °C. These findings provide valuable insights into a universal mechanisms and warning signs of spontaneous combustion, aiding in the development of effective prevention strategies.

Global and national aspects of food security in the minds of an unstable economy

As a result of Russia's aggression and the cessation of the export of Ukrainian agricultural products by sea, 22 million tons of grain were blocked in Ukrainian ports. This has significantly limited the ability of Ukrainian farmers to sell grain for the 2021 and 2022 harvests, while at the same time increasing the threat of global hunger, since almost half of all supplies under the UN World Food Program come from Ukraine. The subject of the study is ensuring food security in Ukraine and the world as a whole. The purpose of this scientific work is the analysis of modern conditions that affect compliance with food security in the global dimension. The main scientific methods used in writing the article were: analysis, synthesis, systematization, comparison, abstract-logical method. It has been established that the unblocking of Ukrainian ports and the resumption of grain and oilseed exports is of crucial importance both for the economy of Ukraine and for global food security. The results of the study indicate that Ukraine currently has three export routes - ports on the Danube, railways and highways. However, each of them has its own shortcomings. For example, the Danube ports have limited capacity due to the lack of barges, berths and terminals. Previously, Ukraine almost did not use this export route and therefore did not invest in it. In turn, railway and road logistics are hampered by heavy traffic jams at the borders, lack of wagons and fuel, phytosanitary procedures, as well as the difference between the European and Ukrainian (wider by 9 cm) tracks. Another significant problem is the lack of storage capacity in European ports, which are not adapted to such volumes of grain transshipment. It has been studied that almost a third of agricultural land is unsuitable for planting because it is mined. It was considered that even if the Ukrainian government manages to organize new ways of exporting food from the country, the export of the 2021/2022 marketing year was significantly smaller than last year. In 2023, due to the significant reduction in cultivated areas caused by the war, it is likely that it will not be possible to collect too large crops, and therefore, the share of Ukrainian products in the world food market will significantly decrease. Ukraine's place can be taken by other producers, in particular Brazil, Argentina, India, Canada and the USA. A significant reduction in Ukraine's exports has been established. The food security system is presented, which includes the conditions for ensuring food security and dimensions of food security. Russian aggression against Ukraine has been proven to be another economic challenge for developing countries in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatens their food security. A decrease in the production and export of grain from Ukraine and Russia, as well as an increase in the price of energy raw materials and fertilizers will lead to an increase in food prices in the world. Key words: food security, war in Ukraine, export, food security system.

Research Progress of Biochar and Pollution Control

In recent years, due to the impact of climate change caused by the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane, scientists have begun to pay attention to the use of biochar, because it helps to capture and remove greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by means of biochar storage, converting it into a very stable form and storing it in the soil for thousands of years. This paper focuses on the hazards of organic pollutants, the treatment of pollutants by biochar and the benefits of environmental remediation. Biochar is the product of biomass energy raw material after pyrolysis, and its main component is carbon molecule. In terms of pollution treatment, biochar has a strong adsorption capacity for organic pollutants such as phenol, and can also improve soil heavy metal pollution by increasing soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and PH. In addition, biochar is also used in low-temperature NH3-SCR denitrification catalysts to deal with nitrogen oxides in atmospheric pollutants and other aspects. Biochar is easy to ignite, non-polluting, smokeless and tasteless, less residue after combustion, light weight and high calorific value, the use of performance is better than most similar materials, known as the main force of human new energy and future fuel. The purpose of this paper is to provide the basis and reference for the development of biochar basic science and application technology.

The Impact of the 2020–2022 Crises on EU Countries’ Independence from Energy Imports, Particularly from Russia

