| 1. |
- Ahlgren, Serina, et al.
(author)
-
Review of methodological choices in LCA of biorefinery systems - key issues and recommendations
- 2015
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 9:5, s. 606-619
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The current trend in biomass conversion technologies is toward more efficient utilization of biomass feedstock in multiproduct biorefineries. Many life-cycle assessment (LCA) studies of biorefinery systems have been performed but differ in how they use the LCA methodology. Based on a review of existing LCA standards and guidelines, this paper provides recommendations on how to handle key methodological issues when performing LCA studies of biorefinery systems. Six key issues were identified: (i) goal definition, (ii) functional unit, (iii) allocation of biorefinery outputs, (iv) allocation of biomass feedstock, (v) land use, and (vi) biogenic carbon and timing of emissions. Many of the standards and guidelines reviewed here provide only general methodological recommendations. Some make more specific methodological recommendations, but these often differ between standards. In this paper we present some clarifications (e.g. examples of research questions and suitable functional units) and methodological recommendations (e.g. on allocation).
|
|
| 2. |
- Andersen, M. S., et al.
(author)
-
To facilitate a fair bioeconomy transition, stronger regional-level linkages are needed
- 2022
-
In: Biofuels Bioproducts & Biorefining-Biofpr. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 16:4, s. 929-941
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The great hopes in Brussels that a circular bioeconomy will help bridge the growing divide between urban and rural areas and allow the hinterlands to prosper from 'green growth' are addressed in this article, which reflects on insights from three Nordic case studies of brown, green and blue biomass use at different levels of technology readiness. A closer examination of the forward, backward, fiscal and final demand linkages at regional level from increased biomass utilization, from eastern Finland and northern Sweden to Jutland and North Atlantic islands, suggests that linkages are and will remain relatively weak, predominantly dashing the expectations. As suppliers and exporters of natural resources, disadvantaged regions may all too easily get locked into a 'staples trap', where the value creation evaporates owing in part to the steep start-up costs and the associated boom-and-bust cycles, which place them in a weak position vis-a-vis the resource manufacturers and consumers. To make the prospects of development, employment and prosperity in the hinterlands materialize, measures are needed to strengthen the regional-level economic linkages. Regional-level revolving funds based on benefit-sharing instruments related to natural resources can be used to bolster economic development, as reflected in such schemes present in both China and Canada. We call for further research into whether and how such approaches can be replicated successfully by channeling revenues from biomass cultivation to regional-scale revolving funds, with mandates to strengthen long-term economic linkages and prosperity within the hinterlands. (c) 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
|
|
| 3. |
- Axelsson, Lisa, 1984, et al.
(author)
-
Jatropha cultivation in southern India: assessing farmers experiences
- 2012
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley and Sons. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 6:3, s. 246-256
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Together with 106 farmers who started growing Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) in 20042006, this research sought to increase the knowledge around the real-life experience of Jatropha farming in the southern India states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Launched as an alternative for diesel in India, Jatropha has been promoted as a non-edible plant that could grow on poor soils, yield oil-rich seeds for production of bio-diesel, and not compete directly with food production. Through interviews with the farmers, information was gathered regarding their socio-economic situation, the implementation and performance of their Jatropha plantations, and their reasons for continuing or discontinuing Jatropha cultivation. Results reveal that 82% of the farmers had substituted former cropland for their Jatropha cultivation. By 2010, 85% (n = 90) of the farmers who cultivated Jatropha in 2004 had stopped. Cultivating the crop did not give the economic returns the farmers anticipated, mainly due to a lack of information about the crop and its maintenance during cultivation and due to water scarcity. A majority of the farmers irrigated and applied fertilizer, and even pesticides. Many problems experienced by the farmers were due to limited knowledge about cultivating Jatropha caused by poor planning and implementation of the national Jatropha program. Extension services, subsidies, and other support were not provided as promised. The farmers who continued cultivation had means of income other than Jatropha and held hopes of a future Jatropha market. The lack of market structures, such as purchase agreements and buyers, as well as a low retail price for the seeds, were frequently stated as barriers to Jatropha cultivation. For Jatropha biodiesel to perform well, efforts are needed to improve yield levels and stability through genetic improvements and drought tolerance, as well as agriculture extension services to support adoption of the crop. Government programs will -probably be more effective if implementing biodiesel production is conjoined with stimulating the demand for Jatropha biodiesel. To avoid food-biofuel competition, additional measures may be needed such as land-use restrictions for Jatropha producers and taxes on biofuels or biofuel feedstocks to improve the competitiveness of the food sector compared to the bioenergy sector.
|
|
| 4. |
- Bauer, Fredric, et al.
(author)
-
Biogas upgrading – technology overview, comparison and perspectives for the future
- 2013
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 7:5, s. 499-511
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The utilization of biogas produced from organic materials such as agricultural wastes or manure is increasing. However, the raw biogas contains a large share of carbon dioxide which must be removed before utilization in many applications, for example, using the gas as vehicle fuel. The process – biogas upgrading – can be performed with several technologies: water scrubbing, organic solvent scrubbing, amine scrubbing, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and gas separation membranes. This perspective presents the technologies that are used commercially for biogas upgradin g today, recent developments in the fi eld and compares the technologies with egard to aspects such as technology maturity, investment cost, energy demand and consumables. Emerging technologies for small-scale upgrading and future applications of upgraded biogas such as liquefied biogas are also discussed. It shows that the market situation has changed rapidly in recent years, from being totally dominated by pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and water scrubbing to being more balanced with new technologies (amine scrubbing) reaching significant market shares. There are significant economies of scale for all the technologies investigated, the specific investment costs are similar for plants with a throughput capacity of 1500 Nm3 raw biogas per hour or larger. Biogas production is increasing in Europe and around the globe, and so is the interest in the effi cient use of upgraded biogas as vehicle fuel or in other applications. The market for biogas upgrading will most likely be characterized by harder competition with the establishment of new upgrading technologies and further optimization of the mature ones to decrease operation costs.
|
|
| 5. |
- Bauer, Fredric, et al.
(author)
-
Is there a future in glycerol as a feedstock in the production of biofuels and biochemicals?
- 2013
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 7:1, s. 43-51
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Glycerine is a chemical with a wide variety of uses. There are over 2000 known applications in cosmetics, foodstuffs, fi ne chemicals, and other industries. With the recent boom for liquid biofuels however, glycerine – which is a by-product mainly of biodiesel production – has become abundant. New uses for the chemical are being researched, but little attention has been paid to the production and supply of glycerine. This perspective shows that the development of liquid biofuels is a key point for the future glycerine market. Glycerine could become available in large volumes from the production not only of biodiesel but also bioethanol. Second-generation biofuels, cellulose-based bioethanol, and algal biodiesel will continue to produce large quantities of glycerine. However, new technology pathways such as glycerine-to-methanol and glycerine-to-ethanol could rapidly change the market situation. Instead of viewing glycerine as a waste, biofuel producers may come to view the by-product as a valuable resource for their own production processes. This could rapidly change the market situation for other industries which now rely on the glycerine supply from the biofuels industry.
|
|
| 6. |
- Bauer, Fredric, et al.
