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Abstract: The pulp and paper industry both uses and produces large amounts of energy and rising fuel prices bring along significant challenges to the sector. Several strategies can be applied in order to remain competitive e.g. an increase in energy efficiency, a switch in fuel and/or a novel energy conversion technology. In this study, we investigate if improved energy conversion strategies can reduce energy costs, primary energy use and CO2 emissions of paper mills within different European countries (The Netherlands, Poland and Sweden). Our results show that differences in history and availability of resources has led to different conversion strategies in the three countries. We found that a natural gas combined cycle, which is largely implemented in The Netherlands due to long term domestic availability of natural gas, has the lowest primary energy demand. Due to a long history of low electricity prices, CHP has not been common in Sweden. Many Swedish mills use biomass as an energy source and due to low CO2 emissions of the national grid the CO2 emission profile of the Swedish paper industry is very low. Our results imply that future conversion routes for the Swedish paper and board industry are again wood based; in case of increasing electricity prices these would be biomass gasification based CHP solutions. With a reduction of 800kg CO2/ton paper on average, a switch from coal to biomass would reduce CO2 emissions in the Polish pulp and paper industry with approximately 0.6Mton/year. A carbon price of 20–25€/ton would, according to our results, be enough to provoke this switch. Due to the high share of natural gas, the CO2 emission reduction potential of the Dutch paper industry (1.5Mton/year) is even larger than in Poland. Due to high biomass prices and relative low CO2 emission profile of natural gas, a carbon prices of more than 60€/ton CO2 would be needed to provoke a switch in The Netherlands. Provided with few alternatives, the most effective strategy in The Netherlands would be an increase in energy efficiency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Awareness of environmental or, more broadly, sustainable development is becoming an increasingly important issue, and questions of recycling and reuse have been getting more and more attention lately. Biomass is an important renewable resource and can take many forms, ranging from agricultural residues to food waste, forestry residues, and wood processing residues. A particular example is woody biomass such as forestry residues, woodprocessing residues, or construction and municipal wastes that can be recycled and reused, providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to bioenergy production. This requires reverse supply chains in which the processes of collection, sorting, and transportation are efficient. The aim of this paper is to characterise the reverse supply chain of residual wood biomass and to indicate the main challenges related to it. Methods: For the needs of the paper, the research was conducted using the methods of analysis of secondary and primary sources. The materials included data obtained from scientific papers, reports, studies, and internet sources. We conducted focus groups interviews (FGIs) in three cities in Poland. Results: The article characterizes the details of the supply chain processes in woody biomass. Moreover, challenges, threats, and opportunities for reverse biomass supply chains are indicated. Conclusions: Wood biomass can be derived from various residues and has a very wide range of industrial applications. Several factors must be considered when organising and conducting logistics processes for wood residues, such as origin, structure, and composition of woody biomass. The reverse supply chain of residual biomass consists of many different entities between which many different processes take place. The well-organized logistical and technological processes are vital parts of the supply chain because they result in size reduction, moisture adjustment, cleaning, fractionation, densification etc., which reduces transport and storage costs. There are many challenges related to biomass supply chains, e.g. the seasonality of biomass, the different requirements for handling and transport equipment, as well as storage space configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy is a key driver of all modern economies. Sustainable development is playing an increasingly important role both at regional and local levels. It is a compromise between social and economic needs and the preservation of nature. In the policy of the European Union, the idea of sustainable development and environmental protection is of decisive importance for the implemented programs and economic activities. Contemporary challenges require the transformation of the energy market towards greater use of renewable sources. According to Directive 2009/28/EC of the European Parliament and European Council on promoting energy from renewable sources, Poland has committed itself to achieving a 23% share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption by 2030. This goal considers total energy consumption in terms of power, engineering, heating, refrigeration, and transport. The aim of this paper was, firstly, an analysis of the share of renewable energy in the European Union over an 18-year period (2004–2021), with particular emphasis on the position of Poland. The second objective was the analysis of renewable energy at the local level in Poland, i.e., at the local government unit (LAU) level. Changes in the share of renewable energy in Poland compared to other European countries were also examined. The study utilized functional analysis of principal components and cluster analysis based on the data from the Central Statistical Office and EUROSTAT. The study found that while Poland does not differ significantly from other countries in using renewable energy, it does fall below the European average. Principal component analysis suggests that Poland responds adequately to European changes in the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption. This dynamic is stable (over 95% explained by the first component) and applies to most countries surveyed. In addition, the authors sought to answer questions relating to the current status of renewable energy sources in Poland, the barriers and challenges facing the introduction of renewable energy in the country, a comparative analysis of Poland's progress in renewable energy with other global counterparts, and an exploration of the future prospects and potential for the development of renewable energy in Poland. The study found that the potential for renewable energy is greatest in the northern areas of Poland, with photovoltaics and wind power plants providing the greatest capacity. Poland's renewable energy potential is very high and will be determined by technological development, political, economic, and social issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of small district heating systems (DHS) in Poland are supplied with coal and do not have a status of efficient ones according to Energy Efficiency Directive. They should transform into efficient ones by taking an appropriate measures by the end of 2035. At the same time, a significant reduction of CO 2 emissions is expected in this sector. One of the possible solution for such systems is to apply unites fueled with fuels alternative to coal such as biomass. Cost benefits analysis of implementation a biomass ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) cogeneration unit in municipal district heating system of 22 MW thermal capacity is the subject of the paper. The research included building configuration scenarios of a heat source regarding ORC size and operation modes. Different economic inputs such as electricity, fuel and European Union Allowance (EUA) for CO 2 prices as well as financial support mechanisms were considered. Economic indexes (Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return and payback times) have been derived for both Polish and German conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for social and regulatory forest ecosystem services can significantly modify the availability and cost of biomass for energy purposes. This article presents a model for optimizing biomass supply chains using a linear programming framework integrated with a geographic information system (GIS). Based on a given type of biomass resource, its calorific value, price, distance from the power plant, and transportation costs, the model identifies the optimal source of biomass, allowing it to cover the demand for the required total energy value with the lowest possible costs. The case study includes the Połaniec power plant in southeastern Poland and potential sources of forest biomass and agricultural straw within 100 km of the plant. The impact of constraints on the availability and cost of biomass was analyzed in the following scenarios: (1) all forest