23 research outputs found
In quest for a sustainable motorisation: the CNG opportunity
This article describes the opportunity deriving from the substitution of conventional fuels with the compressed natural gas (CNG). The advantages of this fuel are:
a relevant, as it concerns consumerâs expenses and ecological aspect b rapidly achievable c close to hand for Europe, the USA and other countries where the
motorisation is at the take-off stage, like the BRIC countries and Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia and so on.
These advantages makes CNG a viable solution, with relevant advantages both on the side of pollution and expenses, while waiting for the availability of new technologies.
Presently, the most important bottleneck for a large-scale implementation of this solution is represented by a possible shortage in the distribution network. Those countries crossed by gas pipeline could rapidly overcome this bottleneck without relevant costs. Otherwise, the solution could be achieved either through gas carrierâs ships or through local production of biomethane by the exploitation of biomasses
Reply to the EFSA (2016) on the relevance of recent publications (Hofmann et al. 2014, 2016) on environmental risk assessment and management of Bt-maize events (MON810, Bt11 and 1507)
Technology, policy and politics: critical success factors in high-technology infrastructure projects
Simulation of gaseous pollutant dispersion around an isolated building using the kâÏ SST
Specification of energy assessment methodologies to satisfy ISO 50001 energy management standard
A systematic analysis of economic evaluation studies of second-generation biorefineries providing chemicals by applying biotechnological processes
The objective of this review is a global assessment of the economics of secondâgeneration biorefineries, with a focus on the use of food waste and agricultural residues for chemical production by applying biotechnological processes. Analyses are conducted on feedstock and product distribution, applied economic models, and profitability figures for the period 2013â2018. In a study of 163 articles on different biorefinery systems, the production of chemicals is identified as the second major product class, after bioenergy. Bagasse and straw are frequently analyzed secondâgeneration feedstocks. Based on the evaluation of 22 articles, secondâgeneration biorefineries producing chemicals by applying biotechnological processes proves to be economically feasible. On average, both the internal rate of return (IRR) and the return on investment (ROI) are 20% and the payback period (PP) is 6âyears. The cost share of feedstock in biorefineries is between 0â50%. The price of the end product and the fermentation yields have the most impact on profitability. The processing of food waste that has industrial and municipal origins appears more economical than the processing of agricultural residues. Scientists, policy makers and entrepreneurs with an appropriate risk tolerance are advised to pay particular attention to municipal food waste and the potential economic production of carboxylic acids. For various economic issues related to biorefineries, dynamicâdeterministic models are recommended, which can be extended by a stochastic model. This review provides an initial overview of the economic feasibility of secondâgeneration biorefineries. Further technoâeconomic analyses are required to produce statistically significant statements on key profitability figures. © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd