Integrated Process Modelling and Life-Cycle Sustainability of Bio-Based Fuels

Dear Colleagues,

The transition toward a low-carbon energy future demands innovative approaches to the production and utilization of bio-based fuels. As global efforts intensify to decarbonize transportation, industry, and power generation, integrated process modelling and life-cycle sustainability assessment have emerged as critical tools for evaluating the environmental, economic, and social impacts of biofuel technologies. This Special Issue of Energies, titled "Integrated Process Modelling and Life-Cycle Sustainability of Bio-Based Fuels", highlights recent advances in integrating process engineering with life-cycle sustainability assessment for bio-based fuels. It also encompasses developments in experimental process modelling and validation, renewable energy integration, carbon capture and utilization, sustainable feedstock mobilization, and the application of digitalization and AI in process optimization.

Contributions aim to inform policy, support investment decisions, and accelerate the deployment of bio-based fuels within a circular and climate-resilient economy.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

• Techno-Economic Assessment of Biofuel Production Pathways: Comparative analysis of cost drivers and economic viability across different biofuel technologies.
• Life-Cycle Environmental Impact of Bio-Based Fuels: Quantifying GHG emissions, water use, land use, and biodiversity impacts using LCA methodologies.
• Process Simulation and Optimization of Biorefineries: Use of tools like Aspen Plus, SuperPro Designer, or MATLAB for integrated process modelling.
• Integration of Renewable Energy in Biofuel Production Systems: Coupling solar, wind, or geothermal energy with biofuel processes to enhance sustainability.
• Circular Economy Approaches in Biofuel Supply Chains: Valorization of waste streams, nutrient recycling, and closed-loop systems.
• Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Biofuel Sustainability: Frameworks combining environmental, economic, and social indicators for technology selection.
• Carbon Capture and Utilization in Biofuel Systems: Modelling and assessment of CCU technologies integrated with biomass conversion.
• GIS-Based Modelling of Biomass Availability and Logistics: Spatial analysis of feedstock distribution, transport networks, and regional deployment strategies.
• Sustainable Feedstock Mobilization and Supply Chain Modelling: Process and supply chain models focusing on the sustainable sourcing, pre-treatment, and logistics of non-food/non-feed biomass (e.g., agricultural residues, forestry waste, municipal solid waste, and algae) with associated LCA.
• Policy and Regulatory Impact on Biofuel Sustainability: Scenario modelling of policy interventions, subsidies, and carbon pricing.
• Digital Twins and AI-Driven Optimization in Biofuel Processes: Application of machine learning and real-time simulation for predictive control and efficiency gains.

Dr. Dimitrios Giannopoulos
Dr. Dimitrios Katsourinis
Guest Editors

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