and agriculture biomass is available, (2) forest area in Natura 2000 network is excluded, and (3) firewood and forests with dominated ecological and social function are excluded. Unit costs of biomass varied depending on biomass availability and energy demands. The lowest unit costs of biomass (3.19 EUR/MJ) were for energy demand at the level of 1 TJ yearly for all kinds of biomass and the highest (4.91 EUR/MJ) for ecological and social constraints and energy demand 4 TJ. As energy demand increased, unit costs increased, and the ability to meet this demand with just one type of biomass decreased. The energy biomass sector can utilize the model to benefit both biomass producers and their final buyers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare remotely sensed data with in situ data using the AquaCrop simulation model for accurately monitoring growth conditions and predict grassland biomass in the north-eastern and central-western regions of Poland from 2020 to 2022. The model was calibrated using input data, including daily climate parameters from the ERA5-Land Daily Aggregated dataset, crop characteristics (initial canopy cover, maximum canopy cover, and harvest index), and soil characteristics. Additionally, parameters such as the leaf area index (LAI), soil texture classes, and plant growth stages were obtained through field campaigns. The grassland's biomass simulation results indicate that the root mean square error (RMSE) values for the north-eastern region ranged from 0.12 to 0.35 t·ha−1, while for the central-western region, they ranged from 0.07 to 0.12 t·ha−1. Overall, the outcomes obtained from Sentinel-2 data perform comparably to the in situ measurements, and in some instances, even yield superior results. This study contributes valuable insights into grass production management on farms, providing essential information and tools for managers to better understand grass growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the time of rising urbanization and population growth, the search for renewable energy sources to ensure sustainable development is of extreme importance. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of different proportions of composted organic materials, i.e., mushroom substrate and municipal waste, on Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson) energy value. A three-year field experiment was established on experimental plots in the east-central part of Poland. Various treatment combinations, each introducing 170 kg N·ha−1 to the soil, had a positive effect on the energy parameters of Chinese silver grass biomass. The highest calorific value (17,964 kJ·kg−1) was noted for plants treated with mushroom compost on its own (MSC100%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biohydrogen production is a promising alternative to replace fossil fuels in an environmentally friendly way. In addition to the many available renewable energy sources, the production of "colored" hydrogen and biohydrogen occupies an irreplaceable position due to the undeniable availability of biomass and the need to manage food waste (FW). This article presents the current state of biohydrogen production technology—examples on continents (America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Oceania) and in Europe in terms of the efficiency of dark methane fermentation (CH4). Biophotolysis processes leading to the production of biohydrogen are indicated: directly and indirectly. The mechanism of the fermentation process of obtaining hydrogen and two-stage hydrogen fermentation are presented. The novelty of this article is the development of innovative trends in the development of the biohydrogen industry in Europe. Various models of the biohydrogen process are presented for different raw materials and proportions of substrates used in co-fermenters. Researchers from China are the undisputed pioneers in the use of renewable energy sources. However, improved energy self-sufficiency and environmental impacts are reflected in the growing number of pilot installations operating in European countries. This also gives hope for rapid progress towards full animal and FW management also in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of production of raw materials for energy generation on agricultural areas is a multileveled issue (the economic, social, environmental and other aspects should be considered). Plantations of energetic plants that represent an important component in satisfying the increasing demand for biomass resulting from the requirement of increasing the use of renewable energy sources in Poland and the European Union will be an important aspect in production of agricultural biomass during the nearest future. Agroenergetics should result in a significant development of agriculture. This paper aims at presenting the legal-economic and technological conditions of biomass production for energy generation purposes as concerns liquid biofuels (as a substitute for fuels produced on the base of crude oil) and solid biomass (used in heat and power generation). This is a consequence of high emissions of greenhouse gases from transport end heat and power generation sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural sector can play an important role in the transformation of the energy economy in Poland. Special attention in this paper has been paid to the development of the agricultural biogas market in Poland. The considerations mainly concern organizational and economic aspects. Agricultural biogas plant represents the circular cycle of matter and energy. It enables the establishment of low-carbon, resource-efficient links between the agriculture and energy sectors. This is an important element of the circular economy, where waste from agricultural production and the agri-food industry, coming from renewable resources, is transformed into goods with a higher added value. The social and economic needs of the present generation and future generations are considered. The paper presented the characteristics of the Polish market, i.e., the number of entities, the number and location of plants, as well as the production volumes. Analyses were performed in the area of raw materials used to produce agricultural biogas. The analyses were carried out between 2011 and 2018. According to analyses, the potential of the agricultural biogas market in Poland is currently being used to a small extent. It is necessary not only to provide institutional support but also to increase the awareness of farmers and managers in agri-food companies of the possibility of using production waste for energy purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformation toward a circular economy (CE) model is one of the main priorities of the European Commission (EC). In the previous years, most of the European countries prepared national documents presenting their possibilities and plans for implementing CE in the country. In Poland, in 2019, the CE roadmap was approved by the government. Bioeconomy was indicated in this document as one of the key areas of CE implementation in Poland. This paper presents a detailed review of the actions needed for the transformation toward the CE model in Poland, and the units responsible for their implementation in the bioeconomy sector. The most important actions include creating conditions for the development of bioeconomy and building local value chains and a raw material base. Moreover, actions in the energy sector and transformation of industry is also indicated. Poland places great emphasis on strengthening cooperation between industry and the science sector, which should contribute to the implementation of innovative solutions in the whole economy, including bioeconomy. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate all activities taken by various stakeholders and the government at the central, regional and local level. A great opportunity to further development of bioeconomy in Poland is large resources of biomass in country. An increase in the biomass usage can positively accelerate the transformation process towards CE. Further efforts are required and planned in this area, based on the directions indicated in the Polish CE roadmap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Energy Policy Journal / Polityka Energetyczna is the property of Mineral & Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In light of the latest regulations in the energy sector, renewable energy sources are quickly becoming more important. Among renewable energy sources, the one that has the greatest potential for use in Poland is natural and waste biomass. Application of solar energy to biomass thermal conversion methods e.g., pyrolysis, affords the opportunity for additional solar energy storage as well as amplification of the pro-ecological effect of the entire conversion process. Precise control of waste biomass pyrolysis via an investigation into the process thermodynamics, kinetics, and heat transfer phenomena allows to direct the reaction for production of desirable products, ranting reduction in of disposal cost of biomass, even sewage sludge. The goal of this study was to develop new design of laboratory-scale solar pyrolytic reactors to investigate the solar pyrolysis of waste biomass. Within presented paper, pyrolysis fundamentals, including process thermodynamics and kinetic principles, were reviewed. In addition, recently-developed, and artificial-powered solar pyrolytic reactors were discussed with a brief comparison of popular light sources for solar pyrolysis studies. After numerous consultations with artificial light sources producers and researchers, own design of a solar pyrolytic reactor is presented, along with a project development, preliminary experiment results and basic methodology for future studies. • Solar pyrolysis is promising way of waste biomass conversion, free of greenhouse gases emissions. • Pyrolysis principles with emphasis on process thermodynamics and kinetics are presented. • Proper kinetic modelling of biomass pyrolysis is crucial to predict feedstock behaviour inside the reactor. • Solar pyrolysis studies performed on artificial light reactors in last 20 years are discussed. • Finally, solar pyrolysis reactor powered by 1.6 kW xenon-arc lamp, reaching 500 °C at 85.5% of lamp power is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assemblages of epigeic ground beetles living in Norway spruce forests in north-eastern Poland in three age ranges: young: 20-30 years (A); middle-aged: 40-50 years (B); old: 70-80 years (C) were investigated. In each age category, 4 plots with 5 Barber traps were set up. Ground beetle assemblages were compared in terms of their abundance, species richness, and the Shannon H' index value. Quantitative ecological description of the carabids captured in the analysed age-classes of Norway spruce forests was performed, and the values of the mean individual biomass (MIB) were calculated. To determine the correlation between mean individual biomass and abundance of various ecological groups of carabid beetles, the Spearman rank correlation coefficient was calculated. The assemblages of ground beetles living in the Norway spruce forests in north-eastern Poland were characterised by quite large species richness (44 species in total). There were significant differences in species richness among the different ages of Norway spruce forests. The oldest Norway spruce stands (70-80 years old) had a smaller number of species and specimens of ground beetles as well as the highest MIB values in comparison with the younger spruce forests A and B. The results revealed that high MIB values were positively correlated with the presence of large ground beetle species with higher moisture requirements. Lower values of the MIB index were due to the presence of smaller open habitat macropterous species, with the spring type of breeding and associated with open areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Willows are one of the plants which can be used to produce biomass for energy purposes. Biomass production is classified as a renewable energy source. Increasing the share of renewable sources is one of the priority actions for European Union countries due to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the best possible growth of the willow and increase its biomass for fuel, it is crucial to provide optimal water conditions for its growth. The aim of the study was to determine the water requirements of willows under the conditions of the western Polish climate and to verify whether this area is potentially favourable for willow cultivation. The novelty of this paper lies in its multi-year climatic analysis in the context of willow water needs for the area of three voivodships: Lubusz, Lower Silesian, and West Pomeranian. This is one of the few willow water-needs analyses for this region which considers the potential for widespread willow cultivation and biomass production in western Poland. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was determined by the Blaney-Criddle equation and then, using plant coefficients, water needs for willow were determined. Calculations were carried out for the growing season lasting from 21 May to 31 October. The estimated water needs during the vegetation season amounted on average to 408 mm for the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 405 mm for the Lubusz Voivodeship, and 402 mm for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The conducted analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that these needs do not differ significantly between the voivodeships. Therefore, it can be concluded that the water requirements of willows in western Poland do not differ significantly, and the whole region shows similar water conditions for willow cultivation. Furthermore, it was found that water needs are increasing from decade to decade, making rational water management necessary. This is particularly important in countries with limited water resources, such as Poland. Correctly determining the water requirements of willow and applying them to the cultivation of this plant should increase the biomass obtained. With appropriate management, willow cultivation in Poland can provide an alternative energy source to coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bibliographic review is presented on publications related to bioaccumulation of elements, specially metals and radionuclides in fruiting bodies of higher mushrooms collected at the territory of Poland. In the paper apart from the list of references in tables is given, chronologically, name of the first author, year of publication, site, the type of work (in situ, commercial source, field experiment, laboratory study), chemical symbols of the elements and the abbreviations of the latin names of the mushroom species under study.

Biochar can be useful to overcome several environmental challenges in different sectors of energy, industry, and agriculture. However, there are currently only a limited number of studies with the employment of biochar for various applications and their environmental impacts. This study develops an LCA framework to evaluate the climate impacts of biochar production and its applications in soil enhancement and as a substitute for coal-based fuels in steel industries and then compares it with conventional biomass usage for energy production for Sweden, Italy, and Poland. Various pyrolysis operating temperatures are also considered to determine the optimal conditions for each location. The results show that biomass pyrolysis with biochar usage in the agricultural sector has the least environmental impact with the most significant potential in Poland followed by Italy. lower temperatures (around 350 °C) are more favorable for Sweden in terms of CO2 emissions, due to the country's renewable energy-based electrical system. Low to moderate temperatures (350–500 °C) are found to be optimal for pyrolysis temperature in Italy, while higher temperatures (around 650 °C) yield the highest GHG reduction for both biochar applications in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the influence of physicochemical traits on yield depending on the variety and year of cultivation. Four common to Poland grape cultivars, i.e. 'Regent', 'Rondo', 'Seyval Blanc', and 'Solaris', were evaluated by analysing, among others, number of clusters per bush, their weight, number of berries, and the yield per hectare, number of woody shoots, weight of woody shoots, and the diameter of woody shoots. Energy and emission parameters were evaluated by conducting technical evaluation (lower heating value, ash content, volatile matters content, moisture content, fixed carbon) and elemental analysis (carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur and oxygen contents) of one-year, two-year and three-year vine shoots. In addition, emission factors for CO, CO2, NOx, SO2 and dust were estimated. The study showed that there was no significant differences between years under study (2020, 2021 and 2022) and energy and emission parameters. It was observed that the highest LHV (lower heating value) occurred in the 'Regent' cultivar while the lowest level in the 'Rondo' cultivar. As regards energy-emission parameters, a significant influence of cultivar ('Solaris', 'Rondo', 'Seyval Blanc' and 'Regent') was shown on the parameters studied except for nitrogen content and NOx emission index. The interaction of year and cultivar showed no significant differences except for the moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for clean energy is a key global issue requiring global ideas to be implemented through local action. This is particularly important in Poland's energy transition, since the country produces energy mainly from conventional sources, i.e., coal, gas, and crude oil. Adverse climate change caused by high emissions of the economy based on the combustion of hydrocarbons as well as the growing public awareness have made it necessary to look for new environmentally friendly energy sources. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate that the use of alternative energy sources, biomass in particular, is compatible with sustainable development policy. Eight indicators for the EU-28 and for Poland were analysed in order to verify the progress in modifying the energy mix between 2010 and 2018 in the context of implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis showed that both in the EU-28 and in Poland, the aggregated indicator taking into account the positive and negative change in the values of individual indicators improved between 2010 and 2018. In the EU-28, this indicator is higher (180.1) than in Poland (152.3). The lower value for Poland is mainly due to the fact that the main source of energy in Poland remains hard coal and lignite. However, the noticeable increase in recent years in the share of energy from renewable sources, biomass included, allows us to look with hope to a rapidly growing indicator measuring progress towards a sustainable development goal, and to improving environmental standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the identified obstacles to the development of biogas plants is the limited sources of organic substrates. Hydrophytes varying in morphology, chemical composition, and origin proved to be viable alternatives. This study's aim was to determine the feasibility of deploying biomass from the cleansing of water reservoirs for anaerobic digestion. A mass and energy balance was estimated for Warmia–Mazury Province (Poland), the so-called Thousand Lake District. The effectiveness of anaerobic digestion was determined in anaerobic batch respirometric reactors. The biomass of hydrophytes harvested from this area approximated 38,070 Mg FM/year. The biogas yield from emergent plants approximated 350 m3/MgVS, and the average CH4 content of biogas reached 55%, whereas the respective values obtained from submerged biomass reached 270 m3/MgVS and 58% CH4. The total CH4 volume achievable from the facility fed with waste biomass of this type allows producing ca. 1,654,560 m3CH4/year, which enables reaching 866 kW theoretical thermal power and 636 kWe net electrical power with the facility. The contribution of biomass from mowing in this energy effect was about 84%, whereas that of the submerged vegetation obtained by hacking the bottom was 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JA (Jerusalem artichoke) cultivars react differently to mineral fertilization. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of mineral fertilization on the yield and yield structure of this species in terms of its aboveground biomass. The research was based on a field experiment carried out in 2016–2018 in Central and Eastern Poland using the randomized subblock method, in a split-split-plot-dependent system. The factors of the first-order experiment were the cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) ('Albik', 'Rubik' and 'Violet de Renes'), while the second-order factors were differentiated mineral fertilizers (N0P0K0 as a control object and P43, K124, N100, P43K124, N50P43K124m N100P43K124, and N150P43K124) converted to their elemental forms compared with the full dose of manure. The third-order factors were nitrogen forms, including ammonium nitrate and amide. The aboveground biomass yield and its structure were determined. The tested cultivars did not differ significantly in yield, but had different yield structures. The use of mineral fertilization brought measurable effects in the form of an increase in the yield of aboveground biomass. The 'Albik' cultivar responded best to mineral fertilization, with the highest yield of aboveground biomass being obtained after applying 150 kg N ha−1 in the form of ammonium nitrate against the background of constant phosphorus–potassium fertilization. The 'Rubik' cultivar responded most favorably to the addition of 50 kg N ha−1 in the amide form against the background of phosphorus–potassium fertilization, while the 'Violet de Renes' cultivar produced the highest yield of aboveground biomass after the application of 100 kg N ha−1 in the amide form, including PK fertilization. It was found that it was advantageous to use a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus–potassium fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a 1.5D model of a fluidized bed chemical looping combustion (CLC) built with the use of a comprehensive simulator of fluidized and moving bed equipment (CeSFaMB) simulator. The model is capable of calculating the effect of gas velocity in the fuel reactor on the hydrodynamics of the fluidized bed and the kinetics of the CLC process. Mass of solids in re actors, solid circulating rates, particle residence time, and the number of particle cycles in the air and fuel reactor are considered within the study. Moreover, the presented model calculates essential emissions such as CO2, SOX, NOX, and O2. The model was successfully validated on experimental tests that were carried out on the Fluidized-Bed Chemical-Looping-Combustion of Solid-Fuels unit located at the Institute of Advanced Energy Technologies, Czestochowa University of Technology, Poland. The model's validation showed that the maximum relative errors between simulations and experiment results do not exceed 10%. The CeSFaMB model is an optimum compromise among simulation accuracy, computational resources, and processing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass is currently the main renewable energy source (RES) in the EU, particularly in Poland. Solid biomass for energy purposes is primarily sourced from forests, the wood processing industry, and agriculture. A significant source of this energy feedstock could also be short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs), including black locust, poplar, and willow. Since numerous factors determine the SRWC biomass quality, the current study aimed at assessing biomass thermophysical properties and elemental composition depending on the plant species, soil enrichment procedure, and the plant harvest rotation over a consecutive 12-year period of cultivation. The characteristics under study, including the moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, higher heating value (HHV), and the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine contents, were significantly differentiated by all the main factors, i.e., the SRWC species, the soil enrichment procedure, the harvest rotation, and the interactions between these factors. The SRWC species accounted for the highest percentage of the variation in the biomass moisture content, ash content, HHV, and nitrogen content, while the harvest rotation made the largest contribution to the variation in carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine contents. The black locust biomass was characterized by the significantly lowest moisture content (an average of 38.89%) and the highest sulfur content (an average of 0.033% DM), nitrogen content (an average of 0.91% DM), and chlorine content (an average of 0.032% DM). However, poplar was characterized by the highest HHV (an average of 19.84 GJ Mg−1 DM) and the highest moisture content (56.52% DM), carbon content (56.52% DM), and ash content (an average of 1.67% DM). Willow was characterized by the lowest ash content (an average of 1.67% DM), a medium moisture content, and the lowest nitrogen content (an average of 0.38% DM) and chlorine content (an average of 0.19% DM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the consumption of energy needed to heat a detached house located in the north-east of Poland, as well as the cost of heat generation by combustion of wood briquettes compared to other biomass fuels and fossil fuels. The annual average consumption of briquettes during three heating seasons was 6.93–7.42 t/year and the annual consumption of fuel energy was 121–130 GJ/year. Expressed as energy per unit area of the house, the consumption of heat ranged from 0.40 to 0.42 GJ/m 2 /year. The average annual consumption of heat per person was 20.22–21.65 GJ. The annual cost of production of heat from briquettes for a house ranged from €772 to €986 during the three seasons under study. The cost of energy production from this fuel was much lower compared to fuel oil, natural gas, coal and pellets, but was higher compared to willow chips. Briquettes, which are produced in Poland in piston briquetting presses and which can be used as fuel in automatic boilers, is a prospective and promising feedstock for generating heat for family houses. The high price of new automatic biomass boilers is the main barrier in the modernisation of boiler houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the economic and technical problems associated with the use of biomass in co-combustion processes in the energy sector in Poland. The particular attention was paid to the extent of the use of biomass in the energy sector, the technologies and techniques applied, as well as the economic determinants. As it results from the analyses, the co-combustion of