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Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production
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Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 April 2025) | Viewed by 3830

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Wen-Tien Tsai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu Township, Pingtung 912, Taiwan
Interests: biomass waste reuse; biomass energy technology; porous material preparation; liquid phase adsorption and interface research; biomass energy policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Wen-Shing Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Yunlin University of Science & Technology, Yunlin 640, Taiwan
Interests: nanofiber; photoresist; nanomaterials; polymer modified asphalt

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Lignocellulosic biomass or waste is a renewable resource due to its near carbon neutrality, role as a clean precursor for fuel/energy production, and positive health and environmental benefits compared to fossil fuels. In this regard, its direct and indirect uses for energy/power and material/fuel production are closely correlated with global warming mitigation and environmental quality improvement because of the reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants.  These biomass-based resources are derived from woody and herbaceous plants, thus generating crop residues, food processing waste, lignocellulose-based waste (e.g., paper and wood products), and forest/wood residues.

To produce valuable and carbon-rich biofuels and materials from lignocellulosic biomass or waste, the adopted processes can be mainly categorized into physical (mechanical), thermochemical, and biochemical processes.  The energy forms (i.e., steam, electricity or power) can be generated from biomass and lignocellulosic waste through combustion or cogeneration processes. The resulting biofuels generally refer to biogas (generated via anaerobic digestion), bioethanol (generated via fermentation), bio-oil/bio-coal (generated via pyrolysis), and syngas (generated via gasification). In addition, the carbon-rich porous materials include biochar (generated via pyrolysis) and activated carbon/biochar (generated via physical or chemical activation). Furthermore, these valuable materials have several emerging applications, including being adsorbents for emerging pollutants, catalysts for energy evolution in fuel cells, materials for energy storage in supercapacitors and ion batteries, food additives in the form of a black colorant, and sensors for environmental analysis.

This Special Issue will promote a biocircular economy via the publication of research and review papers relevant to recent advances in biofuels, biomass-to-energy, waste-to-power, solid recovered fuel (SRF), and emerging applications of biomass-derived carbon materials (biochar and activated carbon/biochar).

Prof. Dr. Wen-Tien Tsai
Prof. Dr. Wen-Shing Chen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • lignocellulose
  • biofuel
  • biomass-to-energy
  • biochar
  • activated biochar
  • solid recovered fuel
  • circular economy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2214 KiB  
Article
The Physiochemical Properties of Pellets Made from the Foliage of Vegetable Crops
by Omid Gholami Banadkoki, Shahab Sokhansanj, Anthony Lau, Selvakumari Arunachalam and Donald Smith
Energies 2025, 18(8), 1969; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18081969 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
The increasing demand for renewable energy has driven interest in utilizing agricultural residues for bioenergy applications. This study investigates the pelletization of foliage from six vegetable crops, including tomato, eggplant, summer squash, cucumber corn, and soybean, to assess their potential as bioenergy feedstocks. [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for renewable energy has driven interest in utilizing agricultural residues for bioenergy applications. This study investigates the pelletization of foliage from six vegetable crops, including tomato, eggplant, summer squash, cucumber corn, and soybean, to assess their potential as bioenergy feedstocks. The physiochemical properties of these biomasses, including particle size and shape, lignin, and elemental composition, were analyzed to determine their impact on pellet density and durability. The results reveal significant variations in pellet quality across different biomasses. Cucumber and summer squash demonstrated the highest pellet densities (1.48–1.51 g/cm3) and superior durability (98.1% and 94.2%, respectively), making them the most promising candidates for pelletization. In contrast, eggplant exhibited the lowest density (1.14 g/cm3) and durability (47.2%), indicating poor pellet quality. The correlation between pellet durability and pellet density was positive and modest at r=0.647. The study further highlights the impact of inorganic elements on pellet properties, where the high silica and chlorine content of cucumber, summer squash, tomato, and eggplant reduced energy efficiency and increased ash-related challenges. The resulting color parameters analysis (L*, a*, and b*) shows that the pellets from eggplant, tomato, summer squash, and cucumber foliage are darker than pellets from sawdust, corn stover, and soybean residues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production)
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27 pages, 4067 KiB  
Article
The Estimation of the Possibility of Bioethanol Production from Hemp Cellulose Using the HWE Method
by Kamil Roman
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061441 - 14 Mar 2025
Viewed by 417
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of hot water extraction (HWE). The research investigates how different biomass fractions (0–4 mm, 4–8 mm, and 8–16 mm) respond to hydrothermal treatment, with cellulose content analyzed using the Kürschner–Hoffer method. Results indicate that cellulose loss varies across [...] Read more.
This study investigates the effect of hot water extraction (HWE). The research investigates how different biomass fractions (0–4 mm, 4–8 mm, and 8–16 mm) respond to hydrothermal treatment, with cellulose content analyzed using the Kürschner–Hoffer method. Results indicate that cellulose loss varies across fractions, with the highest degradation observed in the 8–16 mm fraction and the lowest in stalks thinner than 4 mm. The HWE process removes both hemicellulose and lignin selectively, which helps improve enzyme accessibility and maximize bioethanol yields. The absence of fermentation inhibitors suggests that HWE is an effective alternative to acid-based pretreatment. Based on these findings, optimizing process parameters for sustainable bioethanol production from hemp biomass may be possible. Optimal HWE conditions and alternate pretreatment methods should be evaluated in future research to maximize efficiency and industrial feasibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production)
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16 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Utilizing Cattle (Cow) Manure for Biomethane Production—An Experiment for Photofermentation
by Anita Konieczna, Kinga Borek, Jakub T. Hołaj-Krzak, Barbara Dybek, Dorota Anders, Jan Szymenderski, Kamila Klimek, Magdalena Kapłan, Zbigniew Jarosz, Serhiy Syrotyuk, Taras Stanytskyy, Serhii Korobka and Grzegorz Wałowski
Energies 2024, 17(23), 6119; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236119 - 5 Dec 2024
Viewed by 917
Abstract
This article presents the current state of biogas (biomethane) production technology with an example of using cow manure from the perspective of photofermentation efficiency. In specialist farms, there is a problem of waste management in the form of manure; analyses were carried out [...] Read more.
This article presents the current state of biogas (biomethane) production technology with an example of using cow manure from the perspective of photofermentation efficiency. In specialist farms, there is a problem of waste management in the form of manure; analyses were carried out on the photocatalysis process in order to be able to effectively produce biomethane based on monosubstrate solutions (manure). Cow manure was tested for its elemental composition in order to determine the suitability of this raw material for biogas production. The elemental composition was compared in material A, which was stored for 1 week (fresh sample, wet), and material B, which was stored for 1 month (old sample, dry). In material A and material B, the values were as follows: N: 3.18% and 3.34%; P: 0.403% and 0.492%; K: 1.267% and 2.336%; Na: 0.362% and 0.714%; Ca: 0.705% and 0.788%; and Mg: 0.737% and 0.907%. The quality of biogas produced in atmospheric conditions from cow manure (material A and material B) was assessed. An increase in CH4 production was observed with an increase in temperature. For material A, at a temperature of 22.5 °C, it was in the range of 11–14%; for a temperature of 25.5 °C, it was approx. 35%. For material B, despite small amounts (from 0% to 2%), a tendency to increase CH4 production with an increase in temperature was also observed. At 22.4 °C, it was in the range of 0–1%, and at 25.4 °C, it was about 2%. The novelty of this article is the development of an innovative method of using cow manure, indicating the development of the biomethane industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production)
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Review

