Conversion of Residual Biomass Energy to Power Generation

Dear Colleagues,

using biomass for energy production is becoming more and more attractive, especially in the electricity and transport sectors. Indeed, bioenergy represents a long-term measure to reduce the use of fossil fuels, decreasing at the same time greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to climate change. This, together with the increasing cost of fossil fuels and the growing need for a secure energy source, has stressed the progress in biomass-based technologies, which are recognized as efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly. In fact, unlike the other renewables, biomass can be stored and used to produce energy only when it is needed. Moreover, biomass is locally available, contributing to energy independence and regional social and economic development. Indeed, energy from biomass is the main source of renewable energy, with a share higher than 60%.

Nevertheless, the spread of bioenergy is still hindered by barriers such as social acceptance and technological limitations. Furthermore, the increase in the biomass demand for energy generation causes concern for several problems, such as land-use competition, deforestation, crops for food vs. biofuels, use of food, and water systems. These issues can be addressed by using residual biomass for energy generation. However, the high potential of such resources appears to be partly unexploited. For this reason, this Special Issue aims at collecting original research and review articles that include (but are not limited to):

• energy efficient techniques and strategies for energy conversion of residual biomass;
• innovative processes/technological novelties;
• hybrid plants;
• bioenergy potential;
• techno-economic and socio-economic analyses;
• possible future prospects, policies and challenges of residual biomass energy;
• life-cycle assessment;
• experimental and numerical studies.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.  

Prof. Dr. Laura Vanoli
Dr. Fausto Arpino
Dr. Simona Di Fraia
Guest Editors

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• residual biomass, bioenergy
• biofuels
• biorefinery
• biomass energy potential
• bioeconomy
• energy conversion systems
• hybrid systems
• thermochemical treatments
• biological processes
• energy efficiency
• optimization
• energy management
• experimental analysis
• numerical analysis
• computational fluid dynamics
• techno-economic analysis
• life cycle assessment (LCA)