Potential to increase biofuels output from a gasification-based biorefinery using external hydrogen supply (enhancement) was investigated. Up to 2.6 or 3.1-fold increase in biofuel output could be attained for gasoline or methane production over reference plant configurations, respectively. Such enhanced process designs become economically attractive over non-enhanced designs when the average cost of low-carbon hydrogen falls below 2.2-2.8 €/kg, depending on the process configuration.
Just add hydrogen – Making the most out of a limited resourceIlkka Hannula
This presentation discusses the potential to increase fuels production from a given amount of biomass, by feeding additional hydrogen to a gasification-based biorefinery. The production potential is compared with IEA predictions on global transportation energy demand in 2050.
Making Sense of Cost and Performance Estimates for Thermochemical Biofuel PlantsIlkka Hannula
Achieving deep reductions in CO2 emissions from today’s transportation system presents major challenges, given the dominant role played by crude-oil derived fuels. Advanced biofuels, produced sustainably, provide one potential path for deep emissions reductions.
A clear understanding of the prospective economics of advanced biofuels is thus important to support analysis aimed at informing public- and private-sector decision making on biofuels.
Many techno-economic studies of advanced biofuels have been published, but individual studies are often difficult for decision makers to evaluate because of differences in analytical methodologies, input-data uncertainties, scope and battery limits of the analysis, and key assumptions.
Using both literature and data from demonstration projects, we address the following questions for advanced thermochemical cellulosic biofuels: What will first-of-a-kind (FOAK) cellulosic biofuels cost, and What cost levels can be expected in the near-term?
Keynote, 15th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES)
Brian Vad Mathiesen, Aalborg University
Online, Cologne, September 3rd 2020
Second Stakeholder Event for the Revision of Directive (REDII) 2018/2001
Session 2 Renewable energy in Heating and Cooling, Buildings and District Heating
Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen, Aalborg University
March 22, 2021, Brussels - Online
Just add hydrogen – Making the most out of a limited resourceIlkka Hannula
This presentation discusses the potential to increase fuels production from a given amount of biomass, by feeding additional hydrogen to a gasification-based biorefinery. The production potential is compared with IEA predictions on global transportation energy demand in 2050.
Making Sense of Cost and Performance Estimates for Thermochemical Biofuel PlantsIlkka Hannula
Achieving deep reductions in CO2 emissions from today’s transportation system presents major challenges, given the dominant role played by crude-oil derived fuels. Advanced biofuels, produced sustainably, provide one potential path for deep emissions reductions.
A clear understanding of the prospective economics of advanced biofuels is thus important to support analysis aimed at informing public- and private-sector decision making on biofuels.
Many techno-economic studies of advanced biofuels have been published, but individual studies are often difficult for decision makers to evaluate because of differences in analytical methodologies, input-data uncertainties, scope and battery limits of the analysis, and key assumptions.
Using both literature and data from demonstration projects, we address the following questions for advanced thermochemical cellulosic biofuels: What will first-of-a-kind (FOAK) cellulosic biofuels cost, and What cost levels can be expected in the near-term?
Keynote, 15th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES)
Brian Vad Mathiesen, Aalborg University
Online, Cologne, September 3rd 2020
Second Stakeholder Event for the Revision of Directive (REDII) 2018/2001
Session 2 Renewable energy in Heating and Cooling, Buildings and District Heating
Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen, Aalborg University
March 22, 2021, Brussels - Online
Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen, Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group,Aalborg University
EFCF2020: 24th conference in series of the European Fuel Cell Forum in Lucerne, October 22, 2020
Whole-systems BECCS analysis - presentation given by Niall Mac Dowell in the Emissions through the CCS Lifecycle session at the UKCCSRC Cardiff Biannual Meeting, 10-11 September 2014
Exploring the Trade-Offs for Negative Emissions via BioenergyIlkka Hannula
We examine four bioenergy-based technologies and explore their respective capabilities in producing carbon neutral or carbon negative fuels for transport. Of the four biomass-to-liquids (BTL) options, we find that BECCU (bioenergy with carbon capture and utilisation) systems, under a strict assumption of carbon-free energy, have equal capability to decarbonise the transport system than BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage). We also notice that sequestering part of the biomass carbon as solid char has a desirable impact on the systems net emissions in comparison to a system where char is not produced. In addition, although net negative emissions are generally a desirable property for a fuel, simply focusing on the carbon negative element of fuels must be weighed against other characteristics of the configurations being considered, notably the significant additional electricity requirement for BECCU or the land requirements for char.
