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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "C: Energy Economics and Policy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 14397

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Kożuch

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Guest Editor

Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Avenue 29, Listopada 46, 31-425 Krakow, Poland
Interests: forestry; economy, bioenergy

Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Adamowicz

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Guest Editor

Department of Forestry Economics and Technology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
Interests: economy; forest management; environmental analysis; resource management; wood; biomass; bioenergy; natural resource management

Dr. Miloš Gejdoš

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Guest Editor

Department of Forest Harvesting, Logistics and Ameliorations, Faculty of Forestry, Technical University in Zvolen, T.G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
Interests: agroforestry; environment; sustainable development; forest economics; natural resource economics; resource management; natural resource management; wood products; forest management; sustainability
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The transition to low-carbon renewable energy is a priority and a challenge for an increasingly energy-demanding world. In addition, energy markets are under pressure from the current geopolitical situation, and Europe is facing the biggest energy crisis in history. This crisis is likely to accelerate the process of energy transformation in many regions. The development of alternative energy sources and efforts to increase their share and diversification are observed. This is important in the context of maintaining the energy security of countries. Energy from biomass (sustainable bioenergy) is an important source of energy and constitutes a significant share of RES in many countries. In addition, sustainable bioenergy is at the heart of many countries' decarbonization strategies, contributing to achieving climate neutrality and avoiding the catastrophic effects of climate change. Energy crops, wood and waste from the woodworking and agricultural industries are the most important sources of energy from biomass. The importance of organic waste, sludge and sewage sludge in the production of bioenergy is growing. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of obtaining energy from biomass depends on technological factors.

The economic efficiency of bioenergy production depends on the availability/type of biomass used, biomass acquisition technology and bioenergy production technology, expenditure on technological processes and conversion into specific forms of energy. The bioenergy economy is closely related to legislative and political conditions, and the bioenergy market evolves as a result of innovations and changes in legislation in this area. The purpose of this Special Issue is to present the results of research and review papers on the economic aspects of biomass production, acquisition and processing for energy purposes, as well as cost-effectiveness analyses of bioenergy and biofuel production and distribution technologies. Preference will be given to studies presenting original research results using econometric methods and models used to analyze the phenomena occurring in the bioenergy market.

The exchange of views, the presentation of extraordinary solutions and analyses of the profitability of sustainable bioenergy production may be useful for decision makers and energy market participants, producers and consumers.

Topics in this Special Issue include but are not limited to:

The political, legal and economic conditions of biomass and bioenergy production. The limitations and determinants of the development of the sustainable bioenergy market.
The sustainable management of natural resources (agricultural, forest) in the context of biomass production. The optimization of production using agricultural wasteland.
The sustainable development and economic efficiency of managing biomass and organic residues for bioenergy production.
The production of bioenergy in sustainable agriculture and forestry as part of the circular economy.
The profitability of investments in the production of sustainable bioenergy (plantations of fast-growing trees; technologies; the role of technical, technological and process innovations).
Analysis of the profitability of energy production from biomass. The economic efficiency of technologies and innovative technologies in the production of bioenergy.
Forecasting biomass supply in the short-, medium- and long-term using econometric methods and models. Forecasting on the biomass and bioenergy market (forecasting supply, demand, prices). The use of forecasting methods that consider interactions with other variables.

Dr. Anna Kożuch
Prof. Dr. Krzysztof Adamowicz
Dr. Miloš Gejdoš
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomass
wood and wood residues
agricultural crops as well as animal and plant waste and residues
pellets
biogas
biofuels
economics of bioenergy
bioenergy production
economic efficiency
econometrics analyses
bioenergy markets
time series analysis
forecasts on the bioenergy market

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 20092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water and Emerging Energy Markets Nexus: Fresh Evidence from Advanced Causality and Correlation Approaches

by Nader Trabelsi, Aviral Kumar Tiwari and Buhari Dogan

Energies 2024, 17(13), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133079 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 694

