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Article
Publication date: 23 April 2019

Sarah Gabashwediwe Mungodla, Linda Zikhona Linganiso, Sukoluhle Mlambo and Tshwafo Motaung

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects…

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Abstract

Purpose

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects succeeded. In 2014, KiOR advanced biofuel Energy Company in the USA announced bankruptcy due to incompetent technology. Studies disclose that the reasons for biofuel plants failure are not only due to lack of incentives and unclear policies but also due to lack of economic feasibility and low production yields. This paper aims to review the techno-economy assessment of second-generation biofuel technologies. The purpose of this paper is to summarize specific techno-economic indicators such as production cost, technology efficiency and process life cycle analysis for advanced biofuel technology and to narrate and illustrate a clear view of what requires assessment to deploy a feasible advanced biofuel technology. This study also reviews assessment of biomass supply chain, feedstock availability and site selection criteria. The review also elaborates on the use of different processes, forecasting and simulation-modeling tools used in different techno-economic analysis studies. The review provides guidance for conducting a technical and economic feasibility study for the advanced biofuels energy business.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this review is, therefore, to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility studies for the establishment of viable industrial scale production of second-generation biofuels. It does so by grouping studies based on technology selection, feedstock availability and suitability, process simulation and economies as well as technology environmental impact assessment.

Findings

In conclusion, techno-economic analysis tools offer researchers insight in terms of where their research and development should focus, to attain the most significant enhancement for the economics of a technology. The study patterns within the scope of techno-economics of advanced biofuel reveal that there is no generic answer as to which technology would be feasible at a commercial scale. It is therefore important to keep in mind that models can only simplify and give a simulation of reality to a certain extent. Nevertheless, reviewed studies do not reach the same results, but some results are logically similar.

Originality/value

The originality of this article specifically illustrates important technical and economic indicators that should be considered when conducting feasibility studies for advance biofuels.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2010

A.J.C. Coles, K.A. Lewis and R.E.H. Sims

The New Zealand (NZ) Government's commitment to a sustainable, low‐emissions energy future may be met, in part, by expanding bioenergy systems fuelled by short‐rotation forestry…

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Abstract

Purpose

The New Zealand (NZ) Government's commitment to a sustainable, low‐emissions energy future may be met, in part, by expanding bioenergy systems fuelled by short‐rotation forestry through utilising lower quality land affecting soil organic matter content and soil CO2 flux. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the carbon sequestration potential of a range of soil conditioners in order to minimise or offset carbon emissions due to ground disturbance.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven soil conditioners are evaluated using incubation chambers to measure the affect of their incorporation within three NZ soil types on soil respiration.

Findings

Charcoal is found to produce a distinct and significant carbon sequestering trend, as did newspaper and whey. Conversely, vegetable oil, paper mill pulp, biodiesel and methanol showed overall carbon emitting trends.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited as only CO2 is monitored within the incubation chambers rather than the whole gaseous carbon profile. No microbial observations are conducted.

Practical implications

The investigation concludes that of the conditioners observed, charcoal, newspaper and whey warrant further observation as carbon sequestration soil conditioners.

Originality/value

The study forms part of the foundations within the development of soil conditioners specifically designed for carbon sequestration.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

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Publication date: 14 December 2016

Valtteri Kaartemo

This chapter seeks to place the Paris agreement on anthropogenic greenhouse gases (COP21) in a wider picture on how the global solar photovoltaic (PV) market has been created and…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter seeks to place the Paris agreement on anthropogenic greenhouse gases (COP21) in a wider picture on how the global solar photovoltaic (PV) market has been created and shaped over decades. The chapter discusses the role of solar PV actors, as well as other actors in the market-shaping process. The aim is to show how the COP21 can be interpreted in a wider historical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The chapter builds on expert interviews conducted after the COP21, as well as secondary data on historical studies on evolution of solar energy markets in various countries.

Findings

Although scientists and entrepreneurs have been important in creating and shaping the global solar PV market, it is noted that other actors have also had an influence on the market development. Particularly, politicians are seen as playing a crucial role through legislation and funding. Unfortunately for the solar PV market, support has fluctuated over time. The COP21 provides a clear pathway for positive support, and it is expected to bind governments for pro-solar politics even during low prices of fossil fuels and economic downturn.

Practical implications

The chapter provides an overview of what has happened in the history of global solar PV market. It gives reasoning as to why the COP21 is important in securing support for the solar PV market. Thus, it can provide reasoning as to why the COP21 can make a difference.

Originality/value

This is the first academic study that portrays the COP21 against historical evolution of the global solar PV market.

