Green Transformation of Scrap Metal. MCDA and SWOT Analysis of Metal Melting Methods: Case Study of Latvia

Metal is one of the most used materials in the world. It was an important impetus in technological development during the industrial age and is still pushing us forward to this day. Along with the growth of metal consumption, the amount of scrap metal also increases. The correct use of this kind of waste plays an important role in reducing the negative impact of the metalworking industry on the environment. Replacing raw metal with scrap metal can reduce the amount of electricity consumed by up to 10 times and the amount of CO2 emissions created by up to 30 times. The choice of the optimal scrap metal processing technology also plays an important role. The metal melting furnace can be considered the backbone of the industry, and the environmental indicators of the entire scrap metal melting process depend on its efficiency. In this paper, 8 metal melting furnaces are analysed according to 11 natural criteria. In addition, a SWOT analysis is carried out to determine the efficiency of the metal smelting process in Latvian metalworking enterprises and the possibility of expanding enterprises in the future

To Burn or not to Burn. Literature Review

The amount of potentially recyclable municipal solid waste in the world is growing every year. At the same time, the demand for energy is increasing globally. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technology has been proposed as a potential solution to this problem, whereby waste is burned to produce electricity. Although promoted as an environmentally sustainable solution, doubts persist regarding its actual eco-friendliness. This article analyses the literature and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of WTE technology in Latvia and at the general level. The focus of this article is the potential advantages of WTE technology, which encompass a decrease in landfill waste, retrieval of valuable resources, production of energy, and improving financial feasibility. Disadvantages, such as a potential increase of emissions, loss of valuable materials, breaking development of recovery technologies and practices, and neglection of circular economy plans, are also discussed

RESEARCH OF BIOMASS MICRO-COGENERATION SYSTEM INTEGRATION WITH A SOLAR PV PANELS IN ZERO-ENERGY FAMILY BUILDING

Nowadays, any economic development is based on its sustainability. On the other hand, sustainability of the economy is no longer conceivable without efficient use of resources. Climate change and environmental degradation affects everybody and have no borders. It is essential, that all countries, regardless of their existing resources, are involved in environmental matters. The European Union (EU) has taken the initiative and has seen the possibility of transforming climate change into a guiding theme for sustainability and development in the economy. The EU has developed a green policy in order to transform all economic sectors into sustainable use of resources. EU is planning to achieve climate neutralisation in all sectors of the economy by year 2050. In order to achieve this objective, only the transformation of the industrial, transport and energy sectors will not be sufficient. The activity and willingness of each individual to achieve these objectives at their own household level will be crucial. It should change habits in all sectors important for households: food, transport, waste management and decreasing energy consumption in all mentioned sectors. Solar PV panels traditionally are used to reach zero balance, but taking in to account climatic conditions and seasonable solar irradiation activity, they can operate successfully during the summer and partly during the spring and autumn season. During the heating season, the efficiency of solar PV panel systems is very low. Use of innovative micro-cogeneration equipment producing both heat and electricity is more efficient during heating season in Latvia.In this paper case study of innovative biomass Stirling engine micro-cogeneration system integration with a solar PV panels in zero-energy family building will be present.

Cordis projects on fuel production

<p>Dataset for CO2 utilisation/valorisation options. <br>Excel file consists of H2020 projects, grouped by field of CO2 utilisation (chemical production, fuels, algae, etc)</p&gt

LCA data for CO2 valorisation scenarios

<p>LCA and Social LCA data for CO2 valorisation (utilisation) scenarios - ethanol, methanol, cement and algal biomass production. Data includes various sources, all of them are listed in the file accordingly</p&gt

