Sustainable Biomass Energy Research Articles

Harnessing biomass waste-to-energy for sustainable electricity generation: prospects, viability, and policy implications for low-carbon urban development

AbstractBiomass waste-to-energy (WtE) generation is a potential pathway for green urban transition in developing countries which can contribute significantly to sustainable development goal 7: affordable and clean energy. However, unlike fossil fuel energy systems, the economic returns from WtE systems are low because WtE generation is capital-intensive and requires subsidies. This study examines the prospects of a sustainable biomass electricity generation from rice husk (RH) using a large dataset of rice milling activities in a fast paced urban transition economy. The study analyzes the viability of several RH biomass electricity generation scenarios using indicators such as net electricity output, economic returns (benefits), and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). The results show that several mills/mill clusters generate sufficient daily RH that can power between 0.8 and 2.2 MW plant with a combined electricity output of about 500,000 MWh per annum. The economic analyses show that all RH biomass electricity generation scenarios return positive economic benefits under reduced social discount rates of 2–6%. Moreover, the LCOE of all scenarios are less than those of electricity generated from other sources. These results demonstrate that biomass waste-to-energy generation is viable for green urban development through low-carbon decentralized energy systems. Several policy implications of the findings are highlighted, including the need for policymakers and energy stakeholders to adopt sustainable biomass energy generation models such as “design, build, and operate” (DBO) to achieve sustainable WtE generation regimes that ensure green urban transition. Such a model will contribute to a circular economy and facilitates sustainable urban development that satisfies climate-related SDGs. Graphic abstract

Assessment of Bioenergy Potential in Vindhya Plateau, Madhya Pradesh

Evaluating agricultural residue availability is crucial for assessing sustainable biomass energy production. Crop waste, a byproduct of agricultural production, can be used for soil amendment, animal feed, and energy generation. A survey in seven districts of central India (Bhopal, Damoh, Guna, Raisen, Sagar, Sehore, and Vidisha) was conducted to assess the availability of agricultural residue in the Vindhya Plateau, which comprises about 16% of Madhya Pradesh's geographical area. Agricultural residue availability was determined by selecting a crop, gathering data on yield and generated biomass (including surplus), and estimating the bioenergy potential. The cultivable areas in the selected districts have bioenergy potentials of 19.91, 15.19, 7.88, 21.89, 13.71, 15.09, and 17.21 kJ ha-1 for crops like soybean, rice, wheat, gram, and maize, respectively. The total residue potential, surplus residue potential, and bioenergy potential of the Vindhya Plateau were assessed as 6.08 MT, 2.42 MT, and 40 GJ, respectively. Vindhya Plateau's Raisen district offers the highest biomass potential, making it ideal for bioenergy development and fuel production from biomass.

Exploring the potentialities of industrial hemp for sustainable rural development

This literature review paper explores the potential sustainable applications of industrial hemp, contextualizing it within the UN Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hemp is a dioecious, herbaceous, anemophilous (wind-pollinated) annual crop that grows from one to five meters in height. However, monoecious varieties have been developed through breeding and selection. Historically versatile, Cannabis sativa L. has faced stigmatization and unfounded prohibitions, having played crucial roles in different civilizations, including during World War I. A member of the Cannabaceae family, it is a versatile non-psychoactive crop, with low concentrations of THC. Recently, the global market for hemp has grown. It is an eco-friendly option in the food, textile, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors. This study is based on bibliographic research covering primary and secondary sources, including technical reports, academic journals, and scientific repositories. The origin, characteristics and cultivation methods of industrial hemp are discussed, besides its practical applications, including the production of fibers, health food grains, medicinal phytocannabinoids, biofuels, sustainable biomass energy, and carbon offsetting. Its potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture and achieve SDG targets stands out, considering environmental benefits, product diversification, resistance, and integration into agroforestry systems. Regenerative agriculture is explored as a promising approach, aligned with the principles of sustainable agriculture and the SDGs, aiming to restore agricultural ecosystems, promote soil health, and improve climate resilience. The research highlights the importance of reforming cannabis-related policies to achieve goals relating to health, justice, and global partnerships, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches to exploiting this natural resource.