Low-CapEx approach to synthetic transport fuels from biomass – From laborator...Ilkka Hannula
The ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement cannot be met without significant decarbonisation of the transport sector. In Europe, the revised version of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) will enter into force by the end of 2019 and will govern European biofuel policies during the next decade. The directive will gradually phase out unsustainable palm oil –derived biodiesel, while simultaneously creating European wide demand for “low ILUC risk” biofuels. Minimum target for low ILUC risk biofuels will be 3.6% by 2030.
In the attempt to accelerate the market introduction of low ILUC risk biofuels, VTT has developed a “Low-CapEx” concept for biomass-to-liquids (BTL) that can be realised at an intermediate scale of 100-150 MW biomass input (corresponding to 30-50 ktoe annual production of transportation fuels) with an estimated investment cost for a first-of-a-kind plant of around 200 - 300 M€. The proposed concept is suitable for non-edible lignocellulosic feedstocks and features an atmospheric steam-blown dual fluidised-bed gasifier combined with a simplified hot-gas clean-up train and a small-scale
Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis.
The pilot-scale development work was started in a national research project BTL2030 during 2016-2018, and is currently being continued in a H2020 project COMSYN. Based on Aspen Plus simulations, the overall efficiency (to both FT fuels and saleable heat) of the process is 79 – 87 % (LHV). Based on a prospective economic analysis, 1100 – 1300 €/tonne production cost is expected for a first-of-a-kind commercial plant, depending on the price of feedstock. However, significant cost reduction potential exists for subsequent plants through learning-by-doing.
We present main results from our R&D work to date, together with a roadmap on how low ILUC risk biofuels could be deployed during next decade in Europe to meet the targets set in REDII.
II Ciclo de Conferencias de Economóa Circular organizado por Funseam y la Fundación Repsol.
Presentación en la sesión "Experiencias internacionales en el ámbito de la gestión de residuos"
28/10/ 2021
Increased need for flexibility in the European energy transitionIlkka Hannula
Rapid addition of wind and solar energy puts technical and economic pressure on the existing energy system. Increasing flexibility is key to integration of large shares of variable renewables, and in enabling an affordable renewables-led system. But how to achieve this? And what role will bioenergy play?
Variable Renewable Energy in China's TransitionIEA-ETSAP
Variable Renewable Energy in China's Transition
Ding Qiuyu, UCL Energy Institute
16–17th november 2023, Turin, Italy, etsap meeting, etsap winter workshop, semi-annual meeting, november 2023, Politecnico di Torino Lingotto, Torino
This project enumerates ways to mitigate climate change through eight strategies. Each strategy, called as 'wedge', when implemented could reduce carbon emission by 1b ton by 2055. This project prioritizes these strategies based on cost of implementation and public opinion. Ranks are assigned from 1 to 8, with 1 for highly feasible [low cost and less criticism] and 8 for hardly feasible.
As seen from the presentation, adopting to biofuels is found to be least feasible (rank-8), followed by fuel switching for electricity (rank-7). In contrast, improving transport efficiency is found to be highly feasible (rank-1), followed by efficiency in electricity production (rank-2). Justifications (qualitative and quantitative) are provided for the ranking of each strategy.
In the concluding slides, stakeholder perspectives are provided for automobile industry and industrial/developing nations. The climate wedges concept was developed by Princeton University, Ford and BP to find solutions to greenhouse gas problem (see references).
Reference:
- Carbon Mitigation Initiative http://cmi.princeton.edu/wedges/
- Stabilization Wedges Game https://cmi.princeton.edu/wedges/pdfs/teachers_guide.pdf
This work is done as a part of graduate course titled Global Air Pollutants in Spring 2016. The author was pursuing MS in Environmental Engineering Sciences at University of Florida during the making of this project.
Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen, Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group,Aalborg University
EFCF2020: 24th conference in series of the European Fuel Cell Forum in Lucerne, October 22, 2020
Whole-systems BECCS analysis - presentation given by Niall Mac Dowell in the Emissions through the CCS Lifecycle session at the UKCCSRC Cardiff Biannual Meeting, 10-11 September 2014
Exploring the Trade-Offs for Negative Emissions via BioenergyIlkka Hannula
We examine four bioenergy-based technologies and explore their respective capabilities in producing carbon neutral or carbon negative fuels for transport. Of the four biomass-to-liquids (BTL) options, we find that BECCU (bioenergy with carbon capture and utilisation) systems, under a strict assumption of carbon-free energy, have equal capability to decarbonise the transport system than BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage). We also notice that sequestering part of the biomass carbon as solid char has a desirable impact on the systems net emissions in comparison to a system where char is not produced. In addition, although net negative emissions are generally a desirable property for a fuel, simply focusing on the carbon negative element of fuels must be weighed against other characteristics of the configurations being considered, notably the significant additional electricity requirement for BECCU or the land requirements for char.
Low-CapEx approach to synthetic transport fuels from biomass – From laborator...Ilkka Hannula
The ambitious targets of the Paris Agreement cannot be met without significant decarbonisation of the transport sector. In Europe, the revised version of the Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) will enter into force by the end of 2019 and will govern European biofuel policies during the next decade. The directive will gradually phase out unsustainable palm oil –derived biodiesel, while simultaneously creating European wide demand for “low ILUC risk” biofuels. Minimum target for low ILUC risk biofuels will be 3.6% by 2030.
In the attempt to accelerate the market introduction of low ILUC risk biofuels, VTT has developed a “Low-CapEx” concept for biomass-to-liquids (BTL) that can be realised at an intermediate scale of 100-150 MW biomass input (corresponding to 30-50 ktoe annual production of transportation fuels) with an estimated investment cost for a first-of-a-kind plant of around 200 - 300 M€. The proposed concept is suitable for non-edible lignocellulosic feedstocks and features an atmospheric steam-blown dual fluidised-bed gasifier combined with a simplified hot-gas clean-up train and a small-scale
Fischer-Tropsch (FT) synthesis.
The pilot-scale development work was started in a national research project BTL2030 during 2016-2018, and is currently being continued in a H2020 project COMSYN. Based on Aspen Plus simulations, the overall efficiency (to both FT fuels and saleable heat) of the process is 79 – 87 % (LHV). Based on a prospective economic analysis, 1100 – 1300 €/tonne production cost is expected for a first-of-a-kind commercial plant, depending on the price of feedstock. However, significant cost reduction potential exists for subsequent plants through learning-by-doing.
We present main results from our R&D work to date, together with a roadmap on how low ILUC risk biofuels could be deployed during next decade in Europe to meet the targets set in REDII.
II Ciclo de Conferencias de Economóa Circular organizado por Funseam y la Fundación Repsol.
Presentación en la sesión "Experiencias internacionales en el ámbito de la gestión de residuos"
28/10/ 2021
Increased need for flexibility in the European energy transitionIlkka Hannula
Rapid addition of wind and solar energy puts technical and economic pressure on the existing energy system. Increasing flexibility is key to integration of large shares of variable renewables, and in enabling an affordable renewables-led system. But how to achieve this? And what role will bioenergy play?
Variable Renewable Energy in China's TransitionIEA-ETSAP
Variable Renewable Energy in China's Transition
Ding Qiuyu, UCL Energy Institute
16–17th november 2023, Turin, Italy, etsap meeting, etsap winter workshop, semi-annual meeting, november 2023, Politecnico di Torino Lingotto, Torino
This project enumerates ways to mitigate climate change through eight strategies. Each strategy, called as 'wedge', when implemented could reduce carbon emission by 1b ton by 2055. This project prioritizes these strategies based on cost of implementation and public opinion. Ranks are assigned from 1 to 8, with 1 for highly feasible [low cost and less criticism] and 8 for hardly feasible.
As seen from the presentation, adopting to biofuels is found to be least feasible (rank-8), followed by fuel switching for electricity (rank-7). In contrast, improving transport efficiency is found to be highly feasible (rank-1), followed by efficiency in electricity production (rank-2). Justifications (qualitative and quantitative) are provided for the ranking of each strategy.
In the concluding slides, stakeholder perspectives are provided for automobile industry and industrial/developing nations. The climate wedges concept was developed by Princeton University, Ford and BP to find solutions to greenhouse gas problem (see references).