biomass in Poland is a predominant direction in the "green" energy production. Co-combustion processes are carried out mainly with the use of direct combustion technologies in the largest entities operating in the energy market. The widespread use of biomass in the Polish energy sector results in specific problems, such as those associated with the prices of green certificates and the import of biomass. Currently, the Polish renewable energy sector is developing as intended. However, the validity of the funds spending, which aimed at supporting renewable energy sources (RES), may raise some doubts. This results from insufficient monitoring of the amount of energy produced on the basis of renewable sources, which in 2012 led to over-production of the RES-based energy and, consequently, to a significant decrease in prices of green certificates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientific Journal of National University of Life & Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. Series: Economy, Agrarian Management, Business is the property of National University of Life & Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Animal waste, including chicken manure, is a category of biomass considered for application in the energy industry. Poland is leading poultry producer in Europe, with a chicken population assessed at over 176 million animals. This paper aims to determine the theoretical and technical energy potential of chicken manure in Poland. The volume of chicken manure was assessed as 4.49 million tons per year considering three particular poultry rearing systems. The physicochemical properties of examined manure specimens indicate considerable conformity with the data reported in the literature. The results of proximate and ultimate analyses confirm a considerable effect of the rearing system on the energy parameters of the manure. The heating value of the chicken manure was calculated for the high moisture material in the condition as received from the farms. The value of annual theoretical energy potential in Poland was found to be equal to around 40.38 PJ. Annual technical potential of chicken biomass determined for four different energy conversion paths occurred significantly smaller then theoretical and has the value from 9.01 PJ to 27.3 PJ. The bigger energy degradation was found for heat and electricity production via anaerobic digestion path, while fluidized bed combustion occurred the most efficient scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas plants are one of the most stable sources of renewable energy. Currently, there is a noticeable increase in the amount of post-production residues from agricultural production and agri-food processing (fruit and vegetable processing, fermentation, beet pulp, or lignocellulosic waste), which, can be used for biogas production after appropriate pretreatment. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of using the biomass produced during the cultivation of grapes on a selected farm as a substrate for a biogas plant, taking into account the production process. The research was carried out in 2018-2020 in a vineyard located in the Sandomierz Upland in the south-eastern part of Poland. Own rooted vines were grown as a single continuous string with a trunk height of 40 cm and a length of one fixed arm approx. 0.9 m, on which six pivots were left every year after applying a short cut, from which 12-16 fruit shoots were derived, the so-called grapevines. Leaves were collected at random from three locations on the fruiting shoot, a total of 30 leaves in each replicate. Each sample consisted of 1/3 of the leaves collected at the bottom, 1/3 in the middle, and 1/3 at the top of the canopy. Leaf area was estimated with a model 3100 area meter on a sample of 30 leaves from each replicate. Both the quantity and quality of the obtained material as a substrate for methane fermentation were evaluated. Biogas yield tests in optimal conditions for mesophilic bacteria were conducted on three substrate samples referred to as 'Regent', 'Seyval Blanc', and 'Solaris'. The yields of the tested material ranged from 51.0 to 59.0 Nm3 biogas per Mg of biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, one of the main directions of agricultural development in Poland is the pursuit of sustainable development, rational management of material resources, and striving for energy self-sufficiency, while maintaining low greenhouse gas emissions. It is an alternative to constantly supported coal solutions. Sustainable development in the sense of processes taking place in enterprises affects many key areas of their activity. One of them is the measurement of efficiency, another is the compatibility with nature and the environment, and the perception of humans and their role. Measures of enterprises' effectiveness should be considered in relation to the objectives of the enterprise. Biorefineries play a special role in shaping the new energy reality, being a system that connects various devices and biomass conversion processes to produce energy, fuel, and other valuable products. The essence of the functioning of biorefineries is as value chains; that is, a series of interrelated activities of specific importance and market value. The study aims to identify the determinants and efficiency of value chains in agricultural biorefineries according to the concept of sustainable development and the use of biomass resources in biorefining processes. Identifying and analyzing individual stages allows one to demonstrate the effectiveness of the implementation of technology using renewable energy sources, according to the concept of sustainable development and the implementation of the direction of the circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we present the possibility of applying the concept of elasticity in the system of sustainable energy development through the use of wood biomass. We used a dual (socio-ecological and economic) approach to sustainable energy development. The research was carried out using the methods of reduction reasoning, scientific observation, and examination of source documents. We identified crisis threats in the context of sustainable energy development. Then, we analyzed the supply of wood biomass in Poland, taking into account its geographical location. As a result, we identified and characterized the causal relationships between the assumptions of the concept of resistance and the sustainable development of energy with the use of wood biomass. We found that the concepts of resilience can be adapted to assessing energy sustainability. This adaptation is based on resilience, flexibility, and strategic ability to revitalize the country. We found that five key threats (extreme weather events, climate breakdown, pollution, infectious diseases, loss of biodiversity) affect both the energy-sustainability system and forest management, and the relationship is two-way. We show that the production of forest biomass is compatible with modern forest management and supports the implementation of sustainable energy development, which takes place under the concept of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an estimation of C-sequestration and relationships between vegetation biomass and reclaimed mine soils in pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) ecosystems in Poland. The study sites were arranged on 8 different geologic/mine soil substrates on waste dumps and surface mine spoils associated with open-cast lignite, sulfur, sand, and hard coal mine spoils. We combined soil and plant biomass data for C and other parameters via a range of site-specific measurements and lab analyses of soil and plant materials for these sites and coupled them with previously derived empirical formulae for biomass estimation. Based on this, we estimated the potential for C-sequestration in post-mining ecosystems and associated internal relationships between soil and plant C-sequestration. Our results indicate significant potentials for development of total ecosystem C stocks (taken as total aboveground biomass + soil + roots) of approximately 50 Mg C ha −1 for even the most oligotrophic habitats in Quaternary sand mine spoils and over 102 Mg C ha −1 for spoil heaps on a sulfur mine in mixed Quaternary sands and Tertiary formation clays, both of which were similar to C stocks in adjacent natural forest pine ecosystems. Litter layer C stocks ranged from 5.9 to 12.7 Mg C ha −1 and total soil C stocks (litter + soil organic carbon (SOC) ranged from 16.8 to 65.0 Mg C ha −1 . However, on coal refuse wastes, total soil C stocks were above 2900 Mg C ha −1 , which was derived primarily from fossil C. The estimated annual soil C-sequestration rate (in litter + SOC) ranged from 0.7 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 to 5.2 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 for the 8 sites in this study. Associated C-sequestration rates in organic horizon (litter Oi + Oe) were estimated between ∼0.2 and 0.8 