Magnetic biochar catalyst from reed straw and electric furnace dust for biodiesel production and life cycle assessment

A novel magnetic carbon-based catalyst was prepared from solid waste (reed straw and electric furnace dust) by coprecipitation and high temperature pyrolysis with excellent application potential. Single factor and response surface experiments were used to optimize the catalyst preparation process (mass ratio of reed straw/electric furnace dust of 5:1 at 500 °C in 4 h) and biodiesel production, respectively, with results of 99.89 wt% biodiesel yield in the first cycle (93.61 wt% after 11 cycles) obtained at 74.15 °C in 4.16 h with a 14.06:1 M ratio of methanol/oil and 7.75 wt% catalyst. The life cycle assessment of magnetic carbon-based catalysts for biodiesel production suggested that the soybean oil extraction stage had the greatest impact on the environment, mainly from the use of soybeans and electricity. Solid waste as raw material to prepare catalysts for biomass energy conversion was proven to be a good strategy for energy conservation and emission reduction. This study provides guidance sustainable biomass energy conversion with low cost, low energy consumption, and minimal negative environmental impact.

Relationship between low-temperature oxidation activity and second-stage ignition delay: Experimental insights on n-pentanol / hydrogenated catalytic biodiesel blends

N-pentanol exhibits promising potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly biomass energy source. However, certain challenges such as ignition difficulty and unstable combustion exist. This study investigates the influence of low-temperature auto-ignition of n-pentanol/HCB (Hydrogenated Catalytic Biodiesel) blends on ignition and combustion characteristics and evaluates the correlation between low-temperature oxidation and second-stage ignition delay. Results show a linear positive correlation between the HCB content in n-pentanol and its low-temperature oxidation reactivity. The stronger the low-temperature oxidation activity of the blends, the shorter the second-stage ignition delay of blends. When the HCB content in blends is below 40 %, the low-temperature oxidation rate initially increases and then decreases. However, the low-temperature oxidation rate increases again when the HCB content exceeds 40 %. Moreover, the relationship between the initial CO2 generation rate and the HCB blending ratio follows an Exp exponential function under different critical compression ratios. Beyond 43.7 % HCB, an acceleration in the high-temperature combustion rate owing to an increase in the low-temperature oxidation rate again. In addition, the minimum ignition limit of n-pentanol/HCB blends was identified with 40 % HCB blends closely resembling diesel conditions and 50 % HCB blends showing a lower ignition limit, characterized by a critical temperature and pressure of 517.3 K and 8.66 bar, respectively. Furthermore, two distinct conditions for the minimum ignition boundary region of n-pentanol/HCB blends were defined, offering practical insights. In summary, a blend with a 50 % HCB ratio provides a promising solution for the low-temperature ignition and stable combustion of n-pentanol, addressing the challenges of simultaneous use in internal combustion engines.

Modelling the Yield and Estimating the Energy Properties of Miscanthus x Giganteus in Different Harvest Periods

This research aims to use artificial neural networks (ANNs) to estimate the yield and energy characteristics of Miscanthus x giganteus (MxG), considering factors such as year of cultivation, location, and harvest time. In the study, which was conducted over three years in two different geographical areas, ANN regression models were used to estimate the lower heating value (LHV) and yield of MxG. The models showed high predictive accuracy, achieving R2 values of 0.85 for LHV and 0.95 for yield, with corresponding RMSEs of 0.13 and 2.22. A significant correlation affecting yield was found between plant height and number of shoots. In addition, a sensitivity analysis of the ANN models showed the influence of both categorical and continuous input variables on the predictions. These results highlight the role of MxG as a sustainable biomass energy source and provide insights for optimizing biomass production, influencing energy policy, and contributing to advances in renewable energy and global energy sustainability efforts.

Introducing Gliricidia sepium as a Fuel Wood in Rubber Smallholdings of Sri Lanka: A Case Study in Kalutara District


 A pilot project has been initiated to introduce Gliricidia sepium with Hevea brasiliensis under three different spatial arrangements ((i.)8'×27', (ii.)8'×40, and (iii.)88'×60’) as a fuel wood to improve the income status of rubber smallholders in Kalutara District by Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in 2018. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire survey and field observations. The financial analysis was done for one hectare of smallholding. Certain assumptions were made in the financial feasibility analysis as financial analysis was done for 30 years giving consideration to the 30 year life span of rubber. Costs and benefits were discounted at 10% discount rate as practiced by the Department of National Planning to obtain 2019 market prices. The farm gate prices of 1kg of rubber and Gliricidia were considered as LKR 280.00 and LKR 4.00. The cost for hired labour was considered LKR 1,500.00 per day. Period of intercropping of Gliricida under rubber in the 88'×40' and 88'×60' models was considered as 30 years and in the 88'×27' model, it was considered as eight years. Financial feasibility of models was tested using the indices of Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). A qualitative SWOT was conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relevant to introduction of Gliricidia as an intercrop in rubber plantations based on a thorough documentation review and on the opinions of Rubber Extension Officers. From the three models introduced, the highest fuel wood value can be obtained by intercropping Gliricidia with rubber under the spacing of 88'×60'. NPV for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be LKR 0.74 million, LKR 5.47 million and LKR 5.89 million respectively. The values obtain for BCR for growing gliricidia with rubber under three different spatial arrangements, (i.)88'×27', (ii.)88'×40' and (iii.)88'×60' would be 1.37, 2.26 and 2.27, respectively. All fuel wood growing models indicated positive NPV and BC Ratios were greater than one, suggesting that these introduced models are economically viable. Although there are no established market channels available for fuel wood especially in the smallholder rubber sector of Sri Lanka, there is a demand for Gliricidia which is fulfilled through adhoc markets. Also, development of sustainable supply chains through setting up of Pilot Biomass Energy Terminals with the objective of collection and distribution of fuel wood under the Project of Promoting Sustainable Biomass Energy Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies has widened the opportunity of using Gliricidia as a promising fuel wood species Gliricidia with rubber has the potential to improve income generation of rubber smallholders substantially especially during the immature stage of rubber and provide a solution to overcome uncertainty in rubber prices and low productivity of rubber lands.
 
 Keywords: Fuel wood growing models, Rubber farming

Synthesizing the role of biomass energy consumption and human development in achieving environmental sustainability

Promoting sustainable energy use is crucial to achieving environmental sustainability. However, there is limited documentation on how human development moderates the effect of energy consumption on environmental sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to uncover the impact of biomass energy consumption and human development on the ecological footprint in 31 African countries from 1996 to 2018. To achieve this, we employ Driscoll-Kraay, instrumental variables, and panel quantile regression techniques to address heteroscedasticity, endogeneity, and conditional heterogeneity. The result shows that biomass energy consumption increases ecological footprint, while human development reduces ecological footprint. The results also show that human development reduces the adverse effect of biomass energy consumption on environmental sustainability. Moreover, the pairwise Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality results prove the two-way causal association between biomass energy consumption and ecological footprint. The feedback effect between human development and the ecological footprint is also supported. To improve environmental sustainability, policymakers should promote sustainable biomass energy consumption through awareness and education campaigns.

Peluang Investasi dan Pengembangan Energi Biomassa: Perspektif Pemanfaatan dan Daya Saing Pengembangannya

The current achievement range for renewable energy is around 12%, making it the greatest hurdle. Investment in biomass renewable energy has positive environmental and social impacts despite its lucrative financial potential. However, there are a number of dangers associated with this investment. Therefore, investment might be successful in the development of sustainable and sustainable biomass energy if a thorough investigation and careful planning are carried out. Biomass energy has a lot of potential, but it has yet to reach its full potential because of challenges like high production costs, inconsistent biomass availability, and a lack of supporting infrastructure. Policy and regulatory support, research and innovation, management of the biomass supply chain, increased production scale, diversified biomass sources, increased awareness and education, public-private partnerships, increased efficiency, consolidation of support finance, and environmental impact management are all crucial steps toward a solution. Improvements in conversion technology, sustainable management of biomass resources, increased government assistance, and investments in supporting infrastructure are all necessary steps toward making Indonesia's biomass energy more competitive on the global stage.