(author)
-
Technological Innovation Systems for Biorefineries – A Review of the Literature
- 2017
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 11:3, s. 534-548
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The concept of a bioeconomy can be understood as an economy where the basic building blocks for materials, chemicals, and energy are derived from renewable biological resources. Biorefineries are considered an integral part of the development toward a future sustainable bioeconomy. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize current knowledge about how biorefinery technologies are being developed, deployed, and diffused, and to identify actors, networks, and institutions relevant for these processes. Several key findings can be obtained from the literature. First, investing more resources in R&D will not help to enable biorefineries to cross the ‘valley of death’ toward greater commercial investments. Second, while the importance and need for entrepreneurship and the engagement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is generally acknowledged, there is no agreement how to facilitate conditions for entrepreneurs and SMEs to enter the field of biorefineries. Third, visions for biorefinery technologies and products have focused very much on biofuels and bioenergy with legislation and regulation playing an instrumental role in creating a market for these products. But there is a clear need to incentivize non-energy products to encourage investments in biorefineries. Finally, policy support for biorefinery developments and products is heavily intertwined with wider discussions around legitimacy and social acceptance. The paper concludes by outlining current knowledge gaps
|
|
| 7. |
|
|
| 8. |
|
|
| 9. |
- Berndes, Göran, 1966
(author)
-
Driving positive development
- 2007
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 1:4, s. 235-236
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
|
|
| 10. |
- Berndes, Göran, 1966
(author)
-
Looking beyond land use change issues
- 2008
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 2:6, s. 487-488
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
|
|
| 11. |
- Berndes, Göran, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
May we have some more land use change, please?
- 2016
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 10:3, s. 195-197
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)
|
|
| 12. |
- Berndes, Göran, 1966, et al.
(author)
-
Multifunctional biomass production systems - an overview with presentation of specific applications in India and Sweden
- 2008
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 2:1, s. 16-25
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This perspective discusses multi-functional biomass production systems, which are located, designed, integrated and managed so as to provide specific environmental services, in addition to biomass supply. Besides discussing the general concept and outlining a range of different possible applications, we present in somewhat more detail specific applications of such systems for the cases of Sweden and India. The overall conclusion is that the environmental benefits from a large-scale establishment of multi-functional biomass production systems could be substantial. Given that suitable mechanisms to put a premium on the provided environmental services can be identified and implemented, additional revenues can be linked to biomass production systems and this could enhance the socioeconomic attractiveness and significantly improve the competitiveness of the produced biomass on the market. The provision of additional environmental services also contributes to local sustainable development, which is in many cases a prerequisite for local support for the production systems.
|
|
| 13. |
- Carlqvist, Karin, et al.
(author)
-
Life-cycle assessment of the production of cationized tannins from Norway spruce bark as flocculants in wastewater treatment
- 2020
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 14:6, s. 1270-1285
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It will be necessary to make efficient use of our resources if our society is to be converted into a bio-based economy. Every year large side streams of bark are produced in sawmills and pulp mills. In addition to utilizing the bark for heat and electricity production, as happens today, high-value chemical components could be extracted prior to energy conversion. These components include tannins. Cationized tannins have already been indicated as promising renewable flocculants in wastewater treatment. However, today's industrial production of tannins uses species from subtropical or temperate climates, and there has so far been little attention to the use of tannins from Norway spruce (Picea abies), an important species in forestry in the subarctic climate. The present life-cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken to understand the environmental performance of the production of cationized tannins from the bark of Norway spruce and how the environmental impact is distributed along the production system. This work was connected to the Interreg Botnia-Atlantica TanWat research project, which studies the production and use of cationized tannins from Norway spruce for wastewater treatment at a pilot scale. The present LCA shows that the main environmental impact stems from the reagents used in the cationization step. The purification step could also be a significant issue depending on the possibility of reusing the eluent (ethanol) and the lifetime of the resin. The importance of running the processes with as concentrated streams as possible to minimize the need of process water and energy was also confirmed
|
|
| 14. |
- Chacón-Navarrete, Helena, et al.
(author)
-
Yeast immobilization systems for second-generation ethanol production : actual trends and future perspectives
- 2021
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 15:5, s. 1549-1565
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Yeast immobilization with low-cost carrier materials is a suitable strategy to optimize the fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates for the production of second-generation (2G) ethanol. It is defined as the physical confinement of intact cells to a certain region of space (the carrier) with the preservation of their biological activity. This technological approach facilitates promising strategies for second-generation bioethanol production due to the enhancement of the fermentation performance that is expected to be achieved. Using immobilized cells, the resistance to inhibitors contained in the hydrolysates and the co-utilization of sugars are improved, along with facilitating separation operations and the reuse of yeast in new production cycles. Until now, the most common immobilization technology used calcium alginate as a yeast carrier but other supports such as biochar or multispecies biofilm membranes have emerged as interesting alternatives. This review compiles updated information about cell carriers and yeast-cell requirements for immobilization, and the benefits and drawbacks of different immobilization systems for second-generation bioethanol production are investigated and compared.
|
|
| 15. |
- Chambost, Virginie, et al.
(author)
-
Systematic assessment of triticale-based biorefinery strategies: investment decisions for sustainable biorefinery business models
- 2018
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 12:S1, s. S9-S20
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Strategic investments in biorefinery projects are increasingly being made, and involve non-traditional decision making, especially considering the technology and market risks involved. From the investor's perspective, the decision-making process leading to product/process combinations for implementation as a biorefinery to achieve a sustainable business model and good economic returns is not obvious. Typical metrics used for investment decision making have some limitations regarding the recognition of acceptable technology risks relative to economic returns. They often do not appropriately consider factors and analyses related to, for example, environmental impact and the longer term competitive position of new product portfolios. The methodology presented in this article is an approach to identifying a ‘practical’ set of multi-disciplinary decision-making criteria to enable the selection of the preferred product/process biorefinery implementation strategy. The case of investment options in the triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) biorefinery is used as an example. Through this risk-based methodology, technology risks as well as economic, environmental, and competitive benefits associated with different business model options are identified. This methodology leads to the development of a series of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) panels to define a set of practical criteria suitable for a final MCDM for the identification of triticale-based biorefinery alternatives leading to long-term and sustainable business models.
|
|
| 16. |
- Costa, Thales H.F., et al.