Abstract

This work provides an in-depth investigation of the dynamic interaction patterns between water stocks and renewable energy markets through the application of continuous wavelet analysis, dynamic correlation analysis, and time-varying Granger causality analysis. In addition, this study utilizes daily pricing indices, namely the S&P Global Water Index, Solactive Global Wind Energy Index, and Solactive Global Solar Energy Index, spanning from 18 May 2011 to 23 June 2022. The results show significant correlation patterns between the indices, ranging from moderate to high. Notably, robust correlations have been detected starting from 2015. The research also discovered a varied and inconsistent relationship between frequency and causation throughout different time periods. Moreover, the results reveal an asymmetry in the causal effects and a symmetry correlation at tail quantile ranges. Policymakers and market participants must consider these insights to make wise financial and strategic decisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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15 pages, 1549 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Processing Orchard Grass into Carbon Bio Pellets via Hydrothermal Carbonisation—A Case Study Analysis

by Zygmunt Kowalski and Agnieszka Makara

Energies 2024, 17(12), 2956; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17122956 - 15 Jun 2024

Viewed by 747

Abstract

The presented case study evaluates the environmental and economic effects of carbon bio pellet production from orchard grass by Farmutil HS Inc. through the hydrothermal carbonisation method, using obtained biofuel as a substitute for natural gas for heat production. Hydrothermal carbonisation is a zero-waste technology that produces renewable bioenergy by substituting fossil fuels for non-renewable resources. Processing 60,000 t/y of orchard grass with this method resulted in a total amount of heat production of 456,780 GJ/y. This means that over 60% of the energy produced from natural gas could be substituted by renewable bioenergy. It is also very important that the estimated cost of heat produced from carbon bio pellets is 29% lower in comparison to the cost of heat produced from natural gas Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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12 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Cost Reduction Analysis of Green Hydrogen Production from Coal Mine Underground Water for Circular Economy

by Małgorzata Magdziarczyk, Andrzej Chmiela, Roman Dychkovskyi and Adam Smoliński

Energies 2024, 17(10), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102289 - 9 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

The novelty of the paper is the analysis of the possibilities of reducing the operating costs of a mine water pumping station in an abandoned coal mine. To meet the energy needs of the pumping station and reduce the carbon footprint, “green” energy from a photovoltaic farm was used. Surplus green energy generated during peak production is stored in the form of green hydrogen from the water electrolysis process. Rainwater and process water are still underutilized sources for increasing water resources and reducing water stress in the European Union. The article presents the possibilities of using these waters, after purification, in the production of green hydrogen by electrolysis. The article also presents three variants that ensure the energy self-sufficiency of the proposed concepts of operation of the pumping station. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

11 pages, 2063 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomass Higher Heating Value Estimation: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models

by Ivan Brandić, Lato Pezo, Neven Voća and Ana Matin

Energies 2024, 17(9), 2137; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092137 - 30 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 916

Abstract

The research conducted focused on the capabilities of various non-linear and machine learning (ML) models in estimating the higher heating value (HHV) of biomass using proximate analysis data as inputs. The research was carried out to identify the most appropriate model for the estimation of HHV, which was determined by a statistical analysis of the modeling error. In this sense, artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector machine (SVM), random forest regression (RFR), and higher-degree polynomial models were compared. After statistical analysis of the modeling error, the ANN model was found to be the most suitable for estimating the HHV biomass and showed the highest specific regression coefficient, with an R² of 0.92. SVM (R² = 0.81), RFR, and polynomial models (R² = 0.84), on the other hand, also exhibit a high degree of estimation, albeit with somewhat larger modelling errors. The study conducted suggests that ANN models are best suited for the non-linear modeling of HHV of biomass, as they can generalize and search for links between input and output data that are more robust but also more complex in structure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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19 pages, 2136 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Key Factors for the Development of Agricultural Biogas Plants in Poland

by Grzegorz Ginda and Marta Szyba

Energies 2023, 16(23), 7779; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16237779 - 26 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1157