Theoretical simulation of olive pomace pyrolysis for biomass energy: A sustainable approach to waste reduction and energy efficiency

This scientific investigation explores the conversion of olive pomace waste from Moroccan oil mills into valuable biomass energy via pyrolysis. The study involves three pivotal parts: Our research encompasses a multifaceted approach, beginning with a comprehensive review of olive pomace, pyrolysis, gasification, and biomass combustion to establish a robust foundational knowledge base. Following this, we embark on developing a physical and mathematical model for pyrolysis alongside determining crucial thermo-physical properties, thus setting the stage for subsequent simulations. In the final phase, our study conducts intricate simulations of the pyrolysis process, precisely calculating gas and solid temperatures at multiple pivotal points while accounting for fluctuations in solid temperature due to gas interactions. Employing a TDMA (Thomas Algorithm) approach to iteratively solve the system's equations, we simultaneously derive temperature values for both gas and solid phases. Notably, our research integrates critical thermal data, including the initial assumption of a uniform solid temperature at 293 K, an incoming gas temperature of 600 K, and an existing gas temperature post-pyrolysis of 514.52 K, while considering non-uniform solid temperatures. This comprehensive research underscores the potential of pyrolysis as a sustainable biomass energy source, addressing waste management concerns and championing environmental sustainability.

Extracellular expression of agarolytic enzymes in Clostridium sp. strain and its application for butanol production from Gelidium amansii

In this study, Clostridium sp. strain WK-AN1 carrying both genes of agarase (Aga0283) and neoagarobiose hydrolase (NH2780) were successfully constructed to convert agar polysaccharide directly into butanol, contributing to overcome the lack of algal hydrolases in solventogenic clostridia. Through the optimization by the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology (RSM), a maximal butanol production of 6.42 g/L was achieved from 17.86 g/L agar. Further application of utilizing the butyric acid pretreated Gelidium amansii hydrolysate demonstrated the modified strain obtained the butanol production of 7.83 g/L by 1.63-fold improvement over the wild-type one. This work for the first time establishes a novel route to utilize red algal polysaccharides for butanol fermentation by constructing a solventogenic clostridia-specific secretory expression system for heterologous agarases, which will provide insights for future development of the sustainable third-generation biomass energy.

Assessment of Sustainable Biomass Energy Technologies in Pakistan Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Pakistan is not merely confronting the energy crisis but also dealing with the scarcity of economical technologies for the utilization of energy resources. From the basic resources, renewable energy is one of the considerable resources. Due to environmental issues related to greenhouse gases (GHGs) and air pollution in Pakistan, the other energy resources are constricted. In rural areas, biomass resources are a fundamental need for domestic purposes. The prominent reason for environmental degradation and deforestation is due to ineffective use of such resources. Biomass resources for heating and cooking purposes are abundantly available in rural areas of Pakistan. In this context, this study helps us select the applicable cookstove technologies for the Sindh province for the proper utilization of biomass resources. The AHP (analytical hierarchy process) was used as the central methodology for the cookstove ranking. Concerning its improvement, four main criteria corresponding to 12 sub-criteria were considered for the selection of three cookstove technologies, i.e., traditional cookstoves (TCS), efficient cookstoves (ECS), and biogas cookstoves (BCS). The final decision of the AHP framework exposed the ECS technology as the advantageous technology, followed by the BCS and TCS, respectively. To analyze the results, a sensitivity analysis of the major results has also been carried out, and under the final ranking matrix, the ECS alternative got the highest weightage, nearly 36.56%, based on the developed model.