(author)
-
Demonstration-scale enzymatic saccharification of sulfite-pulped spruce with addition of hydrogen peroxide for LPMO activation
- 2020
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 14:4, s. 734-745
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The saccharification of lignocellulosic materials like Norway spruce is challenging due to the recalcitrant nature of the biomass, and it requires optimized and efficient pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis processes to make it industrially feasible. In this study, we report successful enzymatic saccharification of sulfite-pulped spruce (Borregaard's BALI™ process) at demonstration scale, achieved through the controlled delivery of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for the activation of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) present in the cellulolytic enzyme preparation. We achieved 85% saccharification yield in 4 days using industrially relevant conditions – that is, an enzyme dose of 4% (w/w dry matter of substrate) of the commercial cellulase cocktail Cellic CTec3 and a substrate loading of 12% (w/w). Addition of H2O2 and the resulting controlled and high LPMO activity had a positive effect on the rate of saccharification and the final sugar titer. Clearly, the high LPMO activity was dependent on feeding the reactors with the LPMO co-substrate H2O2, as in situ generation of H2O2 from molecular oxygen was limited. These demonstration-scale experiments provide a solid basis for the use of H2O2 to improve enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass at large industrial scale.
|
|
| 17. |
- Cutz, Luis, 1986, et al.
(author)
-
A techno-economic assessment of biomass co-firing in Czech Republic, France, Germany and Poland
- 2019
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 13:5, s. 1289-1305
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biomass co-firing with coal can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and can act as a low-cost stepping-stone for developing biomass supply infrastructures. This paper presents a techno-economic assessment of the biomass co-firing potential in coal-fired boilers in Czech Republic, France, Germany and Poland. The current coal power plant infrastructure is characterized by means of geographic location of the coal power plants, installed boiler capacity, type of boiler technology and year of commissioning, as extracted from the Chalmers Power Plant Database. The assessment considers type of boiler technology, type of biomass, co-firing fraction, implementation costs, breakeven prices for co-firing and an alkali index to determine the risk of high-temperature corrosion. The main factors affecting the co-firing potential are the biomass price, carbon price and alkali index. Results indicate that the total co-firing potential in the four countries is around 16 TWh year−1, with the largest potential from a conversion perspective in Germany, followed by Poland. Biomass co-firing with coal is estimated to be competitive at biomass prices below 13 € MWhinput−1 when the carbon price is 20 € t−1 CO2. On average, 1 TWh of electricity from biomass co-firing substitutes 0.9 Mt of fossil CO2 emissions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 18. |
- Diaz-Chavez, R., et al.
(author)
-
Water quality assessment of bioenergy production
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:4, s. 445-463
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Water quality is a measurement of the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of water against certain standards set to ensure ecological and/or human health. Biomass production and conversion to fuels and electricity can impact water quality in lakes, rivers, and aquifers with consequences for aquatic ecosystem health and also human water uses. Depending on how the bioenergy system is located and managed, it can lead to both water quality deterioration and to improvements. This review focuses on the effects of bioenergy on water quality, on ways to quantify these effects, and on options for reducing negative impacts.
|
|
| 19. |
- Dutta, Anupam, et al.
(author)
-
Forecasting the volatility of biofuel feedstock prices: the US evidence
- 2019
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : WILEY. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 13:4, s. 912-919
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Given that, nowadays, 40% of the US corn crop is used for biofuel production, there is a growing concern that the rise in biofuel production might lead to an increase in food prices. However, it is also obvious that significant growth in biofuel use has minimized the demand for fossil fuel and has hence reduced the volume of carbon emissions. It is therefore crucial to model corn market volatility precisely because such an estimate could play a vital role in stabilizing food and biofuel market prices. For this purpose, we consider using the information content of the corn implied volatility (CIV) index to predict the corn futures market return volatility. Using symmetric and asymmetric GARCH-class models, we find that the CIV index provides additional information beyond what is contained in the historical volatility of the corn market returns, and the information provided by the CIV index improves volatility forecasts for the US corn market. These findings could be extremely useful for energy market participants. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley amp; Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 20. |
- Fingerman, K. R., et al.
(author)
-
Impact assessment at the bioenergy-water nexus
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:4, s. 375-386
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bioenergy expansion can significantly impact water resources in the region in which it occurs. Investment, policy, and resource management decisions related to bioenergy should therefore take this critical consideration into account. Water resource impacts can defy easy quantification because water consumption varies spatially and temporally, different water sources are not necessarily commensurable, and impact depends on the state of the resource base that is drawn upon. This perspective offers an assessment framework that operators and policy-makers can use in evaluating projects to avoid or mitigate detrimental effects. We adapt water footprint (WF) and life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques to the bioenergy context, describing comprehensive life cycle inventory (LCI) approaches that account for blue and green water use as well as for pollution effects, varying sources, coproduct allocation, and spatial heterogeneity. Impact assessment requires that characterization (weighting) factors be derived so that consumption values can be summed and compared across resources and locations. We recommend that characterization draw on metrics of water stress, accounting for environmental flow requirements, climatic variability, and non-linearity of water stress effects. Finally, we describe some location-specific impacts of concern that may not be revealed through common analytical approaches and may warrant closer consideration.
|
|
| 21. |
- Fletcher, E., et al.
(author)
-
Toward a sustainable bioeconomy in West Africa: A focus on biorefining
- 2017
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 11:5, s. 775-783
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Considering its size and expanding population, Africa needs to play a more active role in preventing global warming. The economy of most West African countries is driven by agriculture and the export of processed wood resulting in the generation of tons of wood and agricultural waste. The waste is usually disposed of by burning, which releases harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the environment. Wood and agricultural wastes are valuable biomass feedstocks for second-generation biofuels and chemicals. The availability of diverse feedstocks makes the West African sub-region suitable for setting up biorefineries. However, the limiting factors for establishing biorefineries such as appropriate technology, infrastructure and forward-looking policies have to be addressed. The currently high cost of biofuel production and competitive crude oil prices also make it seem unfeasible for West African countries and other developing economies to invest in this industry. Therefore, we present an idea for developing a multipurpose modular biorefinery model to meet the energy needs of the region with an added advantage of creating new markets and jobs. We also discuss what new energy policies should be focused on in order to fast-track the development of the bioenergy sector.
|
|
| 22. |
- Garg, K. K., et al.
(author)
-
Jatropha production on wastelands in India: opportunities and trade-offs for soil and water management at the watershed scale
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:4, s. 410-430
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biofuel production from feedstocks grown on wastelands is considered a means of addressing concerns about climate change and improving energy security while at the same time providing an additional source of income for the land users. The establishment of biomass plantations on wastelands is likely to affect local livelihoods and can affect surrounding ecosystems by influencing hydrologic flows and processes such as erosion. We present an assessment of Jatropha plantation establishment on wastelands, using the ArcSWAT modeling tool. The assessment was made for a wasteland located in the Velchal watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India, which recently was converted to a biofuel plantation with Jatropha. The previous land use, in this case grazing, could continue in the Jatropha plantations. Several desirable effects occurred as a result of the land-use conversion: non-productive soil evaporation was reduced as a larger share of the rainfall was channeled to productive plant transpiration and groundwater recharge, and at the same time a more stable (less erosive) runoff resulted in reduced soil erosion and improved downstream water conditions. A win-win situation between improved land productivity and soil carbon content was observed for the Jatropha plantations. On the other hand, the results indicate that at the sub-basin scale, reductions in runoff generation as a result of large-scale conversion of wastelands to Jatropha cropping may pose problems to downstream water users and ecosystems. From a livelihoods perspective, Jatropha production was generally positive, creating a complementary source of income to the farmers, thus strengthening the resilience of the local community. In the future, the potential gain from Jatropha cropping is expected to increase as cropping systems improve and growing biofuel markets result in better conditions for biofuel producers.
|
|
| 23. |
- Gheewala, S. H., et al.