The main objective of this article is to evaluate the repercussions of the crises resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine on changes to the European Union’s reliance on energy raw material imports, particularly from Russia. Furthermore, several specific objectives are outlined: to ascertain the EU’s energy balance and any alterations therein, to identify changes in the concentration of energy raw material imports among EU countries during the crises, to determine the level and fluctuations in energy raw material import dependence within the EU and individual member states throughout the crises, and lastly, to assess changes in the concentration of energy raw material imports from Russia in EU countries during the crises. The research encompassed all 27 EU member states as of 31 December 2022, and the examination period spanned 2010 to 2022. The information sources include relevant literature on the subject and data sourced from Eurostat. In conducting the analysis and presenting the data, several methodologies are employed, including descriptive, tabular, and graphical techniques. Additionally, quantitative measures such as the Gini structure concentration coefficient and concentration analysis via the Lorenz curve are utilized. In the initial phase, an analysis of changes to the energy balance of the entire EU in the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine was carried out. Changes to the concentration of energy imports in EU countries during crises are also shown. Secondly, dependence on imports of individual energy resources for the entire EU was identified. Various changes in this relationship during crises are shown. If the dependence of the entire EU on the import of individual groups of energy resources from Russia were identified, changes in individual EU countries in this respect are indicated. Finally, the changes in the concentration of energy imports from Russia in the EU countries during the crises are shown. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the EU experienced a slight reduction in dependence on energy raw material imports. However, this reduction was short-lived and mainly attributed to the decrease in energy demand caused by the pandemic. Conversely, the war in Ukraine had a substantial impact, leading to a notable surge in energy raw material imports as a result of stockpiling efforts and the need to safeguard against further disruptions in the energy market. Notably, the EU’s reliance on energy imports from Russia was already considerable. Following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, imports of oil, petroleum products, and solid fossil fuels experienced significant decline due to imposed sanctions. Nonetheless, restrictions on natural gas imports were comparatively less severe. In 2023, imports of crude oil instead of petroleum products practically ceased, while restrictions in the case of natural gas were not so drastic.

Analyze the Development Trend and Influencing Factors of the Electric Vehicle Battery Market from New Energy Raw Materials

New energy vehicle is a very popular item in China in recent years, and the battery is the biggest difference between new energy vehicles and fuel vehicles. This work started from the market of raw materials and collected a lot of price data of raw materials of new energy vehicles, especially the battery part. In addition, this work involves the national policy and measures for electric vehicles and the mechanism of product pricing by companies. After obtaining this information, Tesla's price data are used as an example and a statistical gray model is used to build a mathematical model to make up for some of the data deficiencies. After that, this work analyzed the impact of price, policy measures, companies, and market mechanisms on EV battery prices. Through the model, this work roughly predicts the future trend of electric vehicle development.

A synthetic measure of energy security taking into account the influence of rare earth metals. The case of Poland

The article presents the results of research related to the energy security of the EU-27 countries, exemplified for Poland and EU-27 average. Indicators, which can be found in the literature, typically examine energy security using the 4A concept as a basis for research on energy security. The authors extended the set of factors determining energy security by adding an additional category related to renewable energy sources (RES). In the research presented, the authors analyzed not only the impact of the availability of energy raw materials on the level of energy security, but also impact of critical raw materials, such as rare earth elements. They are necessary to develop RES technology. A taxonomic method was used, which allowed determination of the synthetic energy security measure SEM. The authors wrote the SEM 1.0 program, which determines SEM value. The analysis showed that the level of the indicator, after taking into account the fifth category, decreased for Poland by 9%, and for the EU-27 by 12%. The authors also proposed remedial measures that would make it possible to increase the level of energy security of the member states.

The import of energy raw materials and the energy security of the European Union – the case of Poland

The import of energy raw materials and the energy security of the European Union – the case of Poland

Carbon and nitrogen sequestration during primary succession in granodiorite quarries

AbstractStudies assessing the potential of mining areas for carbon sequestration focused mainly on areas after the extraction of energy raw materials, especially coal or oil shale, but little attention was paid to stone quarries and quarries of other non‐energy raw materials. We investigated carbon and nitrogen pools (stocks) along a chronosequence in the organic horizon and to a depth of 20 cm of the mineral soil in granodiorite quarries. We compared these pools and sequestration rates with other mining sites. The advantage of this study is that several differently aged quarries in a small area have the same rock chemistry and climate. Thus, the rate of pedogenesis is purely a function of time and vegetation. It is not affected by fossil organic matter or organic matter and nutrients in the topsoil used for reclamation. The vegetation succession tends towards tree cover dominated by Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Birch (Betula pendula), Willow (Salix caprea), Aspen (Populus tremula) and Alder (Alnus glutinosa). Analysis of soils from granodiorite quarries showed a natural accumulation of carbon and nitrogen in the soil to a depth of 20 cm during about 60 years of natural succession. The total soil organic carbon and nitrogen pools to a 20 cm depth average of 2482.4 g C m−2 and 179.1 g N m−2, respectively, in the oldest plots >50 years old. These values are for carbon 2.6 and nitrogen 2.4 times lower compared to pools in the same depth on control plots. Carbon and nitrogen stocks and sequestration rates are lower than in compared coal mining sites and spoils. The sequestration rates of the total sampled soil profile decreased with time from 57 g C m−2 year−1 and 4 g N m−2 year−1 for sites younger than 25 years to 46 g C m−2 year−1 and 3 g N m−2 year−1 for sites older than 50 years.

