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Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift

Dear Colleagues,

The pandemic period has led to a socioeconomic crisis that will have serious repercussions on production systems as well as on the life habits of citizens. Added to this is the pollution caused by fossil fuels and concerns about damage to health and the environment. However, it is precisely in times of difficulty that it is necessary to identify a turning point and introduce a paradigmatic shift able to reconcile wellbeing with environmental and health protection. Increased citizen awareness, new employment outlets, growing economic opportunities associated with sustainable management of natural resources, as well as a growing respect for ecosystems point at sustainability as a key driver of recovery. Within this framework, this Special Issue aims to focus on the strategies, practices, and actions that allow implementation of a sustainable energy system based on bioenergy production. Particular emphasis will be given to biofuels, since the transport sector is responsible for a significant share of CO₂ emissions, but sustainable development should include all sectors and contributions of various stakeholders at global level. Contributions to this Topic can address both micro [1] and macro [2] research questions.

Contributions to this SI should consider (but not be limited to) the following points:

- The use of raw materials that follow sustainability criteria and do not conflict with land use for agricultural products.
- Supply chain analysis, clarifying that only a life cycle approach to a product is able to define its actual sustainability.
- Industrial symbiosis and energy communities as an effective element of collaboration among energy users.
- The definition of the willingness to pay for green or circular products compared to conventional fossil-based products.
- The identification of business models to suggest how to implement initiatives that go beyond the protection of the environment.
- The involvement of citizens, and in particular younger generations, in this epoch-making sustainable transition.
- The implementation of policies that support the development of bioenergy and biofuels.

Theoretical, methodological, and practical studies are welcomed to this Topic.

References

[1] D’Adamo, I.; Falcone, P.M.; Huisingh, D.; Morone, P.; A circular economy model based on biomethane: What are the opportunities for the municipality of Rome and beyond? Renew. Energy 2021, 163, 1660–1672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.10.072.

[2] D’Adamo, I.; Falcone, P.M.; Morone, P.; A new socio-economic indicator to measure the performance of bioeconomy sectors in Europe. Ecol. Econ. 2020, 176, 106724. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2020.106724.

Deadline for abstract submissions: 30 November 2021.
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2022.

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Topic Board

Prof. Dr. Idiano D'Adamo
E-Mail Website

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Topic Editor-in-Chief

Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, 00185 Rome, Italy
Interests: bioeconomy; biomethane; circular economy; e-waste; economic analysis; photovoltaic; renewable energy; sustainability; waste management
Special Issues and Collections in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Piergiuseppe Morone
E-Mail Website

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Topic Associate Editor-in-Chief

Department of Law and Economics, Unitelma Sapienza – University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161 Roma, Italy
Interests: bioeconomy; circular economy; sustainability transition; green innovation; green finance; environmental economics; environmental policy

Keywords

sustainability
green economy
circular economy
bioeconomy
bioenergy
biofuel
energy policy

Relevant Journals List

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.004	4.7	2008	15.92 Days	2000 CHF	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.251	3.9	2009	15.35 Days	1900 CHF	Submit

Published Papers (7 papers)

Open AccessArticle

Pyrolysis of Solid Digestate from Sewage Sludge and Lignocellulosic Biomass: Kinetic and Thermodynamic Analysis, Characterization of Biochar

Aleksandra Petrovič

Sabina Vohl

Tjaša Cenčič Predikaka

and

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9642; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179642 (registering DOI) - 27 Aug 2021

Abstract

This study investigates the pyrolysis behavior and reaction kinetics of two different types of solid digestates from: (i) sewage sludge and (ii) a mixture of sewage sludge and lignocellulosic biomass—Typha latifolia plant. Thermogravimetric data in the temperature range 25–800 °C were analyzed [...] Read more.