Reference:
- Carbon Mitigation Initiative http://cmi.princeton.edu/wedges/
- Stabilization Wedges Game https://cmi.princeton.edu/wedges/pdfs/teachers_guide.pdf
This work is done as a part of graduate course titled Global Air Pollutants in Spring 2016. The author was pursuing MS in Environmental Engineering Sciences at University of Florida during the making of this project.
Webinaire : Innovation et infrastructure - Moteurs de la transition energetiq...Cluster TWEED
Découvrez les opportunités liées aux innovations technologiques et nouvelles infrastructures durables initiées par la transition énergétique, par le biais des présentations du directeur du Innovation & Technology Center de l'Agence internationale pour les énergies renouvelables, et du coordinateur du programme Sustainable Cities and Settlements de la division Energy Systems and Infrastructure de l'UNIDO.
Perspectives on the role of CO2 capture and utilisation (CCU) in climate chan...Global CCS Institute
Achieving the target set during COP21 will require the deployment of a diverse portfolio of solutions, including fuel switching, improvements in energy efficiency, increasing use of nuclear and renewable power, as well as carbon capture and storage (CCS).
It is in the context of CCS that carbon capture and utilisation (CCU), or conversion (CCC), is often mentioned. Once we have captured and purified the CO2, it is sometimes argued that we should aim to convert the CO2 to useful products such as fuels or plastics, or otherwise use the CO2 in processes such as enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR). This is broadly referred to as CCU.
In this webinar, Niall Mac Dowell, Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in the Centre for Process Systems Engineering and the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, presented about the scale of the challenge associated with climate change mitigation and contextualise the value which CO2 conversion and utilisation options can provide.
Similar to Twice the fuels from biomass. hannula 2016, vtt (20)
Development of a Low-Carbon Furnace for Industrial-Scale Grid BalancingIlkka Hannula
Rotary kilns are major point sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), accounting for over 3 GtCO2/yr globally. We are currently investigating and developing new low-carbon solutions that can provide high-temperature heat for rotary kilns via renewable gas and/or electricity. A hybrid system - where both biomass and electricity acts as a heat source - opens up possibilities for large-scale balancing of grids dominated by variable renewables such as wind and solar. Globally, such low-carbon furnaces can potentially reduce more than 1 GtCO2/yr of carbon emissions.
Fertiliser from air and water with low carbon electricityIlkka Hannula
Nitrogen is an essential element of life and a part of all plant and animal proteins. It is commercially recovered from the atmosphere by combining it with hydrogen. Ammonia production, transport, and consumption is roughly a $100 billion annual worldwide business (2009) with an average scale of typical ammonia plant roughly 1000 MTPD. Approximately 80 % of ammonia is used as a fertilizer for crops, particularly corn and wheat. Currently hydrogen for ammonia manufacture is recovered from natural gas, but water could be utilized as an alternative source. In fact at least five commercial ammonia plants were in operation in 1980 all based on water electrolysis. The energy use and capital cost are roughly comparable with electrochemical and steam reforming routes (in 1980 the cost of an electrolysis-based ammonia plant rated at 300 MTPD was stated to be $80M, which is $174M in 2013 currency). Based on techno-economic calculations, electroammonia becomes interesting when long-term renewable electricity prices are below 30 $/MWh.
Sustainable polymers from CO2 and water with low-carbon electricityIlkka Hannula
Within petrochemical industry the combination of synthetic methanol manufacture with MTO technology would make it possible to produce light olefins (ethylene and propylene) CO2 and water with low-carbon electricity. To satisfy global demand (206 Mt/a) of light olefins through P2X route 644 GW electricity and 924 Mt/a CO2 (3 % of annual global emissions) would be required. With today’s electricity market price scenarios the profitability of this concept is however very low in comparison to steam cracking of fossil hydrocarbon feedstocks. Based on cursory capital cost estimates, the levelised production cost of olefins would be 2000 €/t at current electricity prices.