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 . The estimated range of total annual C-sequestration in post-mine ecosystems (taken as SOC + vegetation biomass across all four mine sites) of this region is 1.6–5.6 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy consumption is the call by United Nation Sustainable Development Goals, and sustainable consumption is the only solution for the future. This study found that the solution to the framed problem has a requirement to categorize the green consumer value parameters in hierarchy of importance for five specific RESs and their alignment with environment policy based on a comparison of Poland and India. The study revealed the importance of each criterion for renewable energy sources providing, a comparative table of Poland and India. The methodological approach used secondary data for selecting countries, and primary data are used for statistical analysis of Automatic Linear Modelling. The research concludes that the CRITERIA4 is one of the most important that emerged with all five RESs for Poland and three RESs for India. Both countries are aligned with the UN sustainable development goals and are switching over to all means of sustainability. Poland scores a higher value of importance compared to India, which justifies the awareness of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A calibrated zooplankton module was utilized to estimate zooplankton dynamics. • Zooplankton biomass in lakes with large width-depth ratio decreased with warming. • Zooplankton biomass shows a high sensitivity to nutrient levels in large lakes. • Temperature changes interfere with zooplankton growth more than eutrophication. Zooplankton is an essential part of the simulation in ecological process-based models and rigorous calibration of the zooplankton module lacks relevant modeling research that can predict the response of zooplankton biomass to varied environmental factors. The paper therefore builds a one-dimensional lake ecology model PCLake, which quantifies the dynamic effects on zooplankton in small water bodies distinguished by lake size and eutrophication status in warming climates. Based on the main geometric characteristics among a series of shallow water bodies, we constructed three lake models, namely, a northern lake with a larger area (> 0.1 ha) in Poland (Lake NL), a northern lake with a smaller (< 0.1 ha) area in Poland (Lake NS), and a southern lake with the smallest area in Croatia (Lake SS). Data from 2017 to 2018, including water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chlorophyll a (Chl a), and zooplankton, were used to calibrate and verify models for three shallow water body categories and uncertainty analyses were carried out to support the credibility of our models. Further, to discuss the potential driving forces of environmental factors on zooplankton, we set up a series of scenarios in which atmospheric temperature and nutrient input were changed. Zooplankton are only considered as a common pool and therefore only how biomass varied can be obtained. Warming resulted in a decline of zooplankton in the lakes located in Northern Europe, with peak decreases in zooplankton biomass more than four times higher in Lake NS than in Lake NL. In addition, due to multiple nutrient loading scenarios, incoming nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were found to have a huge impact on zooplankton biomass in Lake NL. Specifically, relative to the original eutrophic level, the average annual biomass of zooplankton increased by 90% with a 75% increase in organic nitrogen over the original eutrophic level and decreased by more than 50% with a 75% decrease in inorganic phosphorus. Hence, lake size characteristics should be taken into account in management and restoration as they may be synergistic with in-lake biological and abiotic processes under complex environmental forces. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of cultivar, nitrogen (N) rate, and biostimulant application on the chemical composition of the aboveground biomass of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). A small-area field experiment was established in the Agricultural Experiment Station in Tomaszkowo (53°42′40.8″ N 20°26′04.7″ E, north-eastern Poland). The experiment had a split-plot design with three replications, and the experimental variables were as follows: (i) perennial ryegrass cultivar: Bajka and Baronka, (ii) N fertilizer rate: 0, 120, 240 kg N ha−1, (iii) application of biostimulants: Blatt Boden-Foliar (BB-F) and Blatt Boden-Foliar + Blatt Boden-Multical (BB-F + BB-M). This study demonstrated that the tetraploid cultivar Baronka had a more desirable chemical composition than the diploid cultivar Bajka. The biomass of cv. Baronka had a higher content of CP, CF, and K, and it was characterized by higher leaf greenness (SPAD) values. Nitrogen fertilization considerably increased the content of CP, P, and K, and leaf greenness (SPAD) values in both cultivars, and the noted increase was higher when N was applied at 240 kg ha−1. The N fertilizer rate of 120 kg ha−1 led to a significant decrease in the average Ca content of plants, whereas the N fertilizer rate of 240 kg ha−1 had no significant effect on Ca concentration. The tested biostimulants significantly affected the chemical composition of perennial ryegrass biomass, and their influence was greater when they were applied in combination. The foliar application of Blatt Boden-Foliar and Blatt Boden-Multical increased the content of CP, P, and chlorophyll in perennial ryegrass leaves, whereas it decreased the accumulation of CF, K, and Ca in plants. The analyzed biostimulants had a positive effect on the chemical composition of perennial ryegrass biomass. This is an important practical consideration because high-quality green fodder for livestock can be produced while minimizing the use of mineral fertilizers and adverse environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fragmentation is a widespread phenomenon that directly or indirectly affects the processes that take place both in forest ecosystems and in their immediate surroundings. So far, many studies confirm its negative effects, especially on biodiversity. On the other hand, there are few studies that address the effects of forest fragmentation on the amount of accumulated biomass or carbon, as well as on the characteristics of wood resources in managed forests. Therefore, issues related to timber production, which are important from the point of view of multifunctional forest management, are omitted. The aim of our research was to add to the knowledge in this area. In particular, we focused on assessing the impact of forest fragmentation on wood resources based on an analysis of edge effects in forest patches (units formed by combining forest fragments characterized by structural connectivity). Vector data describing the topography of forest fragments in Poland and the results of the National Forest Inventory (NFI) from 2015–2019 were used as material for solving this problem. The results of our research showed that the effects of fragmentation on managed pine stands depend on the age of the stand and the fertility of the habitat. In young stands growing on barren or strongly barren habitats, growing stock volume turned out to be significantly higher in the edge zone. In older stands, especially on moderately fertile habitats, significantly higher resources were found in the interior zone of forest patches. Habitat quality also had a significant effect on the amount of carbon accumulated. In strongly barren habitats, higher carbon mass was found in edge zones, while in moderately fertile habitats, stands had higher carbon volume in the interior zone. Our results illustrate that forest fragmentation is a very complex process that can increase or reduce wood resources, depending on the age of the stand and the quality of the habitat. From the standpoint of measurable benefits, it was concluded that protection from the negative effects of fragmentation should focus primarily on older stands and more fertile habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper estimation of the herb layer annual net primary production (ANPP) can help to appreciate the role of this layer in carbon assimilation and nutrient cycling. Simple methods of ANPP estimation often understate its value. More accurate methods take into account biomass increments of individual species but are more laborious. We conducted our study in an oak-hornbeam forest (site area 12 ha) dominated by beech in NW Poland during two growing seasons (2010 and 2011). We collected herb layer biomass from 7 to 10 square frames (0.6 × 0.6 m). We collected plant biomass every week in April and May and every two weeks for the rest of the growing season. We compared six methods of calculating ANPP. The highest current-year standing biomass (1st method of ANPP calculation) was obtained on May 15, 2010—37.8 g m−2 and May 7, 2011—41.0 g m−2. The highest values of ANPP were obtained by the 6th method