Δ H

Δ G

, and

Δ S

) were also determined. Biochars were characterized using different chemical methods (FTIR, SEM–EDS, XRD, heavy metal, and nutrient analysis) and tested as soil enhancers using a germination test. Finally, their potential for biosorption of NH₄⁺, PO₄³⁻, Cu²⁺, and Cd²⁺ ions was studied. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters revealed a complex degradation mechanism of digestates, as they showed higher activation energies than undigested materials. Values for sewage sludge digestate were between 57 and 351 kJ/mol, and for digestate composed of sewage sludge and T. latifolia between 62 and 401 kJ/mol. Characterizations of biochars revealed high nutrient content and promising potential for further use. The advantage of biochar obtained from a digestate mixture of sewage sludge and lignocellulosic biomass is the lower content of heavy metals. Biosorption tests showed low biosorption capacity of digestate-derived biochars and their modifications for NH₄⁺ and PO₄³⁻ ions, but high biosorption capacity for Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions. Modification with KOH was more efficient than modification with HCl. The digestate-derived biochars exhibited excellent performance in germination tests, especially at concentrations between 6 and 10 wt.%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Variable Weather Conditions on Baled Proportion of Varied Amounts of Harvestable Cereal Straw, Based on Simulations

and

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9449; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169449 - 23 Aug 2021

Abstract

All harvestable cereal straw cannot be collected every year in regions where wet periods are probable during the baling season, so some Swedish studies have used ’recovery coefficients’ to estimate potential harvestable amounts. Current Swedish recovery coefficients were first formulated by researchers in the early 1990s, after discussions with crop advisors, but there are no recent Swedish publications on available baling times and recovery proportions. Therefore, this study evaluated baling operations over a series of years for representative virtual farms and machine systems in four Swedish regions, to determine the available time for baling, baled straw ratio and annual variation in both. The hourly grain moisture content of pre-harvested cereals and swathed straw was estimated using moisture models and real weather data for 22/23 years, and the results were used as input to a model for simulating harvesting and baling operations. Expected available baling time during August and September was estimated to be 39–49%, depending on region, with large annual variation (standard deviation 22%). The average baling coefficient was estimated to be 80–86%, with 1400 t·year⁻¹ harvestable straw and 15 t·h⁻¹ baling capacity, and the annual variation was also considerable (s.d. 20%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Characterization, and Synergistic Effects of Modified Biochar in Combination with α-Fe₂O₃ NPs on Biogas Production from Red Algae Pterocladia capillacea

and

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9275; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169275 - 18 Aug 2021

Abstract

This study is the first work that evaluated the effectiveness of unmodified (SD) and modified biochar with ammonium hydroxide (SD-NH₂) derived from sawdust waste biomass as an additive for biogas production from red algae Pterocladia capillacea either individually or in combination with hematite α-Fe₂O₃ NPs. Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller, Fourier transform infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, and a particle size analyzer were used to characterize the generated biochars and the synthesized α-Fe₂O₃. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements confirmed the formation of amino groups on the modified biochar surface. The kinetic research demonstrated that both the modified Gompertz and logistic function models fit the experimental data satisfactorily except for 150 SD-NH₂ alone or in combination with α-Fe₂O₃ at a concentration of 10 mg/L. The data suggested that adding unmodified biochar at doses of 50 and 100 mg significantly increased biogas yield compared to untreated algae. The maximum biogas generation (219 mL/g VS) was obtained when 100 mg of unmodified biochar was mixed with 10 mg of α-Fe₂O₃ in the inoculum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessArticle

1,2—Propanediol Production from Glycerol Derived from Biodiesel’s Production: Technical and Economic Study

Juan B. Restrepo

Carlos D. Paternina-Arboleda

and

Antonio J. Bula

Energies 2021, 14(16), 5081; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14165081 - 18 Aug 2021

Abstract

For every nine tons of produced biodiesel, there is another ton of glycerol as a byproduct. Therefore, glycerol prices dropped significantly worldwide in recent years; the more significant biodiesel production is, the more glycerol exists as a byproduct. glycerol prices also impact the biodiesel manufacturing business, as it could be sold according to its refinement grade. The primary objective of this work was to evaluate the economic potential of the production of 1,2-propanediol derived from the biodiesel produced in Colombia. A plant to produce 1,2-propanediol via catalytic hydrogenation of glycerol in a trickle-bed reactor was designed. The plant comprised a reaction scheme where non-converted excess hydrogen was recycled, and the heat generated in the reactor was recovered. The reactor effluent was sent to a separation train where 98% m/m purity 1,2-propanediol was attained. Capital and operational costs were estimated from the process simulation. The net present value (NPV) and the modified internal return rate (MIRR) of the plant were used to assess the viability of the process. Their sensitivity to key input variables was evaluated to find the viability limits of the project. The economic potential of the 1,2-propanediol was calculated in USD 1.2/kg; for the base case, the NPV and the MIRR were USD 54.805 million and 22.56%, respectively, showing that, for moderate variations in products and raw material prices, the process is economically viable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessReview

Crop Residue Management in India: Stubble Burning vs. Other Utilizations including Bioenergy

Gaurav Kumar Porichha

Yulin Hu

Kasanneni Tirumala Venkateswara Rao

and

Chunbao Charles Xu

Energies 2021, 14(14), 4281; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14144281 - 15 Jul 2021

Abstract

In recent studies, various reports reveal that stubble burning of crop residues in India generates nearly 150 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂), more than 9 million tons of carbon monoxide (CO), a quarter-million tons of sulphur oxides (SO_X), 1 million tons of particulate matter and more than half a million tons of black carbon. These contribute directly to environmental pollution, as well as the haze in the Indian capital, New Delhi, and the diminishing glaciers of the Himalayas. Although stubble burning crop residue is a crime under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Air and Pollution Control Act (APCA) of 1981, a lack of implementation of these government acts has been witnessed across the country. Instead of burning, crop residues can be utilized in various alternative ways, including use as cattle feed, compost with manure, rural roofing, bioenergy, beverage production, packaging materials, wood, paper, and bioethanol, etc. This review article aims to present the current status of stubble-burning practices for disposal of crop residues in India and discuss several alternative methods for valorization of crop residues. Overall, this review article offers a solid understanding of the negative impacts of mismanagement of the crop residues via stubble burning in India and the other more promising management approaches including use for bioenergy, which, if widely employed, could not only reduce the environmental impacts of crop residue management, but generate additional value for the agricultural sector globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Wood Chip Characteristics for Energy Production in Lithuania

Nerijus Pedišius

Marius Praspaliauskas

Justinas Pedišius

and

Eugenija Farida Dzenajavičienė

Energies 2021, 14(13), 3931; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14133931 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 1

Abstract

Wood chips and logging residues currently comprise the largest share of biomass fuels used for heat generation in district heating plants and are provided by a variety of suppliers. Ash and moisture contents, as well as the calorific value, may vary considerably depending on the composition of the fuel, seasonality, location, and other factors. This paper provides the summarized results of the main characteristics of wood chip moisture and ash content and calorific value, experimentally tested for a significant range of samples. Chip samples were collected from two district heating companies and tested for a significant range of samples. Chip samples were collected from two district heating companies and tested for a 3-year period. The data on fuel chip prices were taken from the electronic wood chip trading platform. The tests were performed using standard express methods, where two sub-samples were taken and analyzed from every chip sample. It was determined that the moisture content of the wood chips varied from 35% to 45%, the calorific value from 18.4 to 19.6 MJ/kg, and the ash content from 0.5% to 4.5%. The calculated relative expanded uncertainty of the moisture content measurement was ±2.1%, of calorific value—±1.5%, and of ash—±1.0%. The repeatability of the results was estimated as the pooled standard deviation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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Open AccessArticle

Corporate Power in the Bioeconomy Transition: The Policies and Politics of Conservative Ecological Modernization in Brazil

Mairon G. Bastos Lima

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6952; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126952 - 21 Jun 2021

Cited by 1

Abstract

The bioeconomy transition is a double-edged sword that may either address fossil fuel dependence sustainably or aggravate human pressures on the environment, depending on how it is pursued. Using the emblematic case of Brazil, this article analyzes how corporate agribusiness dominance limits the bioeconomy agenda, shapes innovation pathways, and ultimately threatens the sustainability of this transition. Drawing from scholarship on power in agri-food governance and sustainability transitions, an analytical framework is then applied to the Brazilian case. The analysis of current policies, recent institutional changes and the case-specific literature reveals that, despite a strategic framing of the bioeconomy transition as a panacea for job creation, biodiversity conservation and local development (particularly for the Amazon region), in practice major soy, sugarcane and meatpacking conglomerates dominate Brazil’s bioeconomy agenda. In what can be described as conservative ecological modernization, there is some reflexivity regarding environmental issues but also an effort to maintain (unequal) social and political structures. Significant agribusiness dominance does not bode well for smallholder farmers, food diversity or natural ecosystems, as major drivers of deforestation and land-use change (e.g., soy plantations, cattle ranching) gain renewed economic and political stimulus as well as greater societal legitimacy under the bioeconomy umbrella. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Actions for Bioenergy and Biofuels: A Sustainable Shift)

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