VÄITÖSTIEDOTE 12.10.2015: Uusiutuvien polttoaineiden valmistus metsätähteistä edullisin vaihtoehto Suomen olosuhteissa
Diplomi-insinööri, erikoistutkija Ilkka Hannula VTT:ltä on väitöstutkimuksessaan vertaillut uusiutuvien liikennepolttoaineiden valmistamiseen soveltuvien teknologioiden kannattavuutta. Metsätähteistä valmistetut polttoaineet osoittautuivat Suomen olosuhteissa edullisimmaksi vaihtoehdoksi. Biomassaa tai sähköenergiaa hyödyntävien prosessien teknistaloudellista suoristuskykyä vertailtiin nyt ensimmäistä kertaa.
Tutkimuksen lähtökohtana oli biomassan kaasutukseen perustuva prosessi, jota vertailtiin vaihtoehtoon, jossa polttoaineita valmistetaan hiilidioksidista ja vedestä sähköenergian avulla. Tämän lisäksi väitöstyössä kehitettiin Suomen oloihin räätälöity hybridiprosessi, joka yhdistelee piirteitä edellä mainituista tekniikoista. Uusiutuville liikennepolttoaineille laskettiin seuraavat, bensiinilitran energiasisältöä (Lb-ekv.) vastaavat tuotantokustannusarviot: metaani 0,6–1,2 €/Lb-ekv., metanoli 0,7–1,3 €/Lb-ekv. ja bensiini 0,7–1,5 €/Lb-ekv. Vaihteluvälin alhaisimmat kustannukset saavutettiin kaasutukseen perustuvalla prosessilla, toiseksi alimmat hybridiprosessilla ja korkeimmat sähköenergiaan perustuvalla prosessilla. Metaanin ja metanolin hinnat eivät sisällä jakelun ja loppukäytön aiheuttamia lisäkustannuksia, kun taas bensiinin käytössä voidaan hyödyntää olemassa olevaa jakeluverkkoa ja kalustoa.
Tutkimuksessa havaittiin myös, että samasta määrästä metsätähdettä pystytään tuottamaan merkittävästi enemmän biopolttoainetta, mikäli prosessiin syötetään lisää vetyä ulkopuolisesta lähteestä. Lisävety voidaan tuottaa esimerkiksi uusiutuvasta sähköstä veden elektrolyysin avulla. Jotta tämä olisi taloudellisesti kannattavaa, pitäisi uusiutuvan sähkön hinnan olla alle 20 €/MWh, eli merkittävästi nykyistä hintatasoa alhaisempi.
Väitöstutkimuksessa tarkastellut uusiutuvat polttoaineet ovat kalliimpia kuin öljypohjaisen bensiinin veroton hinta (~0,5 €/l). Uusiutuvien polttoaineiden ja sähkön käyttöä liikenteessä tulee kuitenkin lisätä, jotta Euroopan vuodelle 2030 asettamat 40 %:n päästövähennystavoitteet voidaan saavuttaa. Tämä edellyttää pitkäkestoisia edistämistoimia, joihin lukeutuu merkittävä panostus tutkimukseen, mutta erityisesti toimet, jotka nopeuttavat demonstraatiolaitosten rakentamista.
Diplomi-insinööri Ilkka Hannula väittelee 16.10.2015 klo 12 (Sali 216, Otakaari 4, Espoo) Aalto-yliopiston energiatekniikan laitoksella aiheenaan ”Synthetic fuels and light olefins from biomass residues, carbon dioxide and electricity: Performance and cost analysis”.
Väitöskirja verkossa: http://www.vtt.fi/inf/pdf/science/2015/S107.pdf
Lisätietoja:
Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy
Ilkka Hannula, erikoistutkija
ilkka.hannula@vtt.fi, puh. 020 722 6370
Prospective economics of standalone electrofuelsIlkka Hannula
This presentation examines the economics of producing synthetic fuels from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water with renewable electricity based on current Finnish and German electricity price data.
Low-grade fuel to high-quality energy by gasificationIlkka Hannula
Talk held at the International Conference on Thermochemical Conversion Science in 2013. It covers past and current development activities in the field of biomass and waste gasification
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
1. VTT TECHNICAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF FINLAND LTD
Doubling the output of synthetic biofuels:
exploiting synergies between biomass
and other RE sources
October 2016
Dr Ilkka Hannula
ilkka.hannula@vtt.fi
2. 202/11/2016 2
Decarbonisation of transportation
Possibly the most difficult aspect of climate change mitigation
Severe lack of attention (electricity, electricity, electricity)
Many confusing aspects/arguments around the problem.