based on the sum of the highest products of shoot biomass and density for individual species: 74.3 g m−2 year−1 in 2010 and 94.0 g m−2 year−1 in 2011. The spring ephemeral Anemone nemorosa had the highest share of ANPP with 50% of the total ANPP. Two summer-greens, Galeobdolon luteum and Galium odoratum, each had a ca. 10% share of ANPP. The best results of ANPP calculation resulted from laborious tracking of dynamics of biomass and density of individual shoots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the paper energy crops of considerable cultivation potential in Poland, namely: Salix viminalis, Helianthus tuberosus, Sida hermaphrodita, Spartina pectinata, Andropogon gerardi and Miscanthus X giganteus were tested in terms of steam gasification reactivity of biomass chars, as well as yields and composition of product gas in steam gasification and lime-enhanced steam gasification in a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor at 650 °, 700 ° and 800 °C. The highest value of reactivity for 50% of carbon conversion, R50, was observed for Sida hermaphrodita, regardless the process temperature. Application of CaO for in-situ CO2 capture in steam gasification of biomass chars resulted in hydrogen content increase at 650 °C to the levels comparable with the ones reached at 800 °C without carbonation reaction. Also hydrogen and total gas yields increased in tests of lime-enhanced gasification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents an evaluation of energy-related and economic aspects of production of thermal energy to heat a family house with wood briquette. The object of the study was a detached house with an area of 247m2, situated in Olsztyn, in the north-east of Poland. The study lasted three years, from October 2006 to September 2009. The highest monthly consumption of wood briquette for thermal energy production: heating water for the central heating system and hot utility water production were recorded in January (1052–1333kg/month). The average annual briquette consumption ranged from 6.36 to 6.72t/year. With the mean lower heating value of briquette of 17.99GJ/t, the mean consumption of energy in the fuel ranged from 114 to 121GJ/year. The annual cost of heat production for a family house with briquette as fuel ranged from €572 to €651, during the 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 seasons, respectively. It would have been cheaper by €187–228year−1 to heat the house with seasoned willow chips, whereas using alternative fuels, such as hard coal (fraction 0.5–2.5cm) oak pellets, natural gas and heating oil would have increased the cost of heat production. If the last of those fuels had been used, it would have increased the cost 3.5-fold as compared with wood briquette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our paper presents a technology for obtaining solid fuel in the form of briquettes intended for firing fluid boilers operating at high capacity heating stations and heat and power stations. Combustion of biomass in a fluid boiler is subject to stringent limitations concerning the chlorine, sodium and potassium contents in the fuel. One should particularly note chlorine corrosion that can only be minimized by reducing the chlorine content in the fuel below 0.06%. A result of this study will be complete utilization of biomass resources available in National Parks in the form of chips, shrubs, grasses, sedges and biomass produced by cultivating energy crops, such as energy willow. This led to the development of a technology for the production of solid fuel in the form of briquettes or fragments thereof, containing no more than 0.06% of chlorine. In turn, the use of nonforest biomass was increased by 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Model for optimization of biomass use on municipality level. • Case study on sustainable regional energy planning on municipal level. • Support for decision making on use of biomass on municipal level. • Involvement of stakeholders for fostering just low carbon energy transition. In this article, we seek to analyze the regional energy policy in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, with a particular focus on the potential for developing renewable energy from biomass. The article aims to build a mathematical model of the regional energy system, related to the strategy of sustainable development in the region. Taking into account the potential for biomass development and the sustainability criteria, this paper presents a case study of sustainable regional energy planning and implementation in the selected region in Poland. An example of optimizing biomass for renewable use at the municipal level is valuable, as the use of biomass energy requires knowledge of landscapes, energy options, and different stakeholder perspectives. Thus, "energyscapes," a complex spatial and temporary combination of energy supply, demand, and infrastructure within the landscape, can be very useful in this context. Ongoing research contributes to the development of knowledge on promoting renewable energy sources at the local level and supporting a fair transition to low-carbon energy through energy citizenship and the development of sustainable low-carbon communities at the regional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As part of the European Union (EU) accession treaty, Poland is obliged to increase the share of renewable electricity production to 7.5% by 2010 (from a present share of about 2% in 2002). Most of this increase is expected to be covered by biomass-based electricity generation. This paper investigates the potential for co-firing of biomass and coal in the Polish power-generation system. More specifically, this study focuses on matching potentials in biomass supply with opportunities for co-firing biomass in existing coal-fired power plants. Available estimates of biomass supply and information on the power plant infrastructure are used as input for modelling the co-firing potential for each of the 16 regions in Poland (“Voivodship”). The modelling also gives the additional cost of the electricity and the CO2-avoidance cost for the co-firing. The result shows a potential of electricity produced from biomass in co-firing of 1.6–4.6% (2.3–6.6TWhe) of the total electricity production in 2010. Adding this potential to the existing production of about 2% electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-E) gives an overall contribution of RES-E in the range 3.6–6.6%. The additional cost for the implementation of co-firing is less than €20perMWhe (the average electricity price in Poland in 2003 was €96perMWhe) corresponding to a CO2-avoidance cost of less than €20pertonne CO2. In summary it can be concluded that although co-firing can serve as a low-cost option for near-term increase of RES-E, there is still an additional 0.9–3.9% of other RES-E production required to be developed to reach the 2010 target of 7.5% RES-E. The results call for quick action with respect to implementation of co-firing, if Poland should have any chance to reach the RES-E target by 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The alternative waste fuels have a significant share in the fuel mix of the cement industry in Poland. The conditions inside cement kilns are favorable enough for environmentally-friendly use of waste fuels. In the article, the authors discuss the current situation concerning the use of alternative fuels in Poland, from difficult beginning in the 1990s to the present time, different kinds of fuels, and the amounts of used fuels. The use of fuels in Poland is presented against the global and EU consumption (including Central European countries and companies). The increased use of waste-derived fuels, from the level of about 1% at the end of the 1990s to the present level of about 70%, allowed for the limitation of waste storage, including avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of conventional energy sources; those effects also contributed to the implementation of the sustainable development and circular economy conceptions. The experiences of the cement plants worldwide prove that the use of waste fuels is ecological and economical. The examples showed in the article confirm that cement plants are greatly interested in using waste fuels from waste, as they invest in the infrastructure allowing to store bigger amounts of waste and dose them more efficiently. Thus, the cement industry has become an important element of the country's energy economy and waste management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poplars (Populus spp.) managed in short rotation woody crop (SRWC) systems are considered very promising in terms of biomass production for energy purposes in a temperate zone. In this study, several gaps in knowledge regarding the selection of the plant material, cultivar‐specific responses to coppicing and rotation length are addressed. Five‐ and 10‐year rotation lengths were considered, with a focus on the sustainability of the plantation and the