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13 pages, 207 KiB  
Review
Progress in Solid Recovered Fuel with an Emphasis on Lignocellulose-Based Biomass—A Mini Review Focused on Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
by Yu-Quan Lin, Chi-Hung Tsai and Wen-Tien Tsai
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071671 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 177
Abstract
To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decarbonize coal, and also create a circular economy model, solid recovered fuel (SRF) has been developed as an alternative fuel/energy source in the international community, especially in developed countries with a high dependence on imported energy. This [...] Read more.
To reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, decarbonize coal, and also create a circular economy model, solid recovered fuel (SRF) has been developed as an alternative fuel/energy source in the international community, especially in developed countries with a high dependence on imported energy. This mini review offers updates on the regulatory promotion of the production of SRF, focusing on the reuse of biomass or lignocellulosic waste as a starting material in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. In this regard, the status of renewable energy and the policies for bioenergy in Japan, South, and Taiwan are first addressed in this work. It is found that the terms for defining refuse/waste/biomass-derived fuel are different across East Asia. However, SRF is increasingly used for the substitution of fossil fuels in industrial utilities (including boilers, incinerators, and kilns), as well as for steam (heat) utilization and/or power generation. With the international policies of pursuing staged carbon reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050, the regulatory promotion of the use of bio-SRF has been actively adopted by these countries or regions. Regarding the quality requirements of SRF and concerns about air pollutant emissions, this work also offers updates on regulatory standards, especially in Taiwan. Finally, prospects for the production of bio-SRF and concerns regarding its use are addressed to support the development of a sustainable and circular society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production)
24 pages, 5539 KiB  
Review
Biomass Briquetting Technology for Sustainable Energy Solutions: Innovations in Forest Biomass Utilization
by Kamil Roman and Emilia Grzegorzewska
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6392; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246392 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1764
Abstract
This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the use of logging residues in manufacturing briquettes, and to demonstrate their potential as a renewable energy source. Technical aspects of briquetting are examined, including wood properties, particle size, moisture content, and process temperature. [...] Read more.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the use of logging residues in manufacturing briquettes, and to demonstrate their potential as a renewable energy source. Technical aspects of briquetting are examined, including wood properties, particle size, moisture content, and process temperature. Forest residues, such as branches and treetops, have a high energy potential with calorific values reaching up to 20 MJ∙kg−1 after briquetting. Densifying these residues increases their energy density (achieving up to 1120 kg∙m−3) and reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Briquetting processes were analyzed economically and environmentally, with studies showing that production costs can be reduced by 25% when using locally sourced residues. This review recommends optimizing production processes to improve briquette durability and quality. Future research directions focused on developing cost-effective briquetting technologies tailored for small- and medium-sized businesses are identified in the study. Rural and economically disadvantaged regions could benefit from these advancements in briquetting. This paper advocates improved collaboration with international organizations to standardize briquette quality, promoting market acceptance and trade. Technology such as briquetting has the potential to advance renewable energy systems and achieve global climate goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Waste-to-Energy for Sustainable Energy Production)
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