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Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition
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Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A4: Bio-Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 November 2025 | Viewed by 3213

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Timothy Sibanda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
Interests: bioethanol and biogas; bioconversion of waste food into compost; microorganisms; sustainable agriculture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ramganesh Selvarajan

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, UNISA Science Campus, P.O. Box X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
Interests: biodiversity; enzymes; biodegradation; secondary metabolites; halophiles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass, a versatile and readily available resource, stands at the forefront of energy innovation, offering a pathway to climate-friendly energy alternatives. This Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge research and insights on biomass energy, exploring both its potential and challenges in contributing to a greener and more resilient energy landscape.

We invite submissions that advance understanding of the following topics:

  • Advances in biomass conversion technologies;
  • Bioenergy and carbon sequestration (carbon capture and storage (CCS));
  • Sustainable biomass production and sourcing;
  • Biomass and rural development;
  • Environmental and social impacts of biomass energy;
  • Integration of biomass with other renewable sources;
  • Economic viability and policy implications;
  • Technological challenges and future prospects.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and thought-provoking perspectives that illuminate the role of biomass in shaping a sustainable energy future.

We look forward to receiving contributions from researchers, practitioners, and policy experts that offer innovative solutions and critical perspectives on the future of biomass energy.

Dr. Timothy Sibanda
Dr. Ramganesh Selvarajan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomass
  • renewable energy
  • sustainable biomass
  • global warming
  • pollution bioeconomy
  • carbon capture and storage (CCS)