(author)
-
The bioenergy and water nexus
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:4, s. 353-360
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Promotion of energy from biomass for reducing greenhouse gas emissions has led to increased usage of freshwater, especially during the cultivation of biomass. This has raised concerns about the increase in water stress, particularly in countries that are already facing water shortages. Attempts are being made to characterize the effect of water demand induced inter alia by increased bioenergy usage. Also, alternatives are being developed to mitigate such impacts by improved management so that bioenergy can be beneficially utilized. Future studies on bioenergy will need to take into consideration the water aspect so that the trade-offs between climate change mitigation and water stress are addressed.
|
|
| 24. |
- Hansson, Julia, 1978, et al.
(author)
-
Greenhouse gas performance of heat and electricity from wood pellet value chains – based on pellets for the Swedish market
- 2015
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 9:4
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Increased bioenergy demand has triggered a discussion on the sustainability of solidbiomass-based fuels and a system for sustainability criteria has been discussed within the EU.This paper assesses the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for heat and electricity from selectedwood pellet value chains for the Swedish market and the associated potential emissions reduction inrelation to fossil fuels using a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective, and in relation to the approachdescribed in recent EU policy developments. Nine different wood pellet value chains for heat and/or power production in Sweden are assessed (including pellets from Sweden, Latvia, Russia, andCanada). Selected assumptions are varied in a sensitivity analysis. The total factory-gate GHG emissionsat the conversion facility for the wood pellet value chains studied, range between 2 and 25 gCO2-eq/MJ pellets with Swedish pellets at the lower end, and Russian pellets using natural gas fordrying the raw material at the higher end. Imported pellets from Latvia, Russia, and Canada that usebiomass for drying may also reach relatively low levels of GHG emissions. The potential GHG reductionas compared to a certain fossil fuel default energy comparator is 64–98% for the electricity producedin the pellet value chains studied and 77–99% for the heat produced. Thus, many wood pelletvalue chains on the Swedish market will most likely be able to meet strict demands for sustainabilityfrom a GHG perspective.
|
|
| 25. |
- Helder, M., et al.
(author)
-
Electricity production with living plants on a green roof : Environmental performance of the plant-microbial fuel cell
- 2013
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 7:1, s. 52-64
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Several renewable and (claimed) sustainable energy sources have been introduced into the market during the last century in an attempt to battle pollution from fossil fuels. Especially biomass energy technologies have been under debate for their sustainability. A new biomass energy technology was introduced in 2008: the plant-microbial fuel cell (P-MFC). In this system, electricity can be generated with living plants and thus bioelectricity and biomass production can be combined on the same surface. A green roof producing electricity with a P-MFC could be an interesting combination. P-MFC technology is nearing implementation in the market and therefore we assessed the environmental performance of the system with an early stage life cycle assessment (LCA). The environmental performance of the P-MFC is currently worse than that of conventional electricity production technologies. This is mainly due to the limited power output of the P-MFC and the materials presently used in the P-MFC. Granular activated carbon (anode material), gold wires (current collectors), and Teflon-coated copper wires (connecting anode and cathode) have the largest impact on environmental performance. Use of these materials needs to be reduced or avoided and alternatives need to be sought. Increasing power output and deriving co-products from the P-MFC will increase environmental performance of the P-MFC. At this stage it is too early to compare the P-MFC with other (renewable) energy technologies since the P-MFC is still under development.
|
|
| 26. |
- Hellsmark, Hans, 1974, et al.
(author)
-
Innovation policies for advanced biorefinery development: key considerations and lessons from Sweden
- 2017
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 11:1, s. 28-40
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper provides an innovation systems perspective on the combination of policy instruments that will be required to stimulate technological development in the advanced biorefinery field. We first consult the established innovation policy literature, and provide a general framework that can be used to identify the type of policy instruments needed to develop new sustainable technology. In a second step, we illustrate how these general principles can be applied in the context of future biorefineries based on either the thermochemical or biochemical conversion of lignocellulosic biomass feedstocks. We draw heavily on the experiences of biorefinery development in Sweden. A central conclusion is that in Sweden, and elsewhere, there are few niche markets for advanced biorefineries and a lack of long-term policy instruments for the more established renewable fuels. For this reason, there is a need for innovation policy instruments that create markets for renewable fuels and green chemicals, thus supporting technology development during a niche market phase and allowing for the first commercial-scale plants to be built. The aim of such a policy would be to stimulate learning, form value chains, and experiment with various design options on a larger scale; this complements the use of technology-neutral policy instruments such as carbon pricing, which primarily promotes the diffusion of mature technologies. The policy instruments that are candidates for the niche market phase include, for example, public procurement and various types of price guarantees.
|
|
| 27. |
- HUERTAS BERNAL, DAVID ALEJANDRO, 1978, et al.
(author)
-
Sustainability certification of bioethanol: how is it perceived by Brazilian stakeholders?
- 2010
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 4:4, s. 369-384
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper investigates whether initiatives for sustainability certification of Brazilian ethanol can be expected to stimulate a change among producers toward more sustainable production - and, if so, what those changes would likely be. Connected to this, several questions are raised including whether producers might prefer to target other markets with less stringent demands, and if certification might lead to structural changes in the sector because producers who lack the capacity to meet the new requirements cannot remain competitive. The analysis of interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders under the guidance of the Technological Innovation Systems framework allowed us identify different actions taken by the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol sector in response to requirements of sustainability. The interviewees agreed that sustainability certification is an important element for the expansion of biofuel production in Brazil. Brazilian stakeholders have created a platform for more competitive sustainable production and have initiated relevant processes in response to the development connected to sustainability certification. Yet, the certification activities have had a limited impact in terms of the number of involved stakeholders. But interview responses indicate that the sector may adapt to new certification requirements rather than leave markets where such requirements become established. Structural changes can be expected if certification requirements as they exist in many initiatives are introduced in unflexible ways. The social importance of the ethanol industry is large in Brazil and some adjustments for certification may be required. The paper concludes by suggesting some actions for the industry.
|
|
| 28. |
- Junaid, Sara, et al.