Barriers and Driving Factors for Sustainable Development of CO2 Valorisation

Mitigating CO2 emissions has become a top question in international and national arenas, likewise on the city level. To initiate and maintain transformative policies related to climate neutrality, an evident-based multi-sectoral forecasting model needs to be timely and effectively deployed. Decarbonisation solutions should be considered from the economic, environmental, and social perspectives. The resulting complexity constitutes an essential barrier to implementing CO2 valorisation projects. This study aims to analyse barriers and driving factors for the sustainable development of CO2 valorisation options. In order to reach the research goal, a methodological approach based on the combination of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis, Geographical Information System and Fuzzy Logic Cognitive Analysis method was used. The method has been applied to a case study in Latvi

Policy instruments for CO2 valorisation support

Mitigation of CO2 emissions has become a top question in international and national arenas, likewise on the city level. Existing CO2 mitigation measures are primarily orientated toward wider deployment of low-carbon technologies of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency measures, focusing on energy production, distribution, and energy use sectors, transport. In the recently announced European Green Deal strategy, response action on climate and environmental protection challenges for Europe 2050 is set. The strategy targets ''to transform the EU into a fair and prosperous society, with a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy where there are no net emissions of greenhouse gases in 2050 and where economic growth is decoupled from resource use.'' Rapid and intelligent solutions are needed to reach this ambitious target, which requires converting to profoundly transformative policies beyond others. An evident-based multi-sectoral forecasting model must be timely and effectively deployed to initiate and maintain such transformative policies. This work aims to analyse existing laws, regulations, and directives, both local and European, to identify limiting factors and factors that contribute to a more active introduction of systems for capturing, using, and/or reducing the amount of carbon dioxide created in production processes. The work results show how developed countries’ laws regarding carbon dioxide emissions - its capture, storage, and/or utilisation. At the time of writing, the most extensive legislative framework is represented in Sweden, followed by Belgium, Croatia, and Lithuania. The results show that Sweden has the most developed legislation and measures on CO2 issues and stimulates producers in various sectors to reduce emissions. The country with the most policies implemented is Belgium (213), while the country with the minor policies is Cyprus (13). Analysing the legislation of the countries of the European Union, it was concluded that Sweden's most extensive issue of CO2 emissions, storage, and utilisation had been worked out. The results emphasise the need for coherence between legislative frameworks in Member states. Therefore the role of CCS/CCU should be determined in national climate and energy strategies, ensuring compliance with CO2 export within the EU member states

Calculation of Greenhouse Gas Savings: Switch from Electricity Production to Biomethane. Case Study

Greenhouse gases are mainly comprised of carbon dioxide. In 2021, anthropogenic CO2 emissions in the atmosphere have risen to 37.9 Gt, a 60 % increase from the levels observed in 1990. The production of high-value products using CO2 can contribute to decreasing atmospheric CO2 levels and advancing the objectives of the Green Deal. In Latvia, biofuel–biomethane production may also present a viable solution. Diversifying the energy sector, which can benefit the country's economy, is another advantage of this scenario. The study examines the transformation of a Latvian biogas production facility, which shifts towards producing biomethane as its final product. The study also involves the computation of greenhouse gas emission reductions resulting from utilizing biomethane instead of biogas in the network

The tango between the academic and business sectors: Use of co-management approach for the development of green innovation

This study explores a co-management approach to prepare future environmental engineers for green innovation and commercialisation by improving cooperation between academia and industry. Collaboration between academia, government, agencies, and industry is a top priority due to the significant impact of the availability of qualified environmental professionals on the economy. The potential for collaboration among parties with different interests and principles remains largely unexplored. Compared to tango dance, the paper discusses the co-management approach, combining two disciplines with other goals and expectations. The methodology adapts brainstorming for studying environmental engineering to improve students' competencies and diversify study methods. Studying classical idea co-creation approaches in higher education, evaluating their results, and analysing stakeholders’ opinions - involving 65 students, six industry and government representatives, and 14 lecturers. This study identified crucial factors that form a model for successful collaboration between academia and industry to train environmental science specialists and develop green innovations. These factors include party participation activity, the definition of primary evaluation criterion, and student motivation. The study concludes that the co-management approach could enhance competence education quality by promoting skill diversification and teamwork and providing greater motivation to work