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Fuels
Special Issues
Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production
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Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production

A special issue of Fuels (ISSN 2673-3994).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 6753

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Stella Bezergianni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute—CPERI, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas—CERTH, 6km Harilaou-Thermi, P.O. Box 57001, Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: production and evaluation of environmentally friendly fuels and biofuels; catalytic hydroprocessing; HVOs; hydrothermal liquefaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Loukia P. Chrysikou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Environmental Fuels & Hydrocarbons—LEFH, Chemical Process & Energy Resources Institute—CPERI, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas—CERTH, 570 01 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: life cycle assessment with focus on fuels; biofuels and chemicals; environmental fuels; fuels and biofuels storage and aging processes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites scientists to share their research results with regard to the sustainability assessment of renewable fuels production processes. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) constitutes a valuable tool identifying the environmental merits and demerits of renewable fuel production pathways throughout their life cycle (“cradle-to-grave” approach). Consequently, LCA is commonly applied for the environmental assessment of renewable fuels, originating from variant feedstocks (energy crops, non-food biomass, residual feedstocks, microbial biomass, etc.) aiming to increase energy efficiency and sustainability. The research in the environmental assessment of renewable fuels is continuous and intense, and we therefore welcome contributions valorizing non-food crops and algal biomass, while biorefinery concepts cogenerating bioenergy and biochemicals are also envisioned. This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances of original research studies and reviews regarding the environmental characterization of renewable fuels production processes towards sustainable transportation focusing on residual biomass and bio-based feedstock valorization. Overviews of collaborative research projects in this area are also welcomed.

Papers submitted to this Special Issue will undergo a rigorous peer review procedure similar to other issues of Fuels, with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of the research results.

Dr. Stella Bezergianni
Dr. Loukia P. Chrysikou
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. Fuels is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1200 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

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • LCA inventory data
  • renewable fuels
  • biorefinery
  • residual biomass
  • biomass valorization
  • environmental impacts
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • circular economy