(author)
-
Multifaceted biofuel production by microalgal isolates from Pakistan
- 2019
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : WILEY. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 13:5, s. 1187-1201
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Third-generation biofuels are currently considered to be the most resourceful medium for generating bioenergy. In the present study, microalgal strains were isolated from soil samples collected in Pakistan and characterized by 18S rRNA sequencing. The strains were identified as green algae Gloeocystis sp. MFUM-4, Sphaerocystis sp. MFUM-34, and Dictyochloropsis sp. MFUM-35. They were further studied for their potential to produce popular biofuels such as biodiesel, bioethanol, and biohydrogen. Under the test conditions, Gloeocystis sp. MFUM-4 emerged as the most suitable candidate, amongst the three new isolates, for biofuel production with a biodiesel production potential of 33.3% (w/v). Eight different environmental conditions were also tested to identify the most suitable condition for biohydrogen and bioethanol production using the newly isolated strains. Under light but in the presence of 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU), Gloeocystis recorded the highest capacity to produce both biohydrogen and bioethanol compared with the other strains that were examined.
|
|
| 29. |
- Kautto, Niina, et al.
(author)
-
From optional BAPs to obligatory NREAPs: understanding biomass planning in the EU
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:3, s. 305-316
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- National renewable energy action plans (NREAPs) required as part of the EU Directive on renewable energy include various biomass elements. The call for mandatory NREAPs represents a substantial shift of focus from the earlier call for optional national biomass action plans (BAPs). Biomass strategies and action plans are considered to form a vital part of the renewable energy plans. This study examines the form and function of national BAPs as a way to contribute understanding of the biomass part in the NREAPs, and biomass planning in general. It assesses how national BAPs produced in the period up to May 2009 should have helped meet NREAP requirements. This work shows that while there are many items missing from the planning and reporting of biomass‐related activities in national BAPs, the plans studied have provided a useful foundation for NREAPs. The analysis also indicates that there is a range of potentially important items that are lacking from the NREAP requirements, but which are still considered to be central and present to some extent in the national BAPs. These include clear delineation of bioenergy potentials, consideration of capacity to apply technologies, as well as impact assessment considering all sustainability dimensions. Results indicate that if a coordinated and coherent biomass policy is to be achieved, then biomass action planning within NREAPs must be advanced; looking to the content of BAPs provides guidance on some of these areas.
|
|
| 30. |
- Kautto, Niina, et al.
(author)
-
Lessons from biomass planning at national and regional level in the EU
- 2012
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 6:3, s. 269-280
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Abstract in UndeterminedAction plans are an important tool for meeting the EU renewable energy targets. Planning of biomass at national level has recently shifted from biomass action plans to renewable energy action plans; the latter still assigning special attention to biomass. A number of regions have also developed or are developing biomass plans. However, even though such plans are to assist the delivery of bioenergy development, the processes leading to successful implementation are not well documented. Little is known of the roles and function of these plans. This paper examines factors underlying plans and draws lessons from the planning processes that appear to support successful bioenergy development. The work presents views of actors involved in biomass planning in eleven countries and nine regions in Europe with an analytical framework employed to condense and present interview content. The analysis shows that while planning processes at both national and regional levels have encountered barriers – most of them common to policy implementation in general, but some specific to bioenergy policy – the national level appears to have better dealt with such barriers. Stakeholder commitment, continuity of policy, and flexibility of planning guidelines and processes were found as some of the keys to successful implementation. While biomass plans were demonstrated to serve several roles, approaches looking beyond energy use are still limited. The work concludes that coordination of planning between jurisdictional levels needs to be strengthened and regional stimuli recognized at higher levels in order for biomass policy and planning to better achieve goals.
|
|
| 31. |
- Khan, Zakir, et al.
(author)
-
Integrated catalytic adsorption steam gasification in a bubbling fluidized bed for enhanced H2 production : Perspective of design and pilot plant experiences
- 2018
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 12:5, s. 735-748
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is important to build knowledge about the design of an integrated catalytic adsorption (ICA) steam gasification process in a bubbling fluidized bed, which can reduce CO2 content with enhanced hydrogen production. The value of this study is its presentation of detailed design considerations for the performance evaluation of an ICA system using palm oil waste as feedstock. The main advantage of using ICA gasification systems is the CO2 adsorption through a carbonation reaction (using CaO), which helps the water gas shift reaction to move forward. The activity of a catalyst improves steam methane reforming in parallel, which not only produces additional hydrogen but also releases CO to enhance the activity of the water gas shift reaction. The performance of the developed system has shown <1% of temperature variation inside the reactor, which suggested a positive role for exothermic reactions between reactive bed material (CaO) and CO2 in the product gas. The low pressure drop in the gasifier (100-130mbar) further strengthens the design strategy for the ICA gasification system for hydrogen production. Challenges encountered during the pilot plant operations, and their potential solutions, are discussed to optimize the operation, especially for downstream equipment and auxiliaries.
|
|
| 32. |
- Londono, E. A. M., et al.
(author)
-
Solid biofuels production from energy crops in Colombia: challenges and opportunities
- 2016
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 10:4, s. 359-368
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Building on an extensive literature review that included peer-reviewed publications, grey literature, national statistics, official reports, and regulations enacted by the Colombian government, this paper identifies opportunities, challenges, and constraints faced by solid biofuels production from energy crops in Colombia. Our findings suggest that the solid biofuels industry currently lacks policy regulations and an adequate research framework. The paper notes the industry's market potential and addresses its dependency on a legal framework, political willingness, and technological developments. The legal framework includes land ownership formalization, job regulations, and the definition of environmental and administrative permits. Political willingness relates to governmental policies and financial incentives based on environmental and sustainability criteria, which can make the sector competitive compared to other energy sources at the local and international market scales. The technological aspects include public and private support for research and development programs and a strategic analysis of industry-specific requirements for infrastructure, conversion, and transportation within a life cycle assessment framework. The preliminary land-use analysis suggests the potential availability of land for solid biofuels production in the Caribbean, Andean, Inter-Andean Valley, and Orinoco regions. Furthermore, the results show that solid biofuels production can potentially supply internal demand and play a role in international markets with strategic development and government support.
|
|
| 33. |
- Lopez, Pau Cabaneros, et al.