quantification of the biomass production of 10 commercially available hybrid poplar cultivars during two consecutive 5‐year rotation cycles versus one 10‐year rotation in northern Poland. The biomass production varied considerably among cultivars, ranging from 1.6 ('AF8') to 7.5 ('NE42') Mg ha−1 year−1 at the end of the first 5‐year rotation, and 0.0 ('AF8')–5.4 ('Degrosso') Mg ha−1 year−1 in the second 5‐year rotation, while in a single 10‐year rotation, the mean annual increment (MAI) ranged from 1.0 ('AF8') to 15.1 ('NE42') Mg ha−1 yr−1. The 5‐year rotation cycles negatively influenced the sustainability of the plantation due to the high mortality of stems and sprouts in the second 5‐year coppice rotation. In the case of 5‐year and longer rotations, replanting (not resprouting) after harvest may be a more advantageous practice for maximizing the regeneration. The 10‐year rotation cycle allowed for enough development of the crown and root systems to produce sufficient basal area and height to achieve maximal MAI in the trees. The study revealed that an age ≥10 is a biologically optimal rotation age as the slope of MAI was equal/close to zero. This study further showed the crucial importance of testing cultivars before introducing them on a commercial scale and provided valuable information on poplar cultivars available to stakeholders in the biomass market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sweet sorghum yields in NE Poland range from 13.0 to 15.4 Mg ha−1 DM • The energy inputs associated with sweet sorghum production range from 15-22 GJ ha−1 • The energy output of sweet sorghum biomass is estimated at 185−248 GJ ha−1 • Biomass yield, energy output and energy gain are higher in the high-input technology • The energy ratio of sweet sorghum is higher in the low-input technology Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an energy crop with low soil requirements (high tolerance to low-quality soils) that can potentially compete with the maize (Zea mays L.) monocultures. This paper presents the results of a 6-year field experiment investigating the biomass yield and energy efficiency of sweet sorghum grown under high-input and low-input production technologies. The experiment was conducted in north-eastern Poland. Dry matter yield was higher in the high-input production technology (15.4 Mg ha−1). Biomass yield in the low-input production technology was 16 % lower on average. The demand for energy in the production of sweet sorghum biomass was determined by the energy inputs associated with farming operations in the compared production technologies. The low-input technology was characterized by lower energy consumption (14.9-15.8 GJ ha−1). Energy inputs increased by 46 % in the high-input technology of sweet sorghum production. The energy gain of sweet sorghum biomass ranged from 170 (low-input technology) to 226 GJ ha−1 (high-input technology). In north-eastern Poland, the energy efficiency of sweet sorghum biomass was higher in the low-input technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During our studies concerning the isolation of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from freshwater algae species widespread in Poland, an improved overall extraction methodology has been developed. This new, multi-step procedure allows for obtainment of several fractions that could find use in cosmetic and food industries, with the final one containing the valuable SPs, important both from economic and scientific perspective. Moreover, the process allows for easy use of typical chelating agents to remove harmful heavy metal ions without important losses in natural compounds of interest. Furthermore, a material balance has been established for said process, allowing for its easier implementation on bigger scales, and highlighting the areas which could still be improved to positively affect the final time-cost ratio of the methodology. Combined with previously published information concerning the detailed composition of obtained fractions, we aim to provide a robust and informative outlook on the potential of native freshwater algae species as cheap, raw and easily purifiable resource, usable in a number of important industries. According to the mass balance, nearly 5 % of dry mass of Cladophora glomerata is extractable with ethanol and this fraction consists mostly of fatty acids, phenolics and pigments. Another 5 % of mass can be isolated as pure SPs from aqueous fraction. Additionally, calcium from natural incrustations on the surface of C. glomerata amounts to 17 % of dry material weight and can be reclaimed from acidic wash by simple precipitation; such calcium salts have garnered significant interest as nutritional supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef and Deuter) and Amur silver grass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus Maxim./Hack) are rhizomatous grasses with a C4 photosynthetic pathway that are widely cultivated as energy crops. For those species to be successfully used in bioenergy generation, their yields have to be maintained at a high level in the long term. The biomass yield (fresh and dry matter [DM] yield) and energy efficiency (energy inputs, energy output, energy gain, and energy efficiency ratio) of giant miscanthus and Amur silver grass were compared in a field experiment conducted in 2007–2017 in North‐Eastern Poland. Both species were characterized by high above‐ground biomass yields, and the productive performance of M. × giganteus was higher in comparison with M. sacchariflorus (15.5 vs. 9.3 Mg DM ha−1 year−1 averaged for 1–11 years of growth). In the first year of the experiment, the energy inputs associated with the production of M. × giganteus and M. sacchariflorus were determined at 70.5 and 71.5 GJ/ha, respectively, and rhizomes accounted for around 78%–79% of total energy inputs. In the remaining years of cultivation, the total energy inputs associated with the production of both perennial rhizomatous grasses reached 13.6–15.7 (M. × giganteus) and 16.9–17.5 GJ ha−1 year−1 (M. sacchariflorus). Beginning from the second year of cultivation, mineral fertilizers were the predominant energy inputs in the production of M. × giganteus (78%–86%) and M. sacchariflorus (80%–82%). In years 2–11, the energy gain of M. × giganteus reached 50 (year 2) and 264–350 GJ ha−1 year−1 (years 3–11), and its energy efficiency ratio was determined at 4.7 (year 2) and 18.6–23.3 (years 3–11). The energy gain and the energy efficiency ratio of M. sacchariflorus biomass in the corresponding periods were determined at 87–234 GJ ha−1 year−1 and 6.1–14.3, respectively. Both grasses are significant and environmentally compatible sources of bioenergy, and they can be regarded as potential energy crops for Central‐Eastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Willow biomass produced in short rotation coppice systems can potentially be used as biomass feedstock in Europe, the United States and Canada. However, most researchers focus on data from the first harvest rotation only, whereas multiple rotations have been rarely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cultivar (5), planting density (12,000–96,000 cuttings/ha) and harvest rotation (annual, biennial, triennial) on willow biomass yields during 12 consecutive years in northern Poland. Every experimental factor and the interactions between factors significantly impacted willow yields. Biomass yield was highest in the triennial harvest rotation (13.3 Mg ha−1 year−1), 15.9% lower in the biennial rotation and 26.9% lower in the annual rotation. The highest average yield (14.6 Mg ha−1 year−1) was noted at a planting density of 24,000 cuttings/ha, and yields were 9.3%–46.0% lower at the remaining densities. Cultivar UWM 095 had the highest average yield (13.0 Mg ha−1 year−1), whereas the yield of the remaining cultivars was 4.6%–32.4% lower. During the 12‐year period, yields were higher after the first harvest in annual, biennial and triennial harvest rotations. This above implies that high biomass yields can be obtained after the first harvest rotation if willows are cultivated on fertile soils at higher planting density, well managed and coppiced after the first year. However, yields are unlikely to be higher in successive harvest rotations, and they can even be lower, but more stable than in the first harvest rotation. Research on willow production focuses on data from the first harvest rotation only, whereas multiple rotations have been rarely investigated. We evaluate the effect of cultivar (5), planting density (4) and harvest rotation (3) on willow yields during twelve consecutive years. The results show that high yields can be obtained after the first harvest rotation if willows are cultivated on fertile soils at higher planting density, well managed and coppiced after the first year. However, yields are unlikely to be higher in successive harvest rotations, and they can even be lower, but more stable than in the first harvest rotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]