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

36 pages, 6601 KB  
Article
A Geothermal-Driven Zero-Emission Poly-Generation Energy System for Power and Green Hydrogen Production: Exergetic Analysis, Impact of Operating Conditions, and Optimization
by Guy Trudon Muya, Ali Fellah, Sun Yaquan, Yasmina Boukhchana, Samuel Molima, Matthieu Kanyama and Amsini Sadiki
Fuels 2025, 6(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6030065 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Since the hydrogen-production process is not yet fully efficient, this paper proposes a poly-generation system that is driven by a geothermal energy source and utilizes a combined Kalina/organic Rankine cycle coupled with an electrolyzer unit to produce, simultaneously, power and green hydrogen in [...] Read more.
Since the hydrogen-production process is not yet fully efficient, this paper proposes a poly-generation system that is driven by a geothermal energy source and utilizes a combined Kalina/organic Rankine cycle coupled with an electrolyzer unit to produce, simultaneously, power and green hydrogen in an efficient way. A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis and an exergetic evaluation are carried out to assess the effect of key system parameters (geothermal temperature, high pressure, ammonia–water concentration ratio, and terminal thermal difference) on the performance of concurrent production of power and green hydrogen. Thereby, two configurations are investigated with/without the separation of turbines. The optimal ammonia mass fraction of the basic solution in KC is identified, which leads to an overall optimal system performance in terms of exergy efficiency and green hydrogen production rate. In both configurations, the optimal evaluation is made possible by conducting a genetic algorithm optimization. The simulation results without/with the separation of turbines demonstrate the potential of the suggested cycle combination and emphasize its effectiveness and efficiency. Exemplary, for the case without the separation of turbines, it turns out that the combination of ammonia–water and MD2M provides the best performance with net power of 1470 kW, energy efficiency of 0.1184, and exergy efficiency of 0.1258 while producing a significant green hydrogen amount of 620.17 kg/day. Finally, an economic study allows to determine the total investment and payback time of $3,342,000 and 5.37 years, respectively. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for the proposed system is estimated at 3.007 USD/kg H2, aligning well with values reported in the literature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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13 pages, 957 KB  
Article
Microalgae Grown in Hydroponic Greenhouse Wastewater Towards Biofuels: An Environmental Assessment
by Loukia P. Chrysikou, Vasiliki Dagonikou and Stella Bezergianni
Fuels 2025, 6(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6030064 - 27 Aug 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a microalgae-based biorefinery producing biofuels, using a well-to-tank approach. Microalgae were cultivated using greenhouse wastewater, while the extracted lipids were converted to biofuels via catalytic hydrotreatment. Experimental data supported an Aspen Plus model to [...] Read more.
This study conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) of a microalgae-based biorefinery producing biofuels, using a well-to-tank approach. Microalgae were cultivated using greenhouse wastewater, while the extracted lipids were converted to biofuels via catalytic hydrotreatment. Experimental data supported an Aspen Plus model to generate inventory data for the LCA. The assessment incorporated multiple environmental metrics, including global warming potential (GWP), net energy ratio (NER) etc., under variant energy sources scenarios. Results show a low GWP (0.86 kg CO2-eq/MJ) and a NER (3.7), indicating favorable environmental performance, while the downstream processes were identified as the most energy-intensive. Sensitivity analysis highlighted the critical role of energy sources, with renewable energy improving the sustainability compared to fossil-based inputs. Overall, the results support the viability of wastewater-grown microalgae for sustainable biofuel production, particularly when integrated with low-impact energy sources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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25 pages, 3599 KB  
Article
Sustainable Production of Eco-Friendly, Low-Carbon, High-Octane Gasoline Biofuels Through a Synergistic Approach for Cleaner Transportation
by Tamer M. M. Abdellatief, Ahmad Mustafa, Mohamed Koraiem M. Handawy, Muhammad Bakr Abdelghany and Xiongbo Duan
Fuels 2025, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6030049 - 23 Jun 2025
Viewed by 908
Abstract
This research work seeks to introduce eco-friendly, low-carbon, and high-octane biofuel gasoline production using a synergistic approach. Four types of high-octane gasoline, including SynergyFuel-92, SynergyFuel-95, SynergyFuel-98, and SynergyFuel-100, were generated, emphasizing the deliberate combination of petroleum-derived gasoline fractions using reformate, isomerate, and delayed [...] Read more.
This research work seeks to introduce eco-friendly, low-carbon, and high-octane biofuel gasoline production using a synergistic approach. Four types of high-octane gasoline, including SynergyFuel-92, SynergyFuel-95, SynergyFuel-98, and SynergyFuel-100, were generated, emphasizing the deliberate combination of petroleum-derived gasoline fractions using reformate, isomerate, and delayed coking (DC) naphtha with octane-boosting compounds—bio-methanol and bio-ethanol. A set of tests have been performed to examine the effects of antiknock properties, density, oxidation stability, distillation range characteristics, hydrocarbon composition, vapor pressure, and the volatility index on gasoline blends. The experimental results indicated that the gasoline blends made from biofuel (SynergyFuel-92, -95, -98, and 100) showed adherence to important fuel quality criteria in the USA, Europe, and China. These blends had good characteristics, such as low quantities of benzene and sulfur, regulated levels of olefins and aromatics, and good distillation qualities. By fulfilling these strict regulations, Synergy Fuel is positioned as a competitive and eco-friendly substitute for traditional gasoline. The results reported that SynergyFuel-100 demonstrated the strongest hot-fuel-handling qualities and resistance to vapor lock among all the mentioned Synergy Fuels. Finally, the emergence of eco-friendly, low-carbon, and high-octane biofuel gasoline production with synergistic benefits is a big step in the direction of sustainable transportation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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20 pages, 3878 KB  
