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Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 October 2023) | Viewed by 18268

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Vincenzo Motola

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Guest Editor

European Commission Joint Research Centre, Directorate C - Energy, Transport and Climate Energy Efficiency and Renewables - Unit C.2, Via E. Fermi 2749, TP 023 I- 27027 Ispra, Italy
Interests: biofuel; bioenergy

Prof. Dr. Reeta Goel

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Guest Editor

Institute of Applied Sciences& Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
Interests: polymer biodegradation; soil metagenomics and proteomics

Dr. Neeta Sharma

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Guest Editor

ENEA Trisaia Research Center, 75026 Rotondella, Italy
Interests: the agro-industrial-agri-food sector with research activities aimed at sustainable development, primary production, no-food, characterization and use of biomass for chemical-energy and industrial purposes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The last IPCC assessment report confirms the entire world needs rapid action to move away from fossil fuels to reverse the trends in climate change, recent development about higher and volatile prices on fossil fuels, added the urgency for expediting ways out from dependence on coal, oil and especially gas. Bioenergy and biofuels, inside the renewable mix, are fundamental to reaching the goal of larger energy security and contrast to climate change.

Sustainable bioenergy and biofuels can balance seasonal fluctuations of other renewables, delivery heat and power, fuels for transportation, and renewable gas by mostly using current infrastructures (transport, natgas and power grids).

Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage “BECCS”, the CO2 generated in the process, originally adsorbed from the atmosphere, is not released back to the atmosphere but can be captured through biological and chemical processes, i.e., by using green H2.

This Special Issue aims to present and disseminate the most recent advances related to sustainable biomass potential, modeling future scenarios for renewable energy mix, logistics on bioenergy, biofuels and renewable gas production and delivery, and technology advances on bioenergy and biofuels production including BECCS.

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

Biomass sustainable potential and mobilization
Bioenergy and biofuel pathways in relation to climate goals and energy security
Bioenergy and biofuel markets and the role of LCA and certification.
Drop in fuels for maritime and aviation
Technology innovation and perspective
Organic waste valorisation and circular economy
The current industrial system and possible symbiosis with biorefineries
Bioenergy contribution for lower-carbon system

Dr. Vincenzo Motola
Prof. Dr. Reeta Goel
Dr. Neeta Sharma
Guest Editors

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Keywords

bioenergy
biofuel
drop-in fuels
renewable gas
biomethane
organic waste valorization
renewable energy mix
circular economy
E-fuels

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polynomial Regression Model Utilization to Determine Potential Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) Calories in Indonesia

by Luqman Luqman, Sarifuddin Madenda and Prihandoko Prihandoko

Energies 2023, 16(20), 7200; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16207200 - 22 Oct 2023

Viewed by 807

Abstract

Waste-to-energy (WTE) is one of the Indonesian government’s programs aiming to meet the target of achieving a new and renewable energy (NRE) mix, as well as one of the solutions proposed to overcome the problem of waste. One of the products of WTE is energy derived from raw material waste (refuse-derived fuel/RDF). Using the formula y = 0.00003 x⁵ − 0.0069 x⁴ + 0.6298 x³ − 24.3245 x² + 432.8401 x + 55.7448 with R² = 0.9963, which was obtained by comparing a scatter plot diagram from the RDF calorie test dataset produced through a bio-drying process, the potential RDF calories produced using the waste composition dataset taken from each region in Indonesia can be calculated. The results of the calculations using the determined equations produce a list of provinces with RDF calorie potential, ordered from the largest to the smallest, using which the government can determine which areas are the main priority for processing waste into energy. Thus, through this method, the target of 5.1% renewable energy sourced from waste can be achieved by 2025. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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15 pages, 6409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computational Analysis on Combustion Control of Diesel Engines Fueled with Ester Alcohol Diesel

by Jianbo Zhou, Rui Zhang, Wenxiong Xi and Weidong Zhao

Energies 2023, 16(16), 6093; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16166093 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 709

Abstract

As the urgency for environmental sustainability escalates globally, the exploration of alternative fuels for diesel engines becomes a crucial endeavor. By combining chemical reaction kinetics and three-dimensional simulation software, the combustion and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with two oxygenated fuels, hydrogenated biodiesel and ethanol, and adopting a multi-stage injection strategy were studied. The combustion mechanism of hydrogenated biodiesel ethanol diesel hybrid fuel was established, and the reaction activity of ester alcohol diesel with different mixing ratios was studied through reaction flow analysis at high and low OH temperatures. The established mechanism was coupled with CFD 2021 three-dimensional simulation software to compare the combustion and emission performance of diesel engines fueled with different ratios of ester alcohol diesel. The results show that as the proportion of ester alcohol mixture increases, at low temperatures, the OH generation rate decreases, the consumption rate increases, and the reaction activity decreases, which is not conducive to the promotion of combustion reaction; at high temperatures, the generation rate of OH increases, the consumption rate decreases, and the reaction activity increases, which is conducive to the promotion of combustion reactions. Compared to diesel, the reaction system activity of mixed fuel is enhanced, and the main peak values of cylinder pressure and instantaneous heat release rate are higher than that of diesel. The diffusion of oil and gas in the cylinder is improved. As the proportion of ester alcohol diesel mixture increases, the oxygen content increases, nitrogen oxides emissions increase compared to diesel, and soot emissions decrease compared to diesel. Soot emissions are mainly distributed in areas with a high equivalence ratio and high temperature, which is consistent with the distribution area of C₂H₂, the precursor of soot generation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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14 pages, 2527 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Syngas Production from Protective Face Masks through Pyrolysis/Steam Gasification

