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Cheap Production of bioethanol from renewable lignocellulosic waste has the imperative potential to economically cut burgeoning world dependency on fossils while reducing net emission of carbon dioxide (CO 2), a principal greenhouse gas (GHGs). This paper highlights key benefits and status of bioethanol production technologies, aiming mainly on recent developments and its key potentials in Pakistan. Most sector of Pakistan economy heavily rely on the energy and power that is being produced using traditional approaches like from oil and hydel. However, the sedimentation in dams cut-down the energy generation and overwhelmed severe energy crisis that are witnessed since last decade. Thus, Pakistan must go to avail alternative sources of energy like hydro, biomass and solar so that energy security can be ensured to recover the tremendous loss of economy. Renewable biomass is abundantly available in Pakistan which can be used to produce bioethanol and electricity. Currently, 22 distilleries are producing the ethanol from sugar cane bagasse and out of these only 8 distillation units are producing motor fuel grade ethanol. The current bioethanol production of country is about 403,500 tons/year along with 2423 tons of biodegradable waste available in major cities. In addition, Pakistan produces 6.57, 0.5, 0.66, and 2.66 million tons of sugarcane, corn, rice, and wheat straw per annum, respectively. This biomass can produce 1.6 million liters of bioethanol which can produce approximately 38% of Pakistan's electricity annually. Despite having large potential, Pakistan is still producing a few volumes of ethanol from sugarcane bagasse. The production of bioethanol can be boosted using (I) pretreatment of agricultural biomass by alkali (II) enzymatic and bacteria-based hydrolysis of the biomass (III) post-hydrolysis using pressurized steam above 100 °C (IV) Fermentation of the biomass@ 7–10 h and (V) and (VI) distillation of bioethanol. This study recommends (1) increase R&D capacities mainly in the west and central regions of Pakistan, (2) initiate mega-projects to promote integrated bio-ethanol production at agriculture farms by providing 1/3 subsides, (3) purchase of bioethanol directly from the major agricultural farms, (4) produce bioethanol related manpower from the key research institutes as specified in this study. • Upgradation of inefficient biogas to bioethanol can solve energy crisis. • Study witnessed huge potential of bioethanol (403,500 tons/year) from cheap biomass. • Key technical barriers in the green development of ethanol is emphasized fact-sheet. • Study implementation will replace inefficient biomass burn into ethanol combustion. • Study will definitively help policy makers to sustain lives of Pakistan people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of biomass as an alternative fossil fuel can be realized mainly through biomass consumption. This paper examines the growth rate and spatial patterns of biomass consumption in the United States (hereafter US) during the period 2000–2012, using the SLOPE index, Moran's I and local Moran's I. Results indicate that US States show either slow growth or slow decline in biomass consumption during the period 2000–2012. The number of States that have slow growth in biomass consumption is slightly larger than the number of States showing slow decline. The pattern of growth rate of biomass consumption revealed by the SLOPE index and the observed pattern of the temporal variation of biomass consumption ensures that the SLOPE index can catch the growth rate of biomass consumption. This pattern does not align with the increased annual investment in biomass, indicating that the investment in biomass does not flow down to the biomass industry effectively. The pattern of growth rate of biomass consumption will provide additional evidence for the debates about the effectiveness of State renewable energy policy, and demonstrates an urgent need for appropriate State renewable energy policies. There is a High-High spatial cluster around the Southeast of the US and a Low-Low spatial cluster in the Middle of the US in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. The regional spatial cluster in biomass consumption has somewhat relationship with the growth rate of biomass consumption, which can help the understanding of the growth rate of biomass consumption. • The SLOPE index is used to investigate the growth rate of biomass consumption. • The pattern of growth rate does not align with the increased annual investment. • There is an urgent need for appropriate State renewable energy policies. • There are regional clusters in biomass consumption in 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012. • The regional spatial cluster has somewhat relationship with the growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limiting the negative effects of human-induced global warming is the focus of climate policy worldwide. In the European Union (EU), the target for reaching carbon neutrality is set to 2050, including a proposed renewable energy target of 45% for 2030. In Finland, the government has pledged to reach net-zero emissions already by 2035, which is expected to require large increases in wind and nuclear capacity, as well as sector coupling with, e.g., transport and heating. In view of these plans, this study evaluates the feasibility of attaining carbon neutrality in Finland by 2035, while considering delays from potential bottlenecks, such as limited raw material availability, fuel availability, manufacturing capacity, and import reliance. The literature review highlights the considerable dependence of renewable technologies on critical raw materials and other minerals, largely imported from non-EU countries. Modelling revealed how increased biomass usage considerably reduces the size of national carbon sinks, vital for reaching net-zero emissions in Finland in the coming decade. In light of this, current climate strategy was shown to be partially outdated and short of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035, already without including potential delays from the analyzed bottlenecks. Subsequently, alternative measures to improve sustainability and reduce