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 4148 KiB  
Article
Energy Potential of Zea mays Grown in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil
by Agata Borowik, Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Magdalena Zaborowska and Jan Kucharski
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2402; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092402 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
Cadmium is a non-essential element for proper plant growth and development and is highly toxic to humans and animals, in part because it inters with calcium-dependent processes in living organisms. For this reason, a study was conducted to assess the potential for producing [...] Read more.
Cadmium is a non-essential element for proper plant growth and development and is highly toxic to humans and animals, in part because it inters with calcium-dependent processes in living organisms. For this reason, a study was conducted to assess the potential for producing maize (Zea mays) biomass in cadmium-contaminated soil for energy purposes. The energy potential of Zea mays was evaluated by determining the heat of combustion (Q), heating value (Hv), and the amount of energy produced from the biomass. Starch, compost, fermented bark, humic acids, molecular sieve, zeolite, sepiolite, expanded clay, and calcium carbonate were assessed as substances supporting biomass production from Zea mays. The accumulation and redistribution of cadmium in the plant were also investigated. The study was conducted in a vegetation hall as part of a pot experiment. Zea mays was grown in uncontaminated soil and in soil contaminated with 15 mg Cd2+ kg−1. A strong toxic effect of cadmium on the cultivated plants was observed, causing a 62% reduction in the biomass of aerial parts and 61% in the roots. However, it did not alter the heat of combustion and heating value of the aerial part biomass, which were 18.55 and 14.98 MJ kg−1 d.m., respectively. Of the nine substances tested to support biomass production, only four (molecular sieve, compost, HumiAgra, and expanded clay) increased the yield of Zea mays grown in cadmium-contaminated soil. The molecular sieve increased aerial part biomass production by 74%, compost by 67%, expanded clay by 19%, and HumiAgra by 15%, but none of these substances completely eliminated the toxic effects of cadmium on the plant. At the same time, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of cadmium was higher in the roots (0.21–0.23) than in the aerial parts (0.04–0.03), with the roots showing greater bioaccumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition)
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20 pages, 2505 KiB  
Article
Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Common Reed and Plant-Based Biowaste from Households
by Robert Czubaszek and Agnieszka Wysocka-Czubaszek
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2178; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092178 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Organic wastes from households, private gardens, the maintenance of urban greenery, and active nature conservation measures are often difficult to manage. This lignocellulosic biomass may be suitable for anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the mono-digestion of plant material, such as waste from active conservation [...] Read more.
Organic wastes from households, private gardens, the maintenance of urban greenery, and active nature conservation measures are often difficult to manage. This lignocellulosic biomass may be suitable for anaerobic digestion (AD). However, the mono-digestion of plant material, such as waste from active conservation measures for wetlands, results in a low methane (CH4) yield. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using common reed silage for co-digestion with plant-based biowaste from households. The specific methane yield (SMY) was determined in biochemical methane potential (BMP) tests performed on biowaste, reed silage, and combinations of reed silage with 10%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90% of biowaste on a fresh weight basis. The lowest SMY was observed for the mono-digestion of reed silage (160.40 ± 4.09 NL kgVS−1), while biowaste had the highest CH4 yield (284.03 ± 7.03 NL kgVS−1). The subsequent addition of biowaste enhanced CH4 production from 158.57 ± 7.88 NL kgVS−1 (10% of biowaste) to 233.28 ± 11.91 NL kgVS−1 (90% of biowaste). A key advantage of biogas production is its role in reducing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, which result from the use of conventional fuels for energy generation. The avoided CO2 emissions generated in electricity and heat production range between 378.62 kgCO2 tTS−1 and 676.36 kgCO2 tTS−1 depending on the reed silage-to-biowaste ratio used for biogas production. This study reveals that reed silage is not an optimal feedstock for biogas production, and its share in co-digestion with biowaste should not exceed 10% of the total input to the biogas plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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18 pages, 288 KiB  
Review
Hybrid Fuels for CI Engines with Biofuel Hydrogen Ammonia and Synthetic Fuel Blends
by Ramozon Khujamberdiev and Haeng Muk Cho
Energies 2025, 18(11), 2758; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18112758 - 26 May 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
The transition to sustainable energy systems necessitates the development of cleaner fuel alternatives for compression ignition (CI) engines, which continue to play a vital role in transportation and power generation. This study explores the potential of hybrid fuel blends comprising biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, [...] Read more.
The transition to sustainable energy systems necessitates the development of cleaner fuel alternatives for compression ignition (CI) engines, which continue to play a vital role in transportation and power generation. This study explores the potential of hybrid fuel blends comprising biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, and synthetic fuels to enhance engine performance while minimizing environmental impact. By reviewing recent advancements, the paper analyzes the combustion characteristics, emissions behavior, and feasibility of various fuel combinations. Biofuel–hydrogen blends improve flame speed and reduce carbon emissions, while ammonia offers zero-carbon combustion when paired with more reactive fuels, like biodiesel or hydrogen. Synthetic fuels, particularly those derived from renewable sources, provide high-quality combustion with low particulate emissions. Hybridization strategies leverage the strengths of each component fuel, resulting in synergistic effects that enhance thermal efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support the continued use of CI engines in a carbon-constrained future. The findings indicate that with proper optimization of fuel formulations and engine technologies, hybrid fuels can play a key role in achieving sustainability goals and reducing fossil fuel dependency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition)
21 pages, 1301 KiB  
Review
Artificial Intelligence in Automotives: ANNs’ Impact on Biodiesel Engine Performance and Emissions
by Ramozon Khujamberdiev and Haeng Muk Cho
Energies 2025, 18(2), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020438 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
This paper explores the integration and advancements of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in modeling diesel engine performance, particularly focusing on biodiesel-fueled engines. ANNs have emerged as a vital tool in predicting and optimizing engine parameters, contributing to the enhancement of fuel efficiency and [...] Read more.
This paper explores the integration and advancements of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in modeling diesel engine performance, particularly focusing on biodiesel-fueled engines. ANNs have emerged as a vital tool in predicting and optimizing engine parameters, contributing to the enhancement of fuel efficiency and a reduction in emissions. The novelty of this review lies in its critical analysis of the existing literature on ANN applications in biodiesel engines, identifying gaps in optimization and emission control. While ANNs have shown promise in predicting engine parameters, fuel efficiency, and emission reduction, this paper highlights their limitations and areas for improvement, especially in the context of biodiesel-fueled engines. The integration of ANNs with big data and sophisticated algorithms paves the way for more accurate and reliable engine modeling, essential for advancing sustainable and eco-friendly automotive technologies. This research underscores the growing importance of ANNs in optimizing biodiesel-fueled diesel engines, aligning with global efforts towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy Development in Liquid Waste and Biomass: 2nd Edition)
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