Details

Climate Change and the 2030 Corporate Agenda for Sustainable Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-819-6

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Article
Publication date: 26 June 2009

Monjur Mourshed and Mohammed A. Quddus

Renewable energy (RE) is an important component to the complex portfolio of technologies that have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and to enhance the security of energy…

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Abstract

Purpose

Renewable energy (RE) is an important component to the complex portfolio of technologies that have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions and to enhance the security of energy supplies. Despite RE's potential to reduce CO2 emissions, the expenditure on renewable energy research, development, and demonstration (RERD&D) as a percentage of total government energy research, development, and demonstration (ERD&D) investment remains low in developed countries. The declining ERD&D expenditure prompted this research to explore the relationship between CO2 emissions per capita and RERD&D as opposed to ERD&D.

Design/methodology/approach

An econometric analysis of annual CO2 emissions per capita during the period 1990‐2004 for the 15 pre‐2004 European Union (EU15) countries was carried out. It was hypothesized that the impact of RERD&D expenditure on the reduction of CO2 emissions would be higher than that of ERD&D expenditure, primarily due to several RE technologies being close to carbon neutral. Country‐level gross domestic product per capita and an index of the ratio between industry consumption and industrial production were introduced in the analysis as proxies to control for activities that generate CO2 emissions. A number of panel data econometric models that are able to take into account both country‐ and time‐specific unobserved effects were explored.

Findings

It was found that random effect models were more appropriate to examine the study hypothesis. The results suggest that expenditure on RERD&D is statistically significant and negatively associated with CO2 emissions per capita in all models, whereas expenditure on ERD&D is statistically insignificant (ceteris paribus).

Originality/value

The findings of this paper provide useful insight into the effectiveness of RERD&D investment in reducing CO2 emissions and are of value in the development of policies for targeted research, development, and demonstration investment to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Mohd Muqeem, Ahmad Faizan Sherwani, Mukhtar Ahmad and Zahid Akhtar Khan

Diesel engine can produce power more efficiently with lower exhaust emissions when operated at optimum input parameter settings. To achieve this goal, the purpose of this paper is…

363

Abstract

Purpose

Diesel engine can produce power more efficiently with lower exhaust emissions when operated at optimum input parameter settings. To achieve this goal, the purpose of this paper is to optimize the input parameters of diesel engine which will lead to optimum performance and exhaust emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal of improving diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions, four input parameters were considered in the study. Five different levels of each input parameter were taken. Four response variables under no load, half load and full load conditions were recorded. Experiments were performed in random manner according to selected Taguchi L25 orthogonal array. The data were analyzed using grey relational analysis coupled with principal component analysis. Analysis of S/N ratio was performed to obtain the optimum combination of input parameters. The grey relational grade at optimum setting of the input parameters was obtained by regression analysis.

Findings

Results of the current research work give the optimum input parameter settings for no load, half load and full load conditions of diesel engine. Engine produces power more efficiently with low exhaust emissions when operated at these optimum settings.

Practical implications

In view of the compliance to the stringent air pollution norms of the nations and fast depleting fossil fuels, it is of the utmost importance to design and operate the engine in the optimum range of its input parameters so that it produces more power with low exhaust emissions. This paper aims at optimizing input parameters of diesel engine to improve performance and exhaust emissions. Results of the study presented in this paper are significantly useful for diesel engine-related researchers and professionals.

Originality/value

From the literature review, it appears that only few researchers have conducted studies pertaining to the optimization of the input parameters of diesel engine to improve performance or exhaust emissions. Although few studies related to the optimization of compression ratio, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure and air pressure have been reported, no work related to optimization of temperature and pressure of turbocharged air has been reported. Therefore, the main focus of the current research work is on optimizing the charge air temperature and pressure with respect to performance and exhaust emissions.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

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Article
Publication date: 30 November 2021

Shahla Seifi

This study aims to introduce the journal and its purpose.

475

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to introduce the journal and its purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviews a variety of issues to show the kind of research which is relevant to the journal and the approaches which can be used.

Findings

This study shows the great need for research in the ways in which technological development is needed in order to address the issues of sustainability.

Practical implications

These can be many and diverse.

Originality/value

As the introductory chapter for this new journal its purpose is unique.

Details

Technological Sustainability, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-1312

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Article
Publication date: 13 June 2016

Mohammad Reza Bahrampour, Mohammad Bagher Askari, Vahid Mirzaei Mahmoud Abadi, Mohsen Mirhabibi and Mahdi Tikdari

This paper aims to study the Lut desert, also known as the Dasht–e–Lut, starting with a summary of its location as a large salt desert in southeastern Kerman, Iran, as well as its…

502

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the Lut desert, also known as the Dasht–e–Lut, starting with a summary of its location as a large salt desert in southeastern Kerman, Iran, as well as its climate, being one of the world’s driest places. Next, a statistical analysis is performed based on a reasonable minimum level of 10 per cent. The computation of electric energy produced by sunlight in the studied region is, then, provided using a number of high-efficiency and suitable solar cells. Finally, the authors will compare the production of electrical energy to the consumption energy in Iran and Kerman province.

