scholarly journals An Economic-environmental-energy Efficiency Analysis for Optimizing Organic Waste Treatment of a Livestock-orchard System: A Case in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao ◽  
Tran Thi Hieu ◽  
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao ◽  
Le Quoc Vi ◽  
Hans Schnitzer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Waste Treatment ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Treatment Model ◽  
Objective Functions ◽  
System A

Abstract BackgroundEconomic benefit has been analyzed for the yield of farming products when designing a farming system, while waste treatment also generates profitable energy products for this system. The economic factor is decisive in decision-making for applying waste treatment solutions for a small-scale farming system. A household farming system in ​​the Mekong Delta generates many kinds of organic wastes, but most of the agricultural waste resources are disposed of into the environment. MethodsThis study approaches an analysis of economic-environmental-energy (EEE) efficiency for waste treatment of an integrated livestock-orchard (LO) system on a household scale in the Mekong Delta. This novel analysis method is based on the energy content of biomass and its cost. The EEE efficiency is optimized to gain objective functions regarding energy yield efficiency, system profit, and CO2 sequestration for the treatment model. The algorithms are built for optimizing these objective functions. ResultsThe optimization results show the treatment model of pyrolysis and pelleting gain all the objective functions with high efficiency. The model is efficiently applied for the LO system that generates more than 100 kilograms of orchard residues and 3,000 kilograms of pig manure. The system with a charcoal oven and pellet machine is capable to gain energy efficiency due to its potential biofuel products, such as biochars and pellet products. A treatment model of composting, pyrolysis, and pelleting gives the best performance of overall EEE efficiency. ConclusionsThis work has proven economic benefits from integrating biogas tank, charcoal oven, and pellet machine in an integrated LO system. The system contributes not only for reducing CO2 emissions but also for supplementing secondary renewable bioenergy, as well as for increasing incomes and thus supporting livelihoods for the local farming households.

scholarly journals Design of integrated farming system for sustainable livelihoods within an acidic soil in Long An province

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. First
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao ◽  
Le Quoc Vi ◽  
Tra Van Tung ◽  
Tran Trung Kien ◽  
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Efficiency Analysis ◽  
Acidic Soil ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Acid Sulfate ◽  
Integrated Farming ◽  
Energy Efficiency Analysis

Long An province, located in the Mekong Delta, has a large area of acid sulfate soils, of which tremendously high acidic soil of Thanh Hoa ward. Due to the toxic factors in the high acid sulfate soil, the area suffers the harsh natural conditions that leading to livelihoods limitation in terms of freshwater supply, drainage, agricultural cultivation, and environmental sanitation as well. The study approach is to build an integrated farming system based on the close loop of material and energy flows for a typical small-scale farm in acidic areas in Long An province for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the potential systems meet the objectives of recycling waste by the energy efficiency analysis based on energy conversion and by the economic analysis. The results show that pig production and cultivated orchard obtain high profits. Energy efficiency from raising pigs accounts for a high proportion (50%) whereas the ratio of fish production and orchard has not reached 10%. Energy efficiency analysis implies the potential options with optimal efficiencies tend to biogas treatment and composting. In addition, the three-year lifetime system is more efficient than the one-year system. However, the household financial capacity plays the most important role in selecting for the suitable farming system as well as installation of treatment systems.

Integrated farming system producing zero emissions and sustainable livelihood for small-scale cattle farms: Case study in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Vol 265 ◽  
pp. 114853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Thanh Hai ◽  
Quoc Ba Tran ◽  
Van Tung Tra ◽  
Thi Phuong Thao Nguyen ◽  
Trong Nhan Le ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Integrated Farming ◽  
Cattle Farms

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Adoption of Small-scale Biogas Digesters in Developing Countries – Empirical Evidence from Vietnam

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngo Thi Thanh Truc ◽  
Tran Sy Nam ◽  
Nguyen Vo Chau Ngan ◽  
Jan Bentzen
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Investment Decision ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Financial Instruments ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
High Investment

The use of small-scale biogas digesters among farmers and households in rural areas of developing countries is a well-known technology. The potential for biogas in these areas is probably much larger than presently exploited and therefore more knowledge on factors that may further the use of biogas is needed. The present study draws on data from two extensive surveys in the Mekong Delta with questionnaires of one hundred and two hundred respondents, respectively, and data collected from personal interviews in all cases. The empirical evidence shows that the technology is well known and if the purpose is to expand the use of biogas, financial instruments (like subsidies) are the most important to rely on. High investment costs are important for the biogas investment decision and subsequently information on the economic benefits of cheap biogas is an important topic to address.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Jatropha for Energy in Nigeria: A “Well-to-Wheel” Perspective

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tosin Onabanjo ◽  
Giuseppina Di Lorenzo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Production System ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Biodiesel Production ◽  
Waste To Energy ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Base Case