Article
Off-Design Analysis of Power-to-Gas System Based on Solid-Oxide Electrolysis with Nominal Power of 25 kW
by Grzegorz Koziński, Jarosław Milewski and Jakub Kupecki
Fuels 2025, 6(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels6010019 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
The deployment of large installed power capacities from intermittent renewable energy sources requires balancing to ensure the steady and safe operation of the electrical grid. New methods of energy storage are essential to store excess electrical power when energy is not needed and [...] Read more.
The deployment of large installed power capacities from intermittent renewable energy sources requires balancing to ensure the steady and safe operation of the electrical grid. New methods of energy storage are essential to store excess electrical power when energy is not needed and later use it during high-demand periods, both in the short and long term. Power-to-Gas (P2G) is an energy storage solution that uses electric power produced from renewables to generate gas fuels, such as hydrogen, which can be stored for later use. Hydrogen produced in this manner can be utilized in energy storage systems and in transportation as fuel for cars, trams, trains, or buses. Currently, most hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels. Solid-oxide electrolysis (SOE) offers a method to produce clean hydrogen without harmful emissions, being the most efficient of all electrolysis methods. The objective of this work is to determine the optimal operational parameters of an SOE system, such as lower heating value (LHV)-based efficiency and total input power, based on calculations from a mathematical model. The results are provided for three different operating temperature levels and four different steam utilization ratios. The introductory chapter outlines the motivation and background of this work. The second chapter explains the basics of electrolysis and describes its different types. The third chapter focuses on solid-oxide electrolysis and electrolyzer systems. The fourth chapter details the methodology, including the mathematical formulations and software used for simulations. The fifth chapter presents the results of the calculations with conclusions. The final chapter summarizes this work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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17 pages, 2295 KB  
Article
Effect of Phosphorus Deprivation on Fatty Acid Synthesis in Scenedesmus subspicatus Microalgae from Rostherne Mere
by Huda A. Qari, Majed Ahmed Al-Shaeri and Mohammad Oves
Fuels 2024, 5(4), 910-926; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels5040051 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1032
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the feasibility of using microalgae as a long-term source of biofuel. This helped us to determine how different amounts of phosphorus changed the growth of lipids in Scenedesmus subspicatus, a freshwater microalga. This study examined the effects of [...] Read more.
Numerous studies have examined the feasibility of using microalgae as a long-term source of biofuel. This helped us to determine how different amounts of phosphorus changed the growth of lipids in Scenedesmus subspicatus, a freshwater microalga. This study examined the effects of various phosphorus concentrations on the biochemical makeup of algae, particularly the production of proteins and carbohydrates. When there was insufficient phosphorus, the investigation observed a significant increase in lipids and productivity of S. subspicatus. Additionally, gas chromatography was used to examine the fatty acid profiles of the green algae thoroughly. When Scenedesmus species were tested at different cell densities, the highest amount of chlorophyll was found to be 0.89 mg/L. The amounts of fatty acids in algae grown with 0.4 and 0.04 P of phosphorus were strongly correlated, as shown by the Pearson linear correlation coefficients. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that the major saturated fatty acids were stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0). In addition, confirming the presence of several unsaturated fatty acids (C16:3, C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) has helped us learn more about S. subspicatus’s complex lipid profile of S. subspicatus and how well it can be used to produce biofuels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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14 pages, 2578 KB  
Article
Sustainability Assessment of Alternative Energy Fuels for Aircrafts—A Life Cycle Analysis Approach
by Evanthia A. Nanaki and Spyros Kiartzis
Fuels 2024, 5(4), 825-838; https://doi.org/10.3390/fuels5040046 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1528
Abstract
Aviation is of crucial importance for the transportation sector and fundamental for the economy as it facilitates trade and private travel. Nonetheless, this sector is responsible for a great amount of global carbon dioxide emissions, exceeding 920 million tonnes annually. Alternative energy fuels [...] Read more.
Aviation is of crucial importance for the transportation sector and fundamental for the economy as it facilitates trade and private travel. Nonetheless, this sector is responsible for a great amount of global carbon dioxide emissions, exceeding 920 million tonnes annually. Alternative energy fuels (AEFs) can be considered as a promising solution to tackle this issue, with the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the aviation industry. A life cycle analysis is performed considering an aircraft running on conventional jet fuel and various alternative fuels (biojet, methanol and DME), including hydrogen and ammonia. The comparative assessment investigates different fuel production pathways, including the following: JETA-1 and biojet fuels via hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFAs), as well as hydrogen and ammonia employing water electrolysis using wind and solar photovoltaic collectors. The outputs of the assessment are quantified in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, acidification, eutrophication, eco-toxicity, human toxicity and carcinogens. The life cycle phases included the following: (i) the construction, maintenance and disposal of airports; (ii) the operation and maintenance of aircrafts; and (iii) the production, transportation and utilisation of aviation fuel in aircrafts. The results suggest that hydrogen is a more environmentally benign alternative compared to JETA-1, biojet fuel, methanol, DME and ammonia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Fuels Production)
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