(author)
-
Towards a digital twin : a hybrid data-driven and mechanistic digital shadow to forecast the evolution of lignocellulosic fermentation
- 2020
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 14:5, s. 1046-1060
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The high substrate variability and complexity of fermentation media derived from lignocellulosic feedstock affects the concentration profiles and the length of the fermentation. Failing to account for such variability raises operational and scheduling issues and affects the overall performance of these processes. In this work, a hybrid soft sensor was developed to monitor and forecast the evolution of cellulose-to-ethanol fermentation. The soft sensor consisted of two modules (a data-driven model and a kinetic model) connected sequentially. The data-driven module used a partial-least-squares model to estimate the current state of glucose from spectroscopic data. The kinetic model was recursively fitted to known concentrations of glucose to update the long-horizon predictions of glucose, xylose, and ethanol. This combination of real-time data update from an actual fermentation process to a high-fidelity kinetic model constitutes the basis of the digital twin concept and allows for a better real-time understanding of complex inhibition phenomena caused by different inhibitors commonly found in lignocellulosic feedstocks. The soft sensor was experimentally validated with three different cellulose-to-ethanol fermentations and the results suggested that this method is suitable for monitoring and forecasting fermentation when the measurements provide reasonably good estimates of the real state of the system. These results would allow the flexibility of the operation of cellulosic processes to be increased, and would permit the scheduling to be adapted to the inherent variability of such substrates.
|
|
| 34. |
- McCormick, Kes
(author)
-
Communicating bioenergy: A growing challenge
- 2010
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 4:5, s. 494-502
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Bioenergy is rapidly growing in many parts of the world. But continued investments in bioenergy do not depend entirely on technological advances, feedstock availability, and economic conditions. The social acceptance of bioenergy by the general public appears to be essential to the political legitimacy of the bioenergy industry, and the willingness of policy-makers to introduce or maintain supportive policy schemes for bioenergy. In the context of Europe, this perspective argues that communication strategies will become increasingly important for the bioenergy industry as it continues to expand. In short, this perspective discusses four main questions, including: What is the current social acceptance of bioenergy among citizens in Europe? What are the key lessons from experiences with communication on bioenergy? What are the emerging 'hot' topics for the bioenergy industry? What international efforts are underway to inform the general public about bioenergy? Overall, this perspective aims to provide insights into the linkages between the social acceptance and the political legitimacy of bioenergy, and the role of communication strategies. (C) 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 35. |
- Morales, Merten, et al.
(author)
-
Sustainability assessment of glucose production technologies from highly recalcitrant softwood including scavengers
- 2017
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 11:3, s. 441-453
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The utilization of abandoned lignocellulosic residues for chemical production has a strong potential to partially substitute chemicals, which are traditionally produced from non-renewable resources. Softwood especially, with its high availability, presents a sustainable resource for the conversion to higher value-added products such as biofuels and bioplastics. In this study, we investigate mature and innovative technologies for the conversion of softwood to the platform chemical sugar from an economic and environmental perspective. We show that the conventional enzymatic hydrolysis has high economic as well as environmental burdens and that the increase of enzyme availability via a carbocation scavenger process is the key solution to overcome them. Furthermore, we present a process design based on concentrated acid hydrolysis, which is both environmentally and economically competitive compared to conventional production from sugarbeet. The low energy and raw material requirements combined with heat integration and moderate capital costs makes this technology attractive for utilization of softwood residues. This proves that lignocellulosic residues have the potential to become an important raw material in the future bioeconomy.
|
|
| 36. |
- Mossberg, Johanna, et al.
(author)
-
Challenges of sustainable industrial transformation : Swedish biorefinery development and incumbents in the emerging biofuels industry
- 2021
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 15:5, s. 1264-1280
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper investigates the transformation challenges related to incumbent industries caused by technology development and industry convergence in the transition to a bioeconomy in the context of Swedish biorefinery development. It involves the emergence of new value chains and several incumbent industries such as the pulp and paper industry, the oil refinery sector, the chemical process industry, and the heat and power sector. In 2019, Sweden had Europe's largest share of biofuels in the transport sector, roughly 20% on an energy basis, and this share has increased by around 300% during the last decade. At the same time, domestic production has stalled, and even though Sweden has beneficial conditions for biofuel production, the share of biofuel that is imported or based on imported feedstock has recently ranged between 85% and 90%. We discuss three transformation challenges: (i) inertia and lack of absorptive capacity creating lock-in effects at the organizational level; (ii) weak and inefficient actor networks at the industry level; and (iii) contradictory policy instrument mixes and lack of coordination at the government level. The findings underscore the need for policy integration and alignment across various policy domains, and an increased focus on policy mixes that can stimulate the emergence of more disruptive innovations and value chains. There is also a need for industrial initiatives, such as improving absorptive capacity and strengthening actor networks, to help build the value chains needed to realize a sustainable bioeconomy.
|
|
| 37. |
|
|
| 38. |
- Otto, M., et al.
(author)
-
The bioenergy and water nexus
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:4, s. 343-346
-
Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Bioenergy development may increase the pressure on water, but also provides opportunities to improve water productivity and increase access to water. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 39. |
- Peck, Philip, et al.
(author)
-
Examining understanding, acceptance, and support for the biorefinery concept among EU policy-makers
- 2009
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 3:3, s. 361-383
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper outlines how an understanding of the processes of building cognitive and sociopolitical legitimacy is relevant to the formation of a biorefining sector. First we describe a number of theoretical insights into challenges faced by emerging industries and how these can relate to the formation of a biorefining sector. Second, we present the conduct and results of an initial exploration of understanding, acceptance, and support for the biorefinery concept among a sample of actors in the EU policy community. General conclusions of this study are then provided in these two areas. Addressing theory versus evidence from the field, it is found that many phenomena predicted by theory indeed appear in the empirical results and seem immediately relevant to the formative biorefining industry. Analysis of the perceptions of members of the policy community toward biorefinery-related environmental, social, policy, reputational and policy issues reveals that there are a number of areas where prompt action from the political and scientific communities could yield significant benefits. We conclude that theories enfolding the concepts of cognitive and sociopolitical legitimacy are relevant to discussions of biofuels, bioproducts and biorefining. Importantly, proponents of the biorefinery concept can draw upon a broad body of knowledge generated in both related and non-related industries, to support their work reducing barriers to the emergence of commercial biorefineries. A key area in this regard will be improved communication of biorefinery contributions to sustainable development. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 40. |
- Pinheiro, V. E., et al.
(author)
-
Anaerobic digestion of cornmeal : the effect of crude enzyme extract and co-digestion with cow manure
- 2021
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley and Sons Ltd. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study examined the effect of a crude enzyme extract, containing mainly starch-degrading enzymes, on cornmeal (Zea mays) hydrolysis. This was followed by an investigation of the effect of enzymatic treatment for the anaerobic digestion of this biomass. Cornmeal and cow manure were also co-digested, and both batch and semi-continuous experiments were performed. The enzymatic pretreatment of cornmeal resulted in a yield of 65 ± 5% reducing sugars, with 1:10 w/v (grams of dry substrate per mililiters of enzyme extract) enzyme load at 45 °C for 48 h. There was an 8% enhancement of methane production observed during the batch assays, both when cornmeal hydrolysate was digested and when enzymes were added directly to the digester. Synergetic effects were found when co-digesting cornmeal and cow manure, leading to higher methane yield (280 NmL gVS–1) than that (200 NmL gVS–1) calculated based on the methane potential of the individual substrates. Regarding long-term effects, the laboratory-scale semi-continuous experiments also demonstrated that the co-digestion of cornmeal and cow manure (1:1 volatile solid (VS) basis) led to a stable process reaching an organic loading rate of 3 g VS L day–1 and achieving a daily methane production of 1280.12 ± 99.4 NmL CH4/day. However, when cornmeal was investigated in mono-digestion, and the enzyme extract was directly added during semi-continuous digestion of cornmeal, volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation was observed, leading to a decrease in pH, and no significant enhancement of the conversion into methane was observed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 41. |
- Pinheiro, V. E., et al.