There is a large imbalance between demand and supply of energy in Nigeria, with inefficient power supply being the country’s greatest economic bane. Aside energy crisis, fuel is a luxurious commodity and petroleum diesel is the predominant fuel for power generation, particularly in the industrial sector. As a result, the country suffers from forced power outages, and persistent black out while residents and industries are forced to depend on self-generated electricity. These have notably reduced industrialization and increased environmental pollution across the country. This paper proposes the use of Jatropha biodiesel as a substitute fuel to petroleum diesel. It examines the energy efficiency and environmental life cycle impact of the production and use of 1MJ of Jatropha biodiesel in a typical 126 MW (ISO rating) industrial gas turbine power plant with multi-fuel capability using life cycle assessment methodologies and principles. A net energy ratio of 2.37, 1.54, and 1.32 and fossil fuel savings of 58%, 36% and 27% were achievable under three farming system scenarios: a) base-case rain-fed, b) base-case irrigated and c) large scale farming system. Also, an environmental benefit with GHG savings of 19% was attainable under the three farming scenarios. The results demonstrate that the contribution of GHGs and effect on climate change is most significant with the end use of the fuel. It also highlights the importance of clear definition of the reference system which should be indicative of the local production system and comparative to the system under study. A favourable business and economic climate driven by demand is proposed for Independent Power Producer (IPP) to generate power for off-grid users instead of generating power for the national grid using a decentralized Jatropha biodiesel production system coupled to waste to energy technologies. This could significantly improve the energy situation; diversify the energy generation mix and fuel supply in Nigeria, especially for small-scale businesses and the rural population.

scholarly journals Energy efficiency in an integrated agro-ecosystem at the acid soil area in Mekong delta, Vietnam

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Thu Thao ◽  
Tra Van Tung ◽  
Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao ◽  
Son Le Thanh ◽  
Sibylle Braunegg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Exergy Analysis ◽  
Acid Soil ◽  
Mekong Delta ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Fish Feed ◽  
Biomass Residues ◽  
Farming Household

Abstract Background: Both exergy and energy analysis methods are used for analysing energy efficiency in all kind of processes, and can be used also in agriculture. The study focuses on the connection of the three main process components (husbandry-crop-fishpond) in a typical farming household in an acid soil region in rural Vietnam. The concept of exergy analysis is used to underline the potential for energy efficiency in alternative processes in the agricultural system. To develop an integrated ecological system towards zero-emission, the analytical methods of material cycles and energy flows use a set of indicators of resource efficiency in a sustainable agriculture.Results: The design of the ideal integrated farming system “Agro-Industrial Zero Emissions Systems” (AIZES) can increase the system efficiency by making use of indigenous natural materials and waste reuse, recycling. Recycling waste for energy, fish feed and fertilizing can result a decrease in half of environmental load. Using exergy analysis to calculate an indicator non-renewable yield ratio (NRYR), the systems imply sustainability of agriculture production.Conclusions: The farming household will be able to replace fuel and electricity resulting in energy self-sufficiency to distribute surplus biogas to surrounding households. Biochar created by mixing the biomass residues with local plants can improve soil quality. Pig sludge can become nutritious fertilizer when mixed with biomass residues. Also, utilizing biogas can reduce purchased electricity.

scholarly journals Maize intercropping in the milpa system. Diversity, extent and importance for nutritional security in the Western Highlands of Guatemala

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santiago Lopez-Ridaura ◽  
Luis Barba-Escoto ◽  
Cristian A. Reyna-Ramirez ◽  
Carlos Sum ◽  
Natalia Palacios-Rojas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Farm Households ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural System ◽  
Energy Yield ◽  
Common Beans ◽  
Nutritional Security ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Faba Beans ◽  
Total Productivity

AbstractWe present an assessment of the extent, diversity, and nutritional contribution of the milpa through a quantitative analysis of data from a survey conducted in 989 small scale farm households in the Western Highlands of Guatemala (WHG). The milpa is a traditional agricultural system in which maize is intercropped with other species, such as common beans, faba beans, squashes or potatoes. Our study shows that more than two-thirds of the 1,205 plots recorded were under the milpa system, with a great diversity of crop combinations. As shown with the 357 plots for which specific yields were available, milpa systems present higher total productivity than monocropped maize, expressed as total energy yield of the harvested crops in the respective system, and were also better at providing the recommended daily allowances of fourteen essential nutrients, based on a Potential Nutrient Adequacy (PNA) indicator. Maize-bean-potato, maize-potato, and maize-bean-faba intercrops had the highest PNAs, and monocropped maize, the lowest. These results support the implementation of milpa systems tailored to different agro-ecologies in order to improve nutrition in the WHG and a variety of similar regions.

scholarly journals Photovoltaics Enabling Sustainable Energy Communities: Technological Drivers and