• Energy Research

Abstract In recent years, substantial steps into the transition toward a bio-based economy have been taken. Therefore, biomass, due to its physical and chemical properties, has become one of the key sources to produce bio-based value products. From the current point of view, cellulose is the most common organic biopolymer and is considered as a source of the raw material for environmentally friendly and biocompatible products. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hydrolysis time (30–70 min) and temperature (160–180 oC) at different amounts of aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate as catalyst (0 %, 5 %and 7 % of the oven-dried material) on the content of cellulose in the hemp shives leftover after furfural production. The results have shown that it is possible to save up to 83 % of initial cellulose in the hemp shives leftover if the produced yield of furfural is similar to the industrial scale production yield, which is 55 % from the theoretically possible one. The highest loss of cellulose in hemp shives was observed after hydrolysis at 180 oC, 7 % catalyst of the oven-dried mass and 70 min, whereas a smaller loss of cellulose was observed under autohydrolysis conditions. Thus, the study identifies important structural features of the lignocellulosic leftover and relevant hydrolysis parameters related to the commercialization of lignocellulosic biorefineries.

Abstract In recent years, substantial steps into the transition toward a bio-based economy have been taken. Therefore, biomass, due to its physical and chemical properties, has become one of the key sources to produce bio-based value products. From the current point of view, cellulose is the most common organic biopolymer and is considered as a source of the raw material for environmentally friendly and biocompatible products. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of hydrolysis time (30–70 min) and temperature (160–180 oC) at different amounts of aluminum sulfate octadecahydrate as catalyst (0 %, 5 %and 7 % of the oven-dried material) on the content of cellulose in the hemp shives leftover after furfural production. The results have shown that it is possible to save up to 83 % of initial cellulose in the hemp shives leftover if the produced yield of furfural is similar to the industrial scale production yield, which is 55 % from the theoretically possible one. The highest loss of cellulose in hemp shives was observed after hydrolysis at 180 oC, 7 % catalyst of the oven-dried mass and 70 min, whereas a smaller loss of cellulose was observed under autohydrolysis conditions. Thus, the study identifies important structural features of the lignocellulosic leftover and relevant hydrolysis parameters related to the commercialization of lignocellulosic biorefineries.

Abstract Early 2020 Latvian government approved the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021 – 2030 (hereinafter - NECP2030) – a long-term energy and climate planning document setting the basic principles, goals and action lines of Latvia’s national energy and climate policy for the next ten years. Although a specific target of 800 MW for wind energy development has been set, there is limited information provided on the means of achieving the wind energy target. A roadmap on wind energy development would be helpful for the stakeholders, providing a clear plan on the wind energy development, including the assessment of the most suitable form of wind energy for Latvia. The goal of this study is to propose a flexible and adaptable tool to assess, compare and select the most advantageous wind energy development alternatives for policy makers. The research goal is met by applying sustainability SWOT analysis in combination with the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The combination of two provides a) an evaluation of comparable criteria for onshore and offshore wind energy b) assessment of the wind energy sustainability within the selected scenarios c) selection of the best possible scenario. The proposed method can help structure and lessen the complexity around the wind energy dilemma while considering economic, environment, social and technological aspects.

Abstract Early 2020 Latvian government approved the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021 – 2030 (hereinafter - NECP2030) – a long-term energy and climate planning document setting the basic principles, goals and action lines of Latvia’s national energy and climate policy for the next ten years. Although a specific target of 800 MW for wind energy development has been set, there is limited information provided on the means of achieving the wind energy target. A roadmap on wind energy development would be helpful for the stakeholders, providing a clear plan on the wind energy development, including the assessment of the most suitable form of wind energy for Latvia. The goal of this study is to propose a flexible and adaptable tool to assess, compare and select the most advantageous wind energy development alternatives for policy makers. The research goal is met by applying sustainability SWOT analysis in combination with the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution. The combination of two provides a) an evaluation of comparable criteria for onshore and offshore wind energy b) assessment of the wind energy sustainability within the selected scenarios c) selection of the best possible scenario. The proposed method can help structure and lessen the complexity around the wind energy dilemma while considering economic, environment, social and technological aspects.

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of costs and benefits of technologies based on cold plasma for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen oxides of flue gases. Assessment is based on welfare economics and seeks to include all relevant costs and benefits to evaluate the net social benefit of a project. A plasma unit installed in a CHP plant was used as the case study for this study. Results obtained from the study showed that the use of plasma technology is not financially viable unless all economic, social and environmental costs and benefits for all parties affected by the project are included. Compared to alternative flue gas treatment technologies, plasma proved to be more economically attractive if capital expenditures and operating costs were taken into account.

AbstractThis study presents a comprehensive analysis of costs and benefits of technologies based on cold plasma for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen oxides of flue gases. Assessment is based on welfare economics and seeks to include all relevant costs and benefits to evaluate the net social benefit of a project. A plasma unit installed in a CHP plant was used as the case study for this study. Results obtained from the study showed that the use of plasma technology is not financially viable unless all economic, social and environmental costs and benefits for all parties affected by the project are included. Compared to alternative flue gas treatment technologies, plasma proved to be more economically attractive if capital expenditures and operating costs were taken into account.

Abstract Agriculture ranks among the key sectors responsible for substantially rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The increase in emissions contributes to the adverse effects of climate change, including threats to biodiversity, the potential for extreme weather events, elevated sea levels, and alterations to ocean currents. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a comprehensive framework that aims to achieve sustainability and advance the agricultural sector’s journey towards climate neutrality by addressing social, economic, and environmental goals. The study aims to evaluate Latvia’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAP SP) and to evaluate the impact of the policy. The goal of the study is to determine which objectives are more likely to succeed based on the overall state of Latvia’s agricultural sector and by evaluating the provided information in Latvia’s CAP. The assessment of the CAP SP reveals that there are clear and specific metrics in place for the high-impact goals, particularly those related to addressing climate change and managing resources. According to the TOPSIS analysis, the climate change (SO4) and environmental care (SO5) objectives demonstrate the most significant impact. Objectives associated with European Union policies, such as the National Energy and Climate Plan, European Green Deal, and Farm to Fork strategy, are more likely to succeed than objectives not connected to these or similar policies.

Abstract Agriculture ranks among the key sectors responsible for substantially rising greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The increase in emissions contributes to the adverse effects of climate change, including threats to biodiversity, the potential for extreme weather events, elevated sea levels, and alterations to ocean currents. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a comprehensive framework that aims to achieve sustainability and advance the agricultural sector’s journey towards climate neutrality by addressing social, economic, and environmental goals. The study aims to evaluate Latvia’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CAP SP) and to evaluate the impact of the policy. The goal of the study is to determine which objectives are more likely to succeed based on the overall state of Latvia’s agricultural sector and by evaluating the provided information in Latvia’s CAP. The assessment of the CAP SP reveals that there are clear and specific metrics in place for the high-impact goals, particularly those related to addressing climate change and managing resources. According to the TOPSIS analysis, the climate change (SO4) and environmental care (SO5) objectives demonstrate the most significant impact. Objectives associated with European Union policies, such as the National Energy and Climate Plan, European Green Deal, and Farm to Fork strategy, are more likely to succeed than objectives not connected to these or similar policies.