Design/methodology/approach

According to calculations of the present study and the analyses of the tables and charts provided, the use of solar energy and the amount of energy used in different areas was discussed. Lut desert in Iran is one of the touristic attractions of Kerman province: while only a very small area of this desert known as the Kalut is of interest to tourists, the vast remaining area of this desert is currently left without use. Lut and its surrounding towns and villages are not suitable for agricultural due to the lack of water in the region, and relatively poor people live within the area. The findings of this study showed that throughout the region, there is a very high potential for energy supply of Kerman and Iran.

Findings

The practical use of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy, besides its significant role in cost reductions, can also positively affect the living standards of local residents as well as job and income creation for the country. Efficient use of only 10 per cent of the area of Lut desert, via using its solar energy, can produce a considerable amount of energy for the region and for the country in large. Although the present study only investigated the solar energy of the region, it also has a high potential in wind energy and geothermal optimum use. The research team will, hence, continue its work on calculating the amount of energy generated from all types of renewable energy in this area. This paper showed that application of solar cells in this region is appropriate for providing a magnificent amount of electric-energy requirements of Kerman province and of Iran.

Originality/value

In recent years, Iran’s nuclear, oil and natural-gas industries have been the subject of intensifying sanctions from certain international communities. Now, the country wants to develop a sector in which it has more leeway, i.e. the renewable energy; wind and solar energies are always available, and no one can put sanctions on them. Also, to provide household electricity in remote areas (which are not connected to the mains electricity grid), energy storage is required for use of renewable energy. Usually, however, renewable energy is derived from the main electricity grid, and this means that as the mains electricity grid is organized so as to produce the exact amount of energy being consumed at that particular moment, the energy storage is mostly not applied. Energy production on the mains electricity grid is always set up as a combination of renewable-energy plants, as well as other power plants (e.g. the fossil-fuel power plants and nuclear power). This combination, nevertheless, is essential for this type of energy supply (i.e. the wind turbines, solar power plants, etc).

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1994

N. Brännberg and J. Mackerle

This paper gives a review of the finite element techniques (FE)applied in the area of material processing. The latest trends in metalforming, non‐metal forming and powder…

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Abstract

This paper gives a review of the finite element techniques (FE) applied in the area of material processing. The latest trends in metal forming, non‐metal forming and powder metallurgy are briefly discussed. The range of applications of finite elements on the subjects is extremely wide and cannot be presented in a single paper; therefore the aim of the paper is to give FE users only an encyclopaedic view of the different possibilities that exist today in the various fields mentioned above. An appendix included at the end of the paper presents a bibliography on finite element applications in material processing for the last five years, and more than 1100 references are listed.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 11 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

Haris Doukas, Alexandros Flamos, Vangelis Marinakis and Mohsen Assadi

The paper aims to provide the prospects and challenges of cooperation concerning natural gas (NG) resources between the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)…

688

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to provide the prospects and challenges of cooperation concerning natural gas (NG) resources between the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), based on a “critical review” of the current state of the GCC region regarding NG production, consumption, trading movements, policy framework and existing/planned projects and programs for each GCC country individually.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological four‐steps approach adopted is based on the context of the project “Creation and Operation of an EU‐GCC Clean Energy Network” (www.eugcc‐cleanergy.net). This paper summarizes the dynamic NG supply/demand situation in the GCC countries in a structured way, touching upon some pertinent policy issues and relating specific projects.

Findings

The key finding of the paper is the assessment of GCC countries' potential for future collaboration, especially with the EU. The collaboration opportunities, based on a detailed overview of existing and planned practices in the GCC countries, linking the policy to the practical commercial level, as well as the national system context is elaborated.

Originality/value

To the best of their knowledge, a study focused on the EU‐GCC cooperation for NG is not present in the literature. This study highlights how policy measures differ depending on the supply/demand situation of a particular country, bringing a unique perspective on how diverse the GCC region really is. Moreover, based on the specific energy projects presented, the policy level is linked to the practical commercial level. The presented approach and the related outcomes support the policy makers to enable the environment needed for concrete NG cooperation actions of mutual benefit for both regions.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Dianne N. Irving

Outlines some basic human embryological facts and considers several myths such as “the immediate product of fertilization is just a potential human being”. Gives medical facts to…

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Abstract

Outlines some basic human embryological facts and considers several myths such as “the immediate product of fertilization is just a potential human being”. Gives medical facts to clarify these issues and concludes that these have far reaching implications for many areas of research. Argues that these decisions, at present, are based more on myth than science.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 19 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

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