Fluorescence Noise Eliminating Fiber-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Simultaneous and Multiprocess Analysis of Intermediate Compositions for C2H2 and H2 Production.

C2H2 and H2, as important chemical and energy raw materials, can be produced effectively and environmentally friendly by the partial oxidation (POX) of CH4. Simultaneous analysis of intermediate gas compositions in the multiprocess (cracking, recovery, degassing, etc) of POX can regulate product generation and improve production efficiency. To overcome the disadvantage of common gas chromatography, we propose a fluorescence noise eliminating fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (FNEFERS) technique for simultaneous and multiprocess analysis of the POX process, in which the fluorescence noise eliminating (FNE) method can effectively eliminate the horizontal and vertical spatial noise to ensure ppm level limits of detection (LOD). The vibration modes of gas compositions related to each POX process such as cracked gas, synthesis gas, and product acetylene are analyzed. Meanwhile, the composition of three-process intermediate sample gases from Sinopec Chongqing SVW Chemical Co., Ltd is quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed simultaneously, along with the ppm level LODs (H2: 11.2 ppm, C2H2: 3.1 ppm, CO2: 9.4 ppm, C2H4: 4.8 ppm, CH4: 1.5 ppm, CO: 17.9 ppm, allene: 1.5 ppm, methyl acetylene: 2.6 ppm, 1,3-butadiene: 2.8 ppm) with a laser power of 180 mW, exposure time of 30 s, and accuracy of higher than 95.2%. This study fully demonstrates the ability of FNEFERS to replace gas chromatography to achieve simultaneous and multiprocess analysis of intermediate compositions for C2H2 and H2 production and to monitor other chemical and energy production processes.

Forestry products as renewable energy sources

Forestry products as renewable energy sources

Scientific justification of spatial distribution and mapping of anomalous manifestations of white hydrogen – energy raw material of the XXI century

The research studied the pressing problem of the fuel and energy strategy of the XXI century. For the first time, there was shown the diversity of the authors approach to theoretical and applied problems of hydrogen energy.General issues of fundamental and applied aspects of hydrogen origin were covered.The study provides the results of scientific developments on hydrogen mapping performed within the framework of scientific and practical exploratory and geo-ecological research on more than 200 hydrocarbon objects both on land (including mining fields) and in marine water areas. Prognostic and search system criteria were substantiated, with hydrogen being used for the first time as a component of the complex of methodical solutions in the search practice.The study emphasizes the decisive role of Ukraine in the competition for primacy in scientific developments. For the first time in world practice, the implementation of global projects for the extraction and production of white hydrogen was substantiated.The technology was tested on numerous hydrocarbon deposits, water resources and mine workings and therefore has all the prospects for the effective application in the search and extraction of hydrogen.At the same time, a database of hydrogen values obtained by performing surface methods using the technology of structural-thermo-atmosphere-geochemical research (STAGD) was created.For the first time, a map of promising oil and gas-bearing objects and industrial concentrations for the production of white hydrogen was developed on the fragment “Structural-tectonic map of the Dnipro-Donetsk basin” on a 1:200,000 scale, 2010.

Energy georesources and personnel training

Background. The dominant role of energy georesources in the mineral resources sector of Russian economy is considered. Achievements in this sector are determined by the quality of human capital. Successful implementation of the Strategy for the Development of the Mineral Resource Base of Russia until 2035 requires improved personnel training in the higher education system according to new educational programs in the disciplines of Applied Geology and Mining.Aim. Assessment of the current state of the mining and geological industry in Russia, as well as its methodological and technological basis as an objective indicator of the economic and social development of the social system.Materials and methods. Expert evaluation of the activities carried out by the Federal Subsoil Resources Management Agency in the direction of the geological study of energy resources.Results. The conducted analysis of the sustainability of the mineral resources sector in the era of globalization and Russia’s historical experience of creating the uranium industry shows the need to further develop the nuclear energy sector. This process requires modifications in the engineering geological education to revive Russian traditions of training specialists in the field of uranium mining and treatment.Conclusion. The prospects for increasing the mineral resources base of energy carriers and creating conditions for providing the country with energy raw materials should be supported by joint efforts of educational institutions and employers in the system of training geologists.

ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНОГО МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ АГРАРНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ В УМОВАХ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ БЕЗПЕКОВОГО ПОТЕНЦІАЛУ

The organization of the energy efficiency of the technological management of agricultural enterprises in the conditions of realizing the security potential is significantly updated in the period of war, shortage of investments, and energy raw materials and resources. The purpose of the study was to study the energy efficiency of the technological management of agricultural enterprises in the conditions of realizing the safety potential. It is substantiated that the objective assessment of the energy efficiency of the technological management of agricultural enterprises in the conditions of realizing the safety potential should be carried out taking into account the following principles: ensuring the comparability of the analyzed and planned energy efficiency indicators based on the use of the necessary set of its characteristics; identification of the impact on energy efficiency indicators of factors that change its value but do not affect the level of use of energy carriers. This principle is implemented based on fundamental energy efficiency analysis; the purpose of energy efficiency assessment determines the choice of the comparison base. Such a base can be a normative or average statistical level of advanced countries. The progressivity of the comparison base plays a specific vital role in improving energy saving; the reliability of the information based on which energy efficiency indicators are calculated; determination of the deviation of the analyzed planned energy efficiency indicators and comparison of these deviations with the requirements of the criterion. At the same time, the indicator's value and the direction and pace of its change are considered using the calculated dynamics of the arrow or the starting level. It is proved that the problem of optimization of energy consumption can be solved based on determining the energy efficiency of the technological management of agricultural enterprises in the conditions of realizing the safety potential, which has a subordinate value about economic efficiency. In inflation conditions, the natural method of determining energy efficiency becomes quite relevant thanks to objectivity. Keywords: energy efficiency, technological management, agricultural enterprises, security, enterprise potential.

Investigating Divergent Energy Policy Fundamentals: Warfare Assessment of Past Dependence on Russian Energy Raw Materials in Europe

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting warfare within direct proximity to the European Union (EU) have significantly changed the conditions of Europe’s energy policy. Consequently, the energy security agencies and governments have been deliberating over an energy trilemma: the problem of balancing affordability, security, and environmental considerations, with much greater ramifications than before the breakout of the current military conflict. The past structural similarities and differences of the EU member states’ dependence on Russian energy raw materials, and the factors that might have determined those differences, may be among the key drivers of future energy policy choices in Europe and the prospective paths of the European Green Deal (EGD). Historical convergence might encourage an EGD consensus, while divergent past patterns might not allow for such a single direction throughout the EU. The multifaceted research proposed in this paper, from descriptive statistics to multiple linear regression model analyses, identifies structural dissimilarities among the EU economies relating to their dependence on Russia. Key findings suggest that the past dependencies on Russian energy raw materials have not been similar across the EU countries, and have been associated with the economic size of the EU member states and their proximity to or remoteness from Russia. In this regard, economic size and distance from Russia may be significant determinants of certain dissimilarities. Some countries, especially Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland, have demonstrated a structurally different energy mix dependence on Russian fossil energy raw materials than countries more remote from Russia that boast a higher GDP per capita.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING SYSTEM OF THE FUEL AND ENERGY COMPLEX OF UKRAINE

The energy potential of Ukraine under wartime conditions has been clarified. The work of scientists, researchers, and practitioners regarding the goals and strategies of developing the fuel and energy potential system is analyzed. The main approaches to its formation and structure are outlined. Significant flaws in the organizational and territorial significance of the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine are outlined. It became known that the energy and hydropower industries lagged the main branches of fuel and energy resources relative to the broad scale of the increase in energy consumption. This, in turn, provoked a shortage of coal mass consumption at the state electric and thermal capacities. It was determined that after the collapse of the USSR, in Ukraine, the energy system occupied the first place in the state economy. Its priority was the satisfaction of the potential of the domestic energy demand, as well as exports to the countries of the European Union. This process supplies primary energy resources, including oil products, natural gas, oil, and nuclear fuel. At the same time, Ukraine somehow failed to form an adequate basis for the implementation of energy policy with the aim of stable and balanced development of the energy sector and the formation of a system of energy independence from foreign suppliers. It is known that once, the energy industry of Ukraine became the leading supplier of energy raw materials for other countries. As a result of the analysis of indicators regarding the income of companies in various industries, it can be stated that in 2021, the Ukrainian economy will remain raw-based and will continue. Even though the solution to the problems of the existence of the fuel and energy complex of Ukraine is aimed at achieving national goals, at the same time, there are minor problems. Therefore, in our opinion, the short-term and long-term stages of its implementation should be considered when developing an appropriate strategy. As for the effectiveness of the mentioned strategy, it is worth justifying the necessary conceptual toolkit and the methodological directions for further generalization. Considering the content of the Energy Strategy of Ukraine until 2035, "Security, energy efficiency, competitiveness," we believe it is worth developing appropriate types of energy strategies regarding the increasing level of energy efficiency, strengthening the norms and principles of energy security.