Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization

Dear Colleagues,

Biomass energy systems encompass various methods of converting organic materials, particularly agricultural waste, into energy. These methods include pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and direct combustion. By efficiently utilizing waste materials, these technologies aim to generate renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Biomass energy systems convert organic materials, such as agricultural waste, into valuable energy, fostering sustainability and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. This process not only enhances soil health and minimizes environmental pollution, it also produces renewable energy and provides financial benefits for farmers. Advancements in technology and supportive renewable energy policies offer promising prospects for the broader adoption of biomass energy and its integration into other renewable sources, aiding in the development of a sustainable energy future, despite challenges such as high initial costs and practical implementation issues.

The convergence of sustainable farming practices and renewable energy production is the main topic in the Special Issue "Biomass Energy Technologies and Sustainable Agricultural Waste Utilization". Our main goal is to investigate novel technologies, procedures, and approaches for transforming agricultural waste into biomass energy, therefore tackling many worldwide predicaments, including energy sufficiency, waste handling, and ecological durability.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers, industry professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share insights, innovations, and experiences. It aims to achieve the following:

• Advance Knowledge: Contribute to the scientific and technical knowledge base on biomass energy technologies;
• Promote Sustainability: Encourage practices that promote the sustainable utilization of agricultural waste;
• Foster Collaboration: Create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and practitioners from various fields;
• Inform Policy: Provide evidence-based insights to inform policy decisions related to renewable energy and agricultural waste management;
• Innovate Solutions: Stimulate innovation in developing more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly biomass energy technologies.

For this Special Issue, submissions of original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Biomass Conversion Technologies: Investigating various technologies for converting agricultural residues into bioenergy, including thermochemical, biochemical, and hybrid processes;
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Examining sustainable practices in agriculture that support waste minimization and the efficient utilization of agricultural by-products;
• Environmental Impact: Assessing the environmental benefits and potential drawbacks of using agricultural waste for bioenergy production;
• Economic Viability: Analyzing the economic aspects and market potential of biomass energy technologies;
• Policies and Regulations: Discussing the role of policies and regulations in promoting biomass energy and sustainable agricultural waste management;
• Case Studies: Presenting real-world applications and success stories of biomass energy projects.

Renewable Energy

Bioenergy: There is extensive research on bioenergy production using various sources, including agricultural residues. This Special Issue will build on, and contribute to, this body of work by focusing specifically on agricultural waste;

Technology Development: Studies on the development and optimization of biomass conversion technologies are welcomed. This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements and their practical applications.

Sustainable Agriculture

Waste Management: The literature on sustainable agricultural practices often addresses waste management strategies. This Special Issue will integrate these strategies into energy production, offering dual benefits;

Circular Economy: The concept of a circular economy, which emphasizes resource efficiency and waste reduction, is central to this Special Issue. The utilization of agricultural waste for energy production is a prime example of circular economy principles in action.

Environmental Science

Lifecycle Assessment: Research on the environmental impacts of biomass energy, including lifecycle assessments of different technologies, is pertinent to this topic. This Special Issue aims to expand on such analyses, particularly in the context of agricultural waste;

Climate Change Mitigation: The role of biomass energy in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is well documented. This Special Issue will explore how agricultural waste can contribute to these efforts.

Economics and Policy

Economic Analysis: Studies on the economic feasibility and market dynamics of biomass energy projects are crucial. This Special Issue includes economic assessments to identify viable pathways for implementation;

Policy Frameworks: The literature on policy and regulatory frameworks for renewable energy and waste management provides a backdrop for the discussion of policy recommendations in this Special Issue.

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

Success Stories: Documented case studies of successful biomass energy projects can offer valuable insights. For this Special Issue, we aim to compile and analyze these cases to garner practical lessons and best practices.

By addressing these interconnected themes, the Special Issue seeks to bridge gaps in the existing knowledge, highlight innovative solutions, and promote a holistic approach to biomass energy and sustainable agricultural waste utilization.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Juan F. Saldarriaga
Prof. Dr. Julián E. López
Prof. Dr. Fabio Bentes Freire
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. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2400 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.

• biomass
• energy
• agriculture
• technologies
• waste utilization