emissions are presented. The findings of this paper are also relevant for other countries aiming to reach net-zero emissions, especially for those which have climate strategies emphasizing bioenergy and wind power. [Display omitted] • Raw material and manufacturing bottlenecks can delay renewable implementation. • Maintaining carbon sinks critical for climate neutral Finland in 2035. • Limits to biomass usage are needed, but result in adverse industrial impacts. • Further nuclear capacity needed for 2035 climate target and electricity sufficiency. • Finland will rely on electricity imports in 2035, despite plans to become exporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of Pakistan is increasing rapidly and hence the energy demand. Since ninety׳s, people of Pakistan has been experiencing load shedding because of the intense shortfall throughout the country. Pakistan, being an agricultural country, has a lot of potential of renewable energy sources especially biomass. The thing is to utilize the potential in a right direction. This paper presents the policy direction to get rid of the current energy crisis in the country through utilization of different types of biomass. The animal manure, municipal solid wastes and the crop residues are the main biomass sources in the country. This study also focuses the potential of main biomass sources present in the country and its technical routes for the production of bioenergy. The design parameters for standard bioreactor of gasifier and anaerobic digestion and their economic comparison are highlighted with respect to Pakistan environmental conditions. The development of anaerobic digestion technology is reviewed critically. This paper also discusses the different scenarios for the use of biomass sources in urban and rural environment. This verifies the use of biogas energy as the cheapest and the safest way to remove the crisis from the country. The stand-alone biogas plants should be constructed throughout the country where there is not electrification infrastructure exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is among the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), entirely reliant on coal, petroleum and some locally available renewable energy sources to satisfy energy needs. 22.7% of the electricity is generated by biomass, solar, landfill gas and hydro and the remaining by fossil fuels. Even with continual oil price volatilities and specific economic, social and environmental vulnerabilities compared to continental areas, Mauritius has successfully provided 100% electricity to all its residents. However, with a growth in population and economy, Mauritius faces a crucial challenge to supply more electrical power to all requiring sectors. Renewable energy appears to be the most effective solution to cater for the increase in electricity demand but there are still huge challenges to overcome for massive deployment of more renewable energy. In this context, this paper reviews the current electricity industry and fuel sources for electricity production in Mauritius. It also describes future energy policies for more renewable energy integration within the energy mix by 2025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Biomass will make a vital contribution to the EU renewable energy targets, however large amounts need to be mobilised to achieve policy goals. To promote action, the European Commission sent a firm call to member states for coordinated biomass strategies and plans, and engagement of sub-national actors. This paper examines how regional level biomass planning can benefit national planning and EU target achievement, and addressing of broader concerns of increased bioenergy production. It assesses a set of regional biomass action plans and their linkages to national level plans. The study indicates that regional and national planning address measures to reach targets in several ways, but that impacts related to the increased bioenergy production are often weakly assessed. Regional level strengths appear to include mobilisation of new biomass resources and involvement of stakeholders, while matters related to the sources of biomass and implementation details are better delineated by national plans. Areas with scope for improvement exist at both levels and include consideration of other uses of biomass and clarification of linkages between various targets. The paper concludes that regional planning clearly has the capacity to contribute to the concretisation of national level actions as well as enhancement of local economy and expertise; however at present, national level planning does not adequately link to such planning efforts. Further, the study indicates that the value of national planning work can be enhanced if efforts are made to recognise regional planning strengths and competence to bring about the planned changes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper analyses the reality of total renewable electricity scenario (TRES) from renewable energy sources (RES) as a totally green strategy of electric energy production. The paper is based on the EREC''s Agency forecast until the year 2040, which foresees the share of 82% of RES, extended to 100% of RES. The key element that creates conditions for achieving this ambitious scenario is an innovative combination of RES and pump storage hydroelectric (PSH) power plants, the so-called Concept-H, which can simultaneously use the energy of local RES (sun and wind) and local precipitation (natural waterflows) and in this way can provide continuous supply of electric power and energy to consumers. The methodology is based on the model of equivalent RES and equivalent reservoir that allows a comprehensive view of available RES and hydro system. The total required land use of RES system would be 29,517km2 of RES (which would amount to about 0.5% of the total technical potential of using RES), total reservoir volumes would be 880km3 (which is only 8% of all artificial reservoirs built in the world to the date) and the orientation estimate of investment in TRES would then be approximately 1% of world GDP in 2009, which clearly shows that the TRES is realistically feasible. It has been shown that implementation of the green strategy of energy balance fulfilling can be realized with present day technology. Precisely this fact shows that further increase of efficiency of RES and their combining into RES–PSH power plants, along with increase in the cost of classic power fuels and the growing needs for environment protection, the proposed solution of TRES realization could be widely important and thus become a serious alternative to the existing energy strategies and a guideline to decision makers throughout the world. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Global exploitation of renewable energy technologies is increasing rapidly due to the concern in global warming and dwindling supplies of fossil fuels. Most of the countries in the world are blessed with two or more renewable energy sources (RES) and hence have formulated policies to boost the utilization of RES for their electricity production. An assessment of renewable electricity scenario is essential for research and development related works in the field of renewable energy technologies in order to further develop the renewable energy industry. Recent developments in installation capacities, costs and reductions in electricity costs of major RES based electricity generation methods are discussed in this paper. It also includes the past growth and future expectations of renewable electricity production. The analysis shows that if the current developments in renewable industry continue, then a major share of global electricity production in the future could be supplied by renewable energy technologies. The analysis further shows that a significant amount of fuel cost and pollutants emission can be reduced by the increased use of RES based electrical power production technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Palestinian Territories relies on Israel for 100% of its fossil fuel imports and for 87% of its electricity imports. Total energy consumption in the Palestinian Territories is the lowest in the region and costs more than anywhere else in the Middle East. The purpose of this paper is to present the current energy situation in the Palestinian Territories, evaluate the potential of renewable energies in meeting part of the energy demand and discuss the challenges and benefits of using these types of energies. It is shown that the main renewable energy sources in the Palestinian Territories are solar, wind and biomass. Using the available renewable energy sources in the Palestinian Territories may significantly decrease the energy reliance on neighboring countries and improve the Palestinian population''s access to energy. It is estimated that solar sources have the potential to account for 13% of electricity demand and wind energy for 6.6%. The conversion of animal waste into biogas has the potential to meet the needs of 20% of the rural population. The conversion of unused agricultural residue into biodiesel could replace 5% of the imported diesel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey''s demand for energy and electricity is increasing rapidly. Turkey is heavily dependent on expensive imported energy resources that place a big burden on the economy and air pollution is becoming a great environmental concern in the country. Turkey''s energy production meets nearly 28% of its total primary energy consumption. As would be expected, the rapid expansion of energy production and consumption has brought with it a wide range of environmental issues at the local, regional and global levels. With respect to global environmental issues, Turkey''s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have grown along with its energy consumption. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). In this regard, renewable energy resources appear to be the one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey presently has considerable renewable energy sources. The most important renewable sources are hydropower, biomass, geothermal, solar and wind. Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. Turkey has a great and ever-intensifying need for power and water supplies and they also have the greatest remaining hydro potential. Hydropower and especially small hydropower are emphasized as Turkey''s renewable energy sources. Turkey''s hydro electric potential can meet 33–46% of its electric energy demand in 2020 and this potential may easily and economically be developed. This paper presents a review of the potential and utilization of the renewable energy sources in Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass has been traditional energy source in rural Thailand for decades. Country modernization, instead of reducing the biomass energy consumption, has continuously increased its utilization for both households and production of modern energy. While the GDP/capita was triple during 1980–1996, the biomass energy consumption increased by 68%, and expected to be higher as signaled by the increasing number of new biomass power plants. The legal and financial support frameworks to increase renewable energy utilization was launched in 1992 aiming for the country to depend less on imported energy, which at present accounted for 7% of GDP. In this paper, biomass and biogas energy situation in Thailand is presented. Resource potential, the promotion program and its success and failure were analyzed to suggest new policy option recommendation. The amount of agricultural residues is about 61 million ton a year, of which 41 million ton, which is equivalent to about 426PJ of energy, was unused. The most promising residues are rice husk, bagasse, oil palm residue and rubber wood residue, merely due to their availability at the mills, which heat–power cogeneration is feasible. Biogas resources are from industrial wastewater and live stocks manure, which have potential of 7800 and 13,000TJ/y, respectively. Instead of having the legal and financial support frameworks, the success of biomass energy program in Thailand is doubtful. Discussion on mechanisms and measures based on the past policy, which has been implemented for over a decade, is presented. From lessons learned we propose new policy approach to, in our opinion, overcome the biomass energy utilization barrier in Thailand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]