by Ieva Kiminaitė, Judith González-Arias, Nerijus Striūgas, Justas Eimontas and Martin Seemann

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5417; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16145417 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1234

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a heavy expansion of plastic pollution due to the extensive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. To avoid problems related to the entrance of these wastes into the environment, proper management of the disposal is required. Here, the steam gasification/pyrolysis technique offers a reliable solution for the utilization of such wastes via chemical recycling into value-added products. The aim was to estimate the effect of thermo-chemical conversion temperature and steam-to-carbon ratio on the distribution of gaseous products obtained during non-catalytic steam gasification of 3-ply face masks and KN95 respirators in a fluidized bed reactor. Experimental results have revealed that the process temperature has a major influence on the composition of gases evolved. The production of syngas was significantly induced by temperature elevation from 700 °C to 800 °C. The highest molar concentration of H₂ gases synthesized from both types of face masks was estimated at 800 °C with the steam-to-carbon ratio varying from 0 to 2. A similar trend of production was also determined for CO gases. Therefore, investigated thermochemical conversion process is a feasible route for the conversion of used face masks to valuable a product such as syngas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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9 pages, 3029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metal-Tolerant Bioinoculant Pseudomonas putida KNP9 Mediated Enhancement of Soybean Growth under Heavy Metal Stress Suitable for Biofuel Production at the Metal-Contaminated Site

by Manishi Tripathi, Saurabh Kumar, Govind Makarana and Reeta Goel

Energies 2023, 16(11), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114508 - 3 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 984

Abstract

The contamination of agricultural land with heavy metals is a global concern. Agricultural products produced in heavy metal-contaminated soil are prone to metal accumulation, and thus, are less fitted for consumption due to food safety issues. The cultivation of biofuel crops in contaminated soil would provide immediate economic benefit to the landholders while simultaneously reclaiming contaminated sites in the long run. The use of edible soybean for biodiesel production is discouraged due to the negative impact on food security. However, soybean produced in metal-contaminated soil would be suitable for biodiesel production. In this study, the tolerance and metal bioaccumulation potential of Pseudomonas putida KNP9 for Pb and Cd is investigated, and KNP9 is tested for soybean growth enhancement in cadmium and lead-amended soil. The maximum metal tolerance for the Pb and Cd in KNP9 was 1580 µM and 546 µM, respectively. KNP9 was found to be effective in removing both Pb and Cd from the solution. SEM-EDX revealed that KNP9 bioaccumulates both Pb and Cd. In pot trial studies, KNP9 was found to be effective in enhancing soybean growth with respect to untreated control under lead and cadmium stress. Thus, KNP9 inoculation protects soybean plants from the detrimental effects of cadmium and lead stress. Therefore, metal bioaccumulating bacterium P. putida KNP9 inoculation in soybean is a promising strategy for soybean growth enhancement, which could be utilized for enhanced biodiesel production from soybean at metal-contaminated sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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15 pages, 3720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Nickel Loading and the Synthesis Method on the Efficiency of Ni/TiO₂ Catalysts for Renewable Diesel Production

by George Petropoulos, John Zafeiropoulos, Eleana Kordouli, Alexis Lycourghiotis, Christos Kordulis and Kyriakos Bourikas

Energies 2023, 16(11), 4333; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114333 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 992

Abstract

The efficiency of Ni/TiO₂ catalysts for renewable diesel production was evaluated in the present study. Two series of catalysts were synthesized and characterized using various physicochemical techniques (N₂ physisorption, XRD, SEM, XPS, H₂-TPR, and NH₃–TPD). In the first series of catalysts, successive dry impregnations (SDI) were used for depositing 10, 20, 30, 50, and 60 wt.% Ni. The yield towards renewable diesel is maximized over the catalyst with 50 wt.% Ni loading. Selecting this optimum loading, a second series of catalysts were synthesized via three additional preparation methods: wet impregnation (WI) and deposition–precipitation using either ammonia (DP-NH₃) or urea (DP-Urea) as the precipitation agent. The catalysts’ efficiency in the production of green diesel is influenced by the preparation method following the order: DP-Urea > DP-NH₃ > WI ≈ SDI. The metallic surface area and the balanced acidity mainly determine the performance of the catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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19 pages, 7068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Calorific Value of Zea mays Biomass Derived from Soil Contaminated with Chromium (VI) Disrupting the Soil’s Biochemical Properties

by Jadwiga Wyszkowska, Agata Borowik, Magdalena Zaborowska and Jan Kucharski

Energies 2023, 16(9), 3788; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16093788 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1208