Abstract

Agricultural biogas plants are a renewable source of energy and at the same time enable the disposal of biodegradable waste generated in agriculture and the food industry. In Poland, a program aimed at constructing agricultural biogas plants has been in operation since 2010 with the goal of producing 1.7 billion Nm³ of biogas, which has not been achieved. Factors that could influence the development of this energy source were identified based on a register of agricultural biogas producers from the National Agriculture Support Center and data from the Energy Regulatory Office. These factors are technology, substrates, state energy policy, profitability, population density in the commune and the spatial arrangement of the commune resulting from spatial development plans. A pairwise comparison analysis using the DEMATEL method was conducted for these factors. It allowed us to conclude that they are population density and the lack of local spatial development plans in most rural areas. The situation may be improved by the obligation to develop such plans for the entire area of each commune and by locating biogas plants near livestock farms and agri-food processing plants. The selected DEMATEL method is mature and comprehensively verified. It enables research to be carried out in other contexts, taking into account the correlations between factors. It is a universal method, and after collecting expert opinions, research can be expanded. The obtained results of the analysis will allow for further research by collecting the opinions of experts such as biogas plant users, local communities, local government officials and other stakeholders. In addition, further analysis of key factors will be carried out using the DEMATEL method for several scenarios. The PESTEL method will be used to identify key factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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21 pages, 2780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Forest Biomass for Energy Purposes in Selected European Countries

by Anna Kożuch, Dominika Cywicka, Krzysztof Adamowicz, Marek Wieruszewski, Emilia Wysocka-Fijorek and Paweł Kiełbasa

Energies 2023, 16(15), 5776; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16155776 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

The utilization of primary and secondary woody biomass resources, despite controversies, is being promoted to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and due to the need to diversify energy sources and ensure energy security in European Union countries. Forest biomass is one of the renewable and sustainable energy sources that can be used for electricity, heat, and biofuel production. In the context of the ongoing energy crisis in Europe, an attempt was made to analyze the production and consumption of woody biomass for energy purposes (fuel wood, chips, and pellets). Specifically, an analysis of similarities between European countries in terms of biomass utilization was conducted. The analysis was complemented by a forecast of primary biomass production in selected European countries. The similarity analysis was conducted using the Ward method. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), including multi-layer feedforward perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF) models, were used to predict fuelwood extraction. The study showed that woody biomass remains an important source of bioenergy in Europe, and its significance as a strategic resource guaranteeing energy security is likely to increase. Fuel wood harvesting in Europe generally shows an upward trend, particularly in the Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, and the UK. A decreasing trend was observed in France, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus. The analysis revealed differences between countries in terms of woody biomass consumption. The ANN-based forecasts of fuelwood supply generally showed an increase in primary biomass harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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16 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Post-Production Biomass Prices

by Aleksandra Górna, Alicja Szabelska-Beręsewicz, Marek Wieruszewski, Monika Starosta-Grala, Zygmunt Stanula, Anna Kożuch and Krzysztof Adamowicz

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3470; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083470 - 15 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1323

Abstract

This paper presents the application of prediction in the analysis of market price volatility in Polish conditions of wood processing by-products in the form of biomass. The ARIMA model, which takes into account cyclical, seasonal, irregular fluctuations of historical data on the basis of which the forecast and long-term trends of selected wood products were made, was used in predicting prices. Comparisons were made between the ARIMA prediction method and the multiplicative Winters–Holt model. During the period studied (2017–2022), the changes in the market price of biomass were characterized by a wide spread of values. On average, the price of these products increased from 2017 to the end of 2022 by 125%. The price prediction analysis showed seasonal fluctuations in the case of wood chips. The uncertainty in price prediction is due to changes in supply resulting from the influence of global factors. The Diebold–Mariano test of matching accuracy confirms that the price prediction of the analyzed by-product sorts using the ARIMA and WH models is possible. The conclusion reached by comparing these two methods is that each can be used under certain market conditions of certain assortments. In the case of a stable wood product, the choice of the ARIMA model should be resolved, while in the case of price volatile products, WH will be a better choice. The difference between the predicted and actual price with ARIMA ranged from 2.4% to 11.6% and for WH from 3.7% to 29.8%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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Review