This presentation especially motivated by arguments like:
”Electric vehicles will do the job”
”Decarbonisation of fuel important, but only after electricity and heat”
”Sustainable biomass is a scarce resource and therefore cannot do the job”
6. 602/11/2016 6
Global transportation energy demand in 2050
IEA estimate for transportation energy
demand in 2050, that is consistent with
2°C scenario, is 99 EJ/yr (2357 Mtoe/a).
62 EJ
7. 702/11/2016 7
Global transportation energy demand in 2050
Global transport emissions in 2010 were 8 GtCO2-eq/yr.
To achieve 60 % reduction (relative to 2010),
2050 emissions < 3.2 GtCO2-eq/yr
8. 802/11/2016 8
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
Two ”Though Experiments”
created to highlight energy
supply needs in 2050.
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
9. 902/11/2016 9
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
Capping emissions at 3.2 GtCO2-eq/yr
Max 38 EJ/yr Crude Oil Derived Products (CODPs) allowed
Balance needs to come from carbon-neutral electricity & fuels
38
EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
10. 1002/11/2016 10
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
Scenario”IEA Electric” based on an IEA estimate on transportation
electricity demand in 2050 that is 2500 TWh/yr.
9 EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
11. 1102/11/2016 11
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
Whatever the balance of 55 EJ/yr will be,
it needs to fulfill two requirements
1) Be a fuel
2) Be carbon-neutral
55
EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
12. 1202/11/2016 12
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
Additional scenario ”Max Electric” added where
complete electrification of the light road sector
assumed: 7800 TWh/yr.
28 EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
13. 1302/11/2016 13
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
The need for carbon-neutral
fuels in this scenario is 17 EJ/yr
17 EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
14. 1402/11/2016 14
Global transportation energy
thought experiment*
For context: 1 EJ/yr equals 700 synfuel
plants each having 100 MWbiomass capacity
17 EJ/yr55
EJ/yr
*Adapted from GEA (2012)
15. 1502/11/2016 15
What is the supply potential of sustainable
biomass?
From AR5 (IPCC, 2014):
“…This assessment agrees on a technical bioenergy potential of
around 100 EJ (medium evidence, high agreement), and possibly
300 EJ and higher (limited evidence, low agreement)…”
From IEA (2011):
“…with a sound policy framework in place, it should be possible to
provide … 145 EJ of total biomass for biofuels, heat and electricity
from residues and wastes, along with sustainably grown energy crops.”
80 EJ of biomass assumed for generating heat and power
65 EJ of biomass assumed available for biofuel feedstock
16. 1602/11/2016 16
What is the supply potential of sustainable
biomass?
Assuming 80 EJ for heat and power and 50 % overall BTL efficiency
Supply potential estimate based on
IPCC data = 10 EJ
IEA data ~ 30 EJ
Demand of CNF
Max Electric = 17 EJ/yr
IEA Electric = 55 EJ/yr
17. 1702/11/2016 17
What is the supply potential of sustainable
biomass?
Assuming 80 EJ for heat and power and 50 % overall BTL efficiency
Supply potential estimate based on
IPCC data = 10 EJ
IEA data ~ 30 EJ
Demand of CNF
Max Electric = 17 EJ/yr
IEA Electric = 55 EJ/yr
18. 1802/11/2016 18
PEAT AMMONIA
PLANT
OULU, FINLAND, 1991
SYNGAS FOR FT-DIESEL
o Large-scale O2-blown gasifier
o Innovative hot gas cleaning
o Technology from Finland
o R&D and IPR support from VTT
o Large-scale plants > 300 MW
HYDROGEN FOR
AMMONIA (140 MW)
o Coal gasification
applied to peat
o R&D support
by VTT
NSE BIOFUELS DEMO, VARKAUS, FINLAND,
2011
NEW PROCESS FOR SMALLER SCALE
o Simpler process and lower CapEx
o Wide feedstock basis, target scale 30-150 MW
o Biofuels, SNG, hydrogen, bio-chemicals
o Process development at VTT in 2016-18
o Industrial demonstration in 2019-20
PILOT PLANT AT VTT BIORUUKKI, ESPOO, 2016
2010 2015 20201985 2005 203020001995 2025
Biomass gasification for advanced biofuels
Long experience of medium-to-large scale thermochemical biorefineries
19. 19
Biomass can be converted to synfuels with an efficiency in the range of 50 – 60 %
(LHV), depending on the process configuration and end-product.