Abstract

One of the major challenges faced by contemporary agriculture is how to achieve better yields of crops and, consequently, higher biomass, even in unfavorable environmental conditions. This challenge corresponds to the assumptions of sustainable development, wherein it is envisaged that plant biomass should be used on a large scale for heat generation or conversion of biofuels. Keeping pace with observed trends, the following study was conducted in order to determine the effect of Cr(VI) on the net calorific value of Zea mays, to assess the impact of this element on soil enzymatic activity, and to identify the effectiveness of compost and humic acids in alleviating possible negative effects of Cr(VI) toxicity. These aims were pursued by setting up a pot experiment, in which soil either uncontaminated or contaminated with increasing doses of Cr(VI) of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg Cr kg⁻¹ d.m. was submitted to biostimulation with compost and the preparation HumiAgra, a source of humic acids, and cropped with Zea mays. The plant height, yield, and net calorific value of the aerial parts of maize, as well as its root yield, were determined. Additionally, the activity of seven soil enzymes and the values of the impact indices of compost and HumiAgra relative to the analyzed parameters were determined. It was found that Cr(VI) decreased the amount of energy obtained from the plants by decreasing maize biomass, and additionally by distorting the biochemical balance of the soil. Dehydrogenases, urease, and arylsulfatase proved to be particularly sensitive to this element. It was demonstrated that HumiAgra was more effective than compost in mollifying the adverse effects of Cr(VI) on the activity of soil enzymes and, consequently, on the biomass of Zea mays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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18 pages, 5200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Optimal Temperature for Thermal Catalytic Conversion of Marine Biomass for Recovery of Higher-Added-Value Energy Products

by Justas Eimontas, Adolfas Jančauskas, Kęstutis Zakarauskas, Nerijus Striūgas and Lina Vorotinskienė

Energies 2023, 16(8), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16083457 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1284

Abstract

The eutrophication process, caused by the uncollected seaweed and macroalgae, is a relevant and ongoing ecological issue. In case this biomass is collected from the seashores, it could be used as a potential feedstock for recovery of higher-added-value energy products. This paper aims to investigate the seaweed perspective of uses as a potential feedstock in the slow-pyrolysis process, using microthermal analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and experiments at the laboratory scale at different temperatures with two different types of zeolite catalysts. The primary investigation was performed using a micro-thermal analyser, and the results revealed that seaweed thermally decomposes in two stages, at 250 and 700 °C, while the catalyst slightly decreased the activation energy required for the process, lowering the temperatures of decomposition. Experiments on a laboratory scale showed that the most common compounds in the gaseous phase are C_nH_m, H₂, CO, and CO₂. Nevertheless, the most abundant liquid fraction derivatives are substituted phenolic compounds, pyridine, benzoic acid, naphthalene, d-glucopyranose, and d-allose. Furthermore, the catalyst decreased the amount of higher molecular mass compounds, converting them to toluene (71%), which makes this technology more attractive from the recovery of higher-added-value products point of view. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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13 pages, 5008 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidation Kinetics of Neat Methyl Oleate and as a Blend with Solketal

by Julian Türck, Fabian Schmitt, Lukas Anthofer, Anne Lichtinger, Ralf Türck, Wolfgang Ruck and Jürgen Krahl

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16073253 - 5 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1236

Abstract

The complexity of biodiesel aging has shown that the mechanism needs further research. The rate of aging product formation and associated interactions can help improve fuel quality. Since biodiesel is a multicomponent system and constant changes occur in the chemical environment, which interactions yield which products must be shown in more detail. Particularly under observation was the correlation between peroxides and epoxides. In addition, it is critical that the influence and interactions of new drop-in fuel candidates be investigated. In this work, the kinetics of the formation of aging products of methyl oleate (C18:1) are studied. The aim was to reduce the complexity in order to be able to make more precise and detailed statements about the mechanism. Ketones, acids, peroxide, and epoxide values were recorded. A distinction is made between pure methyl oleate and mixtures with 3 wt% isopropylidene glycerine (solketal). After solketal decomposed in the blends, the aging process showed changes. The influence of solketal resulted in a higher number of acids and epoxides over time. It implied that peroxides are not necessarily the precursor of epoxides. In summary, correlation and solketal’s influence showed that a sequence of aging products could be detected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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14 pages, 3532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Storage Conditions to Increase the Bioenergy Efficiency of Giant Miscanthus Pellets Produced through On-Site Integrated Pretreatment Machines

by Jung-Kyu Lee, Dongho Hong, Hyunkyu Chae and Dong-Hoon Lee

Energies 2023, 16(5), 2422; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052422 - 3 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1053