(author)
-
Screening and cocktail optimization using experimental mixture design : enzymatic saccharification as a biological pretreatment strategy
- 2021
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Biofuels contribute environment-friendly, renewable energy, minimizing dependence on fossil energy. The pretreatment of biomass is a practical step that accelerates and facilitates the hydrolysis of complex materials. This work aimed to screen, select, and study cocktail formulations for biomass hydrolysis, where the enzymes were provided both from a commercial source (Trichoderma reesei, Novozymes®) and through the cultivation of Aspergillus brasiliensis and Aspergillus tamarii Kita. Experimental mixture designs were used to optimize the enzymatic conversion of substrates into simple sugars. A crude extract rich in amylase (AAB) had a significant favorable influence on cornmeal hydrolysis by maximizing the yield of reducing sugars (RS) (173 μmol mL–1). Celluclast™, rich in cellulase, significantly affected the hydrolysis of banana peel, maximizing the RS yield (175 μmol mL–1). Variable degrees of enzyme synergism were evident from statistical analysis of the biomass hydrolysis.
|
|
| 42. |
- Sluka, Charlotte, et al.
(author)
-
Stakeholder dynamics in the EU forest energy sector: key issues to manage and ways forward
- 2015
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 9:1, s. 51-71
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- EU forest biomass demand is increasing rapidly under policy stimuli, as biofuels are important for EU utilities to reach EU 2020 renewables goal. The import of large amounts will be required, but stakeholders have sustainability concerns. Utilities are adopting self-regulatory certification schemes to reduce stakeholder pressures but the interplay between these efforts, stakeholder and policy dynamics, and business risks is not well understood. This study uses literature, interviews, and a survey of 120 stakeholders to delineate influential actors in the discourse, principal concerns, and ways to ameliorate opposition and risk. The work finds many actors opposed to forest energy systems, and shows how critique is directed toward a nexus of industry and policymakers. It also indicates that critics have an ascendant status and can catalyze changes in policy and business practice in response to their concerns. Key concerns involve carbon, biodiversity, and deforestation; however, it is found that self-governance systems do not yet incorporate metrics to meet emerging expectations. The study concludes that efforts must deliver robust track records of strong ecological, climate, and social performance for forest energy supply chains to allay concerns - as distinct from just sustainability certification'. Work must include increased efforts to source woody biomass from the EU-27(+) to engender trust in forest energy actors, and scientific studies to delineate strong' versus weak' carbon and temporal carbon' performance for forest energy systems. This also suggests a need to delineate silvicultural regimes that facilitate the management of forest energy supply chains for improved carbon performance. (c) 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 43. |
- Sparovek, G., et al.
(author)
-
Sugarcane ethanol production in Brazil: An expansion model sensitive to socioeconomic and environmental concerns
- 2007
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 1:4, s. 270-282
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Brazilian agriculture is characteristically dynamic; land and production resources have a skewed ownership distribution; and agricultural production is essential for small holders of rural poor regions. Also, the main agricultural land use is composed of pastures where extensive livestock production prevails. Because of increasing demand Brazil is expected to expand its sugarcane-based ethanol production. Addressing concerns about social and environmental impacts of such an expansion requires careful consideration of the complexity of Brazilian agriculture in general and specific local conditions in particular. This perspective outlines an expansion model for sugarcane ethanol production that is sensitive to socioeconomic and environmental concerns. Through integration with the prevailing land use, the model avoids the usual displacement of extensive livestock production to remote regions, causing leakage effects with deforestation and promotes milk and beef cattle intensification and investment opportunities for local society. The expansion model is feasible at current market conditions and should have good prospects for complying with sustainability criteria within various certification schemes presently under development. A case study, developed in the Pontal do Paranapanema region (state of São Paulo, Brazil) illustrates the model in agrarian reform settlements. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 44. |
- Sparovek, Gerd, 1962, et al.
(author)
-
Sustainable bioproducts in Brazil: disputes and agreements on a common ground agenda for agriculture and nature protection
- 2016
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 10:3, s. 204-221
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A key question for food, biofuels, and bioproducts production is how agriculture affects the environment, and social and economic development. In Brazil, a large agricultural producer and among the biologically wealthiest of nations, this question is challenging and opinions often clash. The Brazilian parliament and several stakeholders have recently debated the revision of the Forest Act, the most important legal framework for conservation of natural vegetation on Brazilian private agricultural lands. Past decades have shown improvements in the agricultural sector with respect to productivity and efficiency, along with great reductions in deforestation and growth of environmentally certified production. However, the opposing sides in the debate have ignored this progress and instead continue to entrench their respective combative positions. A structured exchange involving nine experts associated with major producer interests (livestock, crops, planted forest, and charcoal) and environmental NGOs was moderated based on a framework that sorted viewpoints into four categories: (i) common ground - compatible interests considered to be high priority for Brazilian sustainable agricultural development; (ii) serving exclusive nature conservation interest; (iii) serving exclusive agricultural production interest; and (iv) mainly serving the purpose of sustaining dispute. We conclude that the majority of actions and expected future trends reflect achievements and ambitions to balance production and conservation, but much public opinion - and in turn decisions in the parliament and government for agriculture and conservation - is shaped by a perceived conflict between these objectives and a debate that has become, at least to some extent, an end in itself.
|
|
| 45. |
- Svensson, Elin, 1980, et al.
(author)
-
Reasons to apply operability analysis in the design of integrated biorefineries
- 2015
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 9:2, s. 147-157
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The implementation of a biorefinery concept through the integration of new biomass conversion processes with existing industrial plants offers a potential for high overall biomass-to-product efficiencies and cost-effective production. To reach this potential, a high degree of process integration is essential. This implies that there will be strong interconnections between the different processing units in the original plant and the new biorefinery process, and thereby a risk of operability difficulties. Consequently, there is a need to consider operational objectives, together with economic and environmental ones in biorefinery integration design problems. This paper focuses on the operability of an industrial plant that is retrofitted with a new biorefinery process. The existing industrial plant is considered to be an energy-intensive, mature, commodity-producing plant and retrofit of this plant is necessary for enabling efficient integration and synergy effects of co-locating the biorefinery process with the existing process, instead of building a stand-alone greenfield plant. A wide range of operability issues associated with the integration of the biorefinery is considered, including flexibility, controllability, and reliability. The main issues that affect the operability when integrating a new biorefinery process to an existing industrial plant are investigated. Core operability issues to consider in the design and evaluation of future biorefinery concepts are highlighted and opportunities for further research and methodology development activities are identified.
|
|
| 46. |
- Tomas-Pejo, Elia, 1980, et al.
(author)
-
Industrial yeasts strains for biorefinery solutions: Constructing and selecting efficient barcoded xylose fermenting strains for ethanol
- 2014
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 8:5, s. 626-634
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There have been intense efforts in the scientific community and industry to engineer S. cerevisiae strains to co-consume xylose and glucose. In this context, this paper describes a process for introducing a barcode into an industrial xylose fermenting yeast strains to ensure quick and reliable identification of patented industrial strains. Furthermore, this work presents a novel procedure for screening and selecting the clones that reflects the characteristics of the industrial process. The key points of efficient selection of high-performing clones are elaborated and discussed. In spite of the unforeseen effects on yeast physiology after the introduction of a new sequence into the genome, we obtained barcoded clones with the same xylose consumption rates and ethanol yields as the cells without the barcode.
|
|
| 47. |
- Voytenko Palgan, Yuliya, et al.
(author)
-
Biorefineries in Sweden: Perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and future: Biorefineries in Sweden
- 2016
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 10:5, s. 523-533
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A growing political interest in the development of biorefineries is being shaped by climate change and a need to develop economically viable substitutes (i.e., fuels, products and chemicals) to those produced in traditional oil refineries. The pulp and paper industry in Sweden has been stagnating and it is therefore potentially promising to integrate biorefining into its activities as one way of diversifying its business. Sweden has good prerequisites for a transition to a bioeconomy due to its natural geographic conditions, industry, and infrastructure. It has developed a bioeconomy strategy and piloted several biorefinery projects. At the same time, the deployment of biorefineries has been slow, and they have not reached commercial scale. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the current and future development of biorefineries in the context of the emerging bioeconomy in Sweden. It is based on a literature review, policy analysis, and ten interviews with bioeconomy experts. It maps key political and legal aspects, economic and raw material aspects, social and cognitive aspects, and technology and infrastructure aspects that facilitate and hinder the development and deployment of biorefineries in Sweden. This paper identifies four action points important to the development of biorefineries and the bioeconomy: (i) commitments – establish targets and policies that drive the transition; (ii) contradictions – improve alignment on visions, goals, and activities; (iii) capacity – build up infrastructure and competences to harness the potential; and (iv) collaboration – develop cooperation across sectors and between actors.
|
|
| 48. |
- Voytenko, Yuliya, et al.
(author)
-
Organization of straw-to-energy systems in Ukraine and Scandinavia
- 2011
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 5:6, s. 654-669
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Ukraine (UA) faces broad needs for energy security enhancement, energy diversification, revitalization of agriculture, and improvements in the state of the environment. UA has large biomass-for-bioenergy potential, which can be leveraged to contribute to local/regional energy self-sufficiency, rural development and diversification, and environmental improvement via fossil fuel substitution with local and more sustainable biofuels. However, the manner in which biomass energy utilization is emerging is poorly documented and its organizational basis is not well understood. This work focuses on bioenergy from agricultural waste as an early emergent area. It applies cross-case analysis to nine straw-fired installations in UA. Analysis yields three straw-based frameworks for organization and action, including small-scale local heat production, small-scale local straw production for municipal fuel provision, and medium-scale straw combustion for district heating (DH). The UA context is then compared to more advanced agro-bioenergy sectors in Sweden (SE) and Denmark (DK) to delineate crucial factors for the growth of UA's embryonic sector. The study finds that evolution of individual business entrepreneurship qualities and knowledge dissemination are key parameters to move the sector forward at small to medium scale, while stable and targeted incentive based systems, national government support, and collective bioenergy stakeholder action are required for advance to medium and large scales. Barriers to the expansion of bioenergy in UA include low access to technology and funding, and a lack of knowledge on bioenergy funding schemes, and bioenergy in general. The outcomes of the paper are principally transferable to other transition economies (EiTs). (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
|
|
| 49. |
- Wikandari, Rachma, et al.
(author)
-
Rapid anaerobic digestion of organic solid residuals for biogas production using flocculating bacteria and membrane bioreactors - a critical review
- 2019
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-104X .- 1932-1031. ; 13:4, s. 1119-1132
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an attractive and sustainable alternative for stabilizing solid organic waste and producing biogas or biomethane. However, it is carried out by slow-growing bacteria and archaea and it normally demands a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20-60 days in the bioreactor. Although high-rate AD methods and technologies have been developed, they are normally applied to liquid wastes such as wastewater. In this work, the theory and latest developments in high-rate digestion of organic solid wastes are reviewed. The process is accomplished by running the AD in a two-stage operation. The first stage involves dissolving the solid materials in water, using robust hydrolytic bacteria. The effluent is then filtered to remove any undigested material, which in some cases contains inhibitory compounds. The filtrate is then fed to bioreactors containing high cell density ADs such as flocculating bacteria (granules) or membrane bioreactors (MBR) to protect the sensitive and very slow-growing methanogen. Different approaches to overcoming problems faced in the first stage of digestion are proposed in this review. These problems include slow digestion of lignocellulosic biomass or failure of digestion due to inhibition problems for feedstocks containing toxic compounds, and rapid acidification for easily degradable substrates. The principle, technology, benefits and drawbacks, and factors affecting the efficacy of each type of high cell-density reactor are presented. (c) 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
|
|
| 50. |
- Xiros, Charilaos, 1973, et al.
(author)
-
Toward a sustainable biorefinery using high-gravity technology
- 2017
-
In: Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining. - : Wiley. - 1932-1031 .- 1932-104X. ; 11:1, s. 15-27
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The realization of process solutions for a sustainable bioeconomy depends on the efficient processing of biomass. High-gravity technology is one important alternative to realizing such solutions. The aims of this work were to expand the knowledge-base on lignocellulosic bioconversion processes at high solids content, to advance the current technologies for production of second-generation liquid biofuels, to evaluate the environmental impact of the proposed process by using life cycle assessment (LCA), and to develop and present a technically, economically, and environmentally sound process at high gravity, i.e., a process operating at the highest possible concentrations of raw material. The results and opinions presented here are the result of a Nordic collaborative study within the framework of the HG Biofuels project. Processes with bioethanol or biobutanol as target products were studied using wheat straw and spruce as interesting Nordic raw materials. During the project, the main scientific, economic, and technical challenges of such a process were identified. Integrated solutions to these challenges were proposed and tested experimentally, using wheat straw and spruce wood at a dry matter content of 30% (w/w) as model substrates. The LCA performed revealed the environmental impact of each of the process steps, highlighting the importance of the enzyme dose used for the hydrolysis of the plant biomass, as well as the importance of the fermentation yield.
|
|
