Tag Archives: biomass potential

173-182 K. Eisenhuber, A. Jäger, J. Wimberger and H. Kahr
Comparison of different pretreatment methods for straw for lignocellulosic bioethanol production
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Comparison of different pretreatment methods for straw for lignocellulosic bioethanol production

K. Eisenhuber, A. Jäger*, J. Wimberger and H. Kahr

University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Stelzhamerstr 23, A 4600 Wels, Austria;
*Correspondence: Alexander.Jaeger@fh-wels.at

Abstract:

In order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels, the production  of  biofuels  from  lignocellulosic  agricultural  residues  is  the  focus  of  industrial  and scientific  interest.  The  feedstocks  of  the  second  generation  used  for  bioethanol  production  are lignocellulose-containing  raw  materials  like  different  types  of  straw,  or  other  plants  like miscanthus x giganteus. In all these plants, the cellulose in the lignocellulose is not accessible to enzymes. Therefore, lignin and/or hemicelluloses have to be removed by a specific pretreatment in order to make enzymatic degradation of cellulose possible. We examined and compared the pretreatment of wheat straw by means of steam treatment and steam explosion treatment. After  hydrolysis,  glucose  concentrations  up  to  ³00 g kg-¹  were  reached  both  for  steam- pretreated straw and steam-exploded straw. After fermentation, ethanol concentrations ranging from  ¹²0–¹⁴0 g kg-¹  were  achieved.  Results  suggest  that  the  explosion  process  slightly  favors the  solubilisation  of  sugars  and,  therefore,  enhances  ethanol  production.  Only  at  higher temperature and longer incubation time does the explosion process not seem to be necessary. In  addition  to  this,  we  examined  most  of  the  lignocellulosic  residuals  in  Austria  available  for bioethanol  production.  As  a  result,  we  can  show  that  even  in  a  country  not  focused  on agricultural production all the bioethanol needed for E¹0 can easily be provided.

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275-282 A. Barisa, G. Cimdina, F. Romagnoli and D. Blumberga
Potential for bioenergy development in Latvia: future trend analysis
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Potential for bioenergy development in Latvia: future trend analysis

A. Barisa*, G. Cimdina, F. Romagnoli and D. Blumberga

Institute of Energy Systems and Environment, Riga Technical University,Kronvalda Boulevard 1, LV – 1010, Riga, Latvia;
*Correspondence: Aiga.Barisa@rtu.lv

Abstract:

The paper discusses development trends of bioenergy production and use in Latvia.A methodology for the assessment of biomass potential was developed and applied to a Latviancase  study.  Four  scenarios  were  built  to  analyse  the  potential  of  biomass  supply  for  energyneeds  and  energy  costs.  The  biomass  resources  considered  are  forestry  residues  and  by-products, energy crops, and agricultural residues.The  evaluation  is  performed  on  the  basis  of  historical  data  analysis  and  literature  reviewapplying  indicators  with  sufficient  levels  of  information  aggregation  and  adequacy.  Futurebioenergy development patterns are assessed from technological, ecological and environmentalpoints of view. The analysis focuses on currently initiated cogeneration plant and boiler houseprojects  (planned  to  be  finished  in  two  years’  time)  and  maximum  available  bioenergyresources in country.The  analysis  indicates  the  biomass  potential  available  for  energy  needs  in  the  range  of  25–30 TWh per year in 2020, of which circa 15 TWh were used in 2011.  Key words: bioenergy, biomass potential, wood fuel.

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