Abstract

Fossil fuels are associated with problems such as resource depletion and pollution, necessitating the exploration of alternatives. Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu), a perennial that can be harvested yearly, requires a low production energy input. It has less ash content and high heat efficiency and has attracted attention as an energy source. An on-site processing equipment, powered via a tractor and equipped with a chipper and a two-stage compression roller, was developed that can harvest 1000 kg of giant miscanthus per hour and simultaneously produce compressed pellets eliminating unnecessary processes such as transportation and processing. With its use, 33–74.5 kWh/t of electrical energy can be saved by producing pellets. The changes in moisture content between the produced compressed pellets and two samples of the ground product were measured immediately before compression for 24 h at relative humidity ranging from 65% to 80%. The moisture content was 6% initially; it ranged from 6.71% to 7.81% in compressed pellets, depending on the conditions, and from 7.44% to 9.82% in the ground sample immediately before compression, indicating the effect of the physical form of the biomass and humidity in the environment. The possible storage period (while maintaining the moisture content at 8–10% for optimal biofuel efficiency based on the measured data) was predicted. The optimal relative humidity of the storage environment for maintaining biomass quality for more than 6 months was predicted to be ≤77% and ≤70% for the compressed pellet and ground sample, respectively. Moreover, at a relative humidity ≥77%, giant miscanthus biomass, immediately before compression, had >10% moisture content in 2 days, warranting caution in storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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Review

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16 pages, 2275 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Selective Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural over Heterogeneous Metal Catalysts

by Haihong Xia, Jing Li and Minghao Zhou

Energies 2023, 16(19), 6793; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16196793 - 24 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1216

Abstract

Biomass is an excellent renewable organic energy in nature. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a significant platform chemical derived from biomass. It can be obtained from biomass and has the potential to produce high value-added derivatives. For the past few years, the chemocatalysis pathway has been extensively studied and is the main pathway of HMF transformation. In this paper, the influence factors and reaction mechanisms of different catalyst types on HMF hydrogenation processes were discussed. The latest progress on the efficient catalytic system using hydrogen, alcohol and other hydrogen sources to catalyze HMF was introduced. Future research prospects of catalytic hydrogenation of HMF were also prospected. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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17 pages, 3665 KiB

Open AccessReview

Indian Scenario of Biomass Availability and Its Bioenergy-Conversion Potential

by Harshita Negi, Deep Chandra Suyal, Ravindra Soni, Krishna Giri and Reeta Goel

Energies 2023, 16(15), 5805; https://doi.org/10.3390/en16155805 - 4 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6298

Abstract

The current energy scenario and policies demand the transition of the fuel economy from conventional fossil fuels to renewable fuels, carbon-neutral fuels, and/or decarbonized fuels. The impact of biomass-derived fuels is well-known as their radiocarbon dating indicates their contribution to young carbon emissions in addition to fewer emissions of particulates, sulfur dioxide, and air pollutants compared to fossil fuels. The various kinds of biomass available in India are already being established as potential sources for the production of biofuels and power generation. In this context, besides the quantity of biomass, environmental and economic factors are critically important for determining the range of conversion processes. Currently in India, agricultural-based biomass is the major partner for bioenergy generation. The annual surplus of agriculture-based biomass from major crops, available after its utilization for domestic use, cattle feeding, compost fertilizer, etc., is about 230 million metric tons (MMT). The estimated gross biomass power potential (based on trends) for 2019–2020 from the selected crops is around 30,319.00 Megawatt electric (MWe) at the pan-India level. However, it can be as high as 50,000 MWe after expanding the scope of available biomass from different energy sources. Moreover, the increasing trend of the country for the production of municipal solid waste (MSW) at a rate of 0.16 million tons (Mt) per day also indicates its potential for bioenergy generation. Nevertheless, its decentralized collection and segregation are key issues to its availability for bioenergy conversion/power generation. Therefore, the need of this hour is an effective utilization strategy plan for every type of available biomass including biomass-based refineries, renewable energy carriers, and/or other value-added products. This review aims to compile the various biomass resources (agricultural residues, municipal solid waste, forest-based biomass, industry-based biomass, and aquatic biomass) available in India and their potential for the generation of bioenergy (CBG, bioethanol, power, co-generation, etc.) through various bioconversion technologies that are available/in progress in the country. It also summarizes the current bioenergy scenario of India and initiatives taken by the Indian Government to achieve its future demand through biomass to energy conversion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass and Biofuel for Renewable Energy)

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