Glycolic Acid Production from Ethylene Glycol via Sustainable Biomass Energy: Integrated Conceptual Process Design and Comparative Techno-economic–Society–Environment Analysis

Glycolic Acid Production from Ethylene Glycol via Sustainable Biomass Energy: Integrated Conceptual Process Design and Comparative Techno-economic–Society–Environment Analysis

Biomass energy as a possibility for innovative agriculture initiatives

In searching for sustainable solutions for humans’ necessities, clean and safe energy possibilities have been pursued. The objective of this research is to develop a procedure that improves the integration of renewable technologies into local planning processes. The methodology should be suitable for different contexts. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential of energy production through agricultural waste, ensuring the sustainability and development of clean technologies, the ideal allocation of the energy production unit, and the costs involved in the enterprise. The research hypothesis is that the potential for sustainable use of biomass can be identified and evaluated, thus showing the way for an improved energy plan for Brazil. The study area is within the Doce River Basin in Brazil. The methods developed in the study could be relevant for municipalities to record their potentials for energy production and pursue investments and local arrangements, promoting sustainable biomass energy generation. The results show that with proper investment, the energy generation through biomass residues could be viable and pay itself in a short amount of time, moreover in a scenario where the agricultural area is increased, growing the power generation capacity of a biomass power plant. The current agricultural production would cover 20% of the local energy demand.

SUDANESE EXPERIENCE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF BIOMASS GASIFICATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF ENERGY FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION

As many of the developing countries in the world, Sudan depends heavily on the biomass energy sources as a major source of energy for household and traditional industries sectors. Recently, the biomass energy accounts for more than (61%) of the total energy consumption in the national energy balance. The dependence on the biomass energy sources creates serious environmental problems including desertification and climatic changes in many of the rural areas. Sudan is rich in agricultural residues in both irrigated and rain fed agricultural sectors. The country launched a new energy and environmentally sound policy to encourage the transfer of advanced sustainable biomass energy technologies. The policy is based on the optimal and efficient utilization of the available agricultural residues by the implementation of biomass renewable energy technologies. The main objectives of this paper are to highlight the filed experience on using biomass gasifier-based project for decentralized power supply for remote location in Gezira State, Sudan, and to present the challenges facing the large scale applications of the technology in the country. Three types of biomass were used: Raw Cotton Stalks, Cotton Stalks Briquettes, and Groundnut Shells Briquettes. The efficiency and the technical performance of the gasifier has been evaluated. The research concluded that gasifier could be one of the best technical option to convert agricultural biomass products into sustainable energy in rural areas. Biomass gasification proved that it is a promising technology for dementalization power generation in rural areas (Off-Grid), both because of difficulties in providing good quality grid power, and due to the wide availability of biomass even in remote villages in the country. The cotton stalks briquettes were found to be the best biomass sources for the gasification process. The obtained results give a very encouraging picture to make villages self-sufficient in their primary energy needs. It is therefore, highly recommended that, an accurate estimation of the potential biomass resources (agricultural. residues) base in Sudan, should be undertaken for implementation of a decentralized biomass gasification power plants in rural areas.

Prediction and estimation of biomass energy from agricultural residues using air gasification technology in Iran

Biomass energy has great potential to create significant impacts on the most pressing development challenges of rural poverty and environmental damage. Iran’s agricultural residues have the potential to generate a sustainable source of biomass. One method of sustainable biomass energy production is gasification. The objective of the present study is to develop a stoichiometric equilibrium model for the prediction of energy production of gasification. The model was validated with experimental data in order to determine the syngas composition. The RMSE of the modified model was ranged from 0.571 to 1.10. Subsequently, the effects of parameters of operating conditions on the performance of gasification were evaluated to determine its optimal performance characteristics. Also, the developed model was used to estimate the amount of power and heat obtained from different agricultural residues by the gasification process. The results indicated that the total achieved energy from the agricultural residues by gasification technology was 341,290 TJ. Also, the amount of electricity and heat obtained from this energy was 66,075 and 3 99,112 TJ, respectively.

Energy Utilization Potential of Wheat Straw in an Ecological Balance—A Case Study of Henan Province in China

Minimum volume of straw should be retained in collecting wheat straw in order to obtain sustainable agricultural biomass energy and measure the energy utilization potential of wheat straw when considering ecological balance. Based on relevant literature, this paper calculates the minimum, medium, and maximum volume of wheat straw retention in various types of soil and designs three different scenarios of minimum, medium, and maximum wheat straw retention. Taking Henan province in China as a case, this paper calculates the potential of wheat straw for energy utilization using linear regression method and scenario analysis, with consideration of influencing factors such as the harvest coefficient and combustion ratio of wheat straw. The results show that the energy utilization potential of wheat straw in Henan province in 2020, 2030, 2050 are 13.77, 16.48, 22.54 million tons of coal equivalent (TCEs), respectively, in the minimum retention scenario, assuming that wheat straw is not directly used for combustion. Excessive straw left in the field causes resource waste and produces CH4 and other greenhouse gases. This paper finds that energy potential of wheat straw for energy utilization is limited when ecological balance is considered, however, it is beneficial to the sustainable development of crop biomass energy.

Technology is Culture: Building a Transdisciplinary Team to Address Community Energy and Urban Revitalization Challenges

Traditional development models assume that countries of the Global South will undergo an economic trajectory roughly equivalent to that of the Global North. The reality of climate change caused by the burning of fossil fuels raises the prospect that a new model, founded on renewable and sustainable energy will have to be designed. At the same time, rural locations in North, face devastating economic consequences of an industrial model that has left them behind. Our international, transdisciplinary research team, working in Eastern and Southern Africa on sustainable biomass energy and in New Kensington, PA on rural small town renewal, seeks to understand the intersection of community preferences, technological innovation, gender relations and environmental sciences to develop socio/technological interventions. We flip the development model, bringing African expertise to bear on US-based problems and US-based insights to understand subculture specific cultural preferences in Kenya. This presentation outlines how we work together, the methods we use to engage in creative problem solving and the unique “kitchen laboratory” used on the Kenyan side to assess cooking energy needs.

Policies for a Sustainable Biomass Energy Sector in Malawi: Enhancing Energy and Food Security Simultaneously

Summary Biomass energy still dominates the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular as the main cooking energy source in rural and urban areas. The strong linkages to food security and the environment place biomass energy at the heart of sustainable development, a fact that is largely ignored by policy makers in favor of modern energy. At the same time, population and GDP growth are exacerbating already existing supply–demand imbalances in highly populated countries such as Malawi. These trends make it imperative to identify policy interventions that promote sustainable biomass energy while simultaneously considering linkages with other sectors. We use new data on demand and supply for biomass energy in Malawi and develop a model that estimates fuelwood demand based on actual diets and project demand in future years. We simulate how demand side interventions in the form of improved cookstoves affect biomass demand and built a behavioral model to analyze the potential of agroforestry for promoting a sustainable biomass energy sector in Malawi. Our findings show that policy measures aimed at increasing cooking efficiency are not enough to decrease demand for cooking energy due to high population growth. Supply side interventions like agroforestry on the other hand will not only increase sustainable supply, but can also enhance food security and protect the environment. We find that biomass energy can be inherently sustainable and should be an integral part of every energy sector strategy in developing countries as well as of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Policy implications of utilizing indigenous tree species as agroforestry systems in Himalayan states of India: Case study of Uttarakhand

Energy supply from the biomass of indigenous tree species in agroforestry systems continues to be an area of great interest among researchers world over to generate fundamental data and innovative ideas for developing appropriate policies, guidelines and legislation. Among the land use systems, agroforestry is recognized as superior land management system having potential to deliver sustainable biomass and energy supply in rural landscape. Present study highlights a comparison of seasonal biomass consumption pattern in terms of fodder and fuelwood energy supply across different village clusters along an altitudinal gradient. The average fuelwood consumption ranged between 242 ± 22 to 373 ± 23kg/capita/year and fodder consumption ranged between 154 ± 17 to 463 ± 14kg/unit/year. However, the energy value of fuelwood and fodder consumption ranged between 2160 ± 242 to 7317 ± 234MJ/kg. The study demonstrated that the fuelwood and fodder consumption was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in winter (lean period) as compared to that in summer and monsoon seasons. The results of this study are valuable to policy planners to improve the current policies for sustainable biomass energy supply in the Himalayan context through utilization of indigenous tree species in agroforestry systems.