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30 pages, 3893 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Developments and Issues in Renewable Ecofuels and Feedstocks

by Andrea G. Capodaglio

Energies 2024, 17(14), 3560; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17143560 - 19 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 693

Abstract

Ecofuels and their feedstock come in three main product classes: electrofuels (e-Fuels), biofuels, and non-biowaste-derived fuels. Ecofuels originate from non-fossil sources, derived from circular raw materials such as non-food organic waste, renewable hydrogen, and captured CO₂ through a rapid process of carbon fixation. Proposed regulation drafts under discussion indicate that new fuels would need to reach a substantial degree of climate neutrality. The manufacture of all ecofuels, however, requires energy input to accomplish the conversion of the initial feedstock; their climate neutrality claims stem from the use of renewable electric energy and/or biomasses in the production process, but fossil fuels are still the main primary sources of global (and the EU’s) electric power, and most biofuels consumed in the EU transport mix are still crop-based, with potential conflicts with food and land use. Furthermore, entirely neglecting GHG emissions from renewable energy generation is scientifically debatable, as the impact of the energy (and the related GHG emissions) embedded in the materials used to build renewable energy facilities is small, but not nil. The paper reports ecofuel trends according to the above-mentioned originating technologies and discusses the issues related to their development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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27 pages, 10735 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methods and Validation Techniques of Chemical Kinetics Models in Waste Thermal Conversion Processes

by Magdalena Skrzyniarz, Marcin Sajdak, Anna Biniek-Poskart, Andrzej Skibiński, Marlena Krakowiak, Andrzej Piotrowski, Patrycja Krasoń and Monika Zajemska

Energies 2024, 17(13), 3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17133067 - 21 Jun 2024

Viewed by 1575

Abstract

This article discusses the potential of using computer-simulation methods in processes such as thermal waste conversion, i.e., pyrolysis, gasification, combustion and torrefaction. These methods are gaining in importance, among others, due to the difficulties in execution and high costs associated with conducting experimental research in real conditions or the need to obtain detailed data on the phenomenon under study in a relatively short time. Computer simulation also allows for numerous errors to be avoided, such as those that may occur during optimization activities, the effects of which may have serious consequences, both economic and environmental. In addition to their many advantages, the limitations and disadvantages of using computer-simulation methods were also indicated, mainly related to the interpretation and validation of the results obtained using modelling. Owing to the complexity of the phenomena occurring during thermal conversion, special attention was focused on models based on chemical kinetics, thanks to which it is possible to predict the quantitative and qualitative composition of products in these processes. The aim of this research is to identify the research gap in the field of issues related to models of chemical kinetics of thermal waste conversion processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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37 pages, 4109 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biodiesel Production Processes with Yeast: A Sustainable Approach

by Alejandra Sánchez-Solís, Odette Lobato-Calleros, Rubén Moreno-Terrazas, Patricia Lappe-Oliveras and Elier Neri-Torres

Energies 2024, 17(2), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17020302 - 7 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2450

Abstract

In recent years, renewable sources of energy have been sought due to the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels, such as greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. A promising alternative is biodiesel, particularly when obtained using yeast, as they offer certain advantages over other microorganisms due to their resilience to grow in various conditions, short reproduction times, and lower susceptibility to bacterial infections because they thrive at lower pH levels and have the ability to utilize a wide variety of substrates. Furthermore, biodiesel produced with yeast is composed of methyl ester fatty acids (FAME), providing it with good quality and performance in internal combustion engines, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel. The production of biodiesel using yeast involves six general stages, which offer various methodological alternatives with different degrees of sustainability. The objective of this review is to assess the sustainability degree of various methodologies employed in each of the stages of yeast-based biodiesel production through environmental and economic sustainability indicators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioenergy Economics: Analysis, Modeling and Application)

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