If by-product heat from the process is also utilised, additional 20 – 30 %-point
improvement can be attained, leading to ~ 80 % overall efficiency
Despite the high energy efficiency, more than half of feedstock carbon is
rejected from the process, as there is not enough hydrogen to convert it into fuels.
The traditional conversion route is therefore hydrogen constrained.
21. 21
By adding hydrogen from external source (enhancement),
the surplus carbon could be hydrogenated to fuel as well.
Feed carbon
Surplus carbon
External hydrogen
Feed hydrogen
Biomass
feedstock
Fuel
22. 22
By adding hydrogen from external source (enhancement),
the surplus carbon could be hydrogenated to fuel as well.
Feed carbon
Fuel
Surplus carbon
External hydrogen
Feed hydrogen
FuelBiomass
feedstock
23. 23
But the surplus carbon is in the form of CO2 instead of CO!
CO
FuelH2
H2
Biomass
feedstock
Fuel
CO2
24. 24
Implications:
- Only methane and methanol have reaction routes via CO2
- More H2 is required to produce one mole of fuel from CO2 than from CO
- CO2 has higher activation energy than CO
- Byproduct water from CO2 hydrogenation inhibits methanol catalysts
CO
Fuel
CO2
H2
H2
Biomass
feedstock
Fuel
25. 25
Despite challenges related to CO2 hydrogenation, the potential
increase in fuel output is significant.
Fuel
CO
H2
CO2
Biomass
feedstock
H2
26. 26
The process is not sensitive to the source of hydrogen, but
production from water via electrolysis using low-carbon
electricity is considered in this presentation
O2
Fuel
Conversion
CO
H2
CO2
Biomass
feedstock
H2
Low-C
electricity
Electrolysis
Conversion
32. 32
SUMMARY
When the maximally enhanced by an external H2 source, following
increases in fuel output can be observed:
2.2-fold (methane) or 1.9-fold (gasoline) for steam gasification;
3.1-fold (methane) or 2.6-fold (gasoline) for oxygen gasification.
Overall carbon conversions for enhanced configurations:
67.0% (methane) and 58.4% (gasoline) for steam gasification;
98.0% (methane) and 79.4% (gasoline) for oxygen gasification.
Economically feasible over base case when low-GHG H2 costs less than
2.2 €/kg (methane) and 2.7 €/kg (gasoline) for steam gasification;
2.4 €/kg (methane) and 2.8 €/kg (gasoline) for oxygen gasification.
Source: Hannula (2016)
34. 3402/11/2016 34
Take-home messages 1/2
Manufacture of synthetic biofuels makes for an efficient use of
biomass, provided that close attention is paid to heat integration
issues.
Still, less than half of biomass carbon utilised in fuel production
Renewable and sustainable carbon a scarce resource globally
Both the use of biomass (energy efficiency) and
land (resource efficiency) for bioenergy purposes should be as
efficient as possible.
This aspect not often discussed in relation to bioenergy.
35. 3502/11/2016 35
Take-home messages 2/2
Significant increase in biofuel output could be attained via H2 enhancement
However, to ensure deep emission savings, electricity needs to come from
a very low carbon source: Significant impact presumes that electric grids
are first largely
decarbonised
Costs also a major issue.
H2 enhanced biofuels
still the least-cost
solution for large
scale decarbonisation
of the hydrocarbon
supply system?
36. 3602/11/2016 36
References
• GEA, 2012. Global Energy Assessment - Toward a Sustainable Future, Chapter 12 Fossil
Energy, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK and New York, NY, USA and the
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, Laxenburg, Austria.
• Hannula, I. 2016. Hydrogen enhancement potential of synthetic biofuels manufacture in the
European context: A techno-economic assessment, Energy, Volume 104, Pages 199-212, ISSN
0360-5442, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.03.119.
• IEA, 2011. Technology Roadmap. Biofuels for transportation
• IEA, 2016. Energy Technology Perspectives.
• IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), 2014. Climate Change: Technical
Summary of Mitigation of Climate Change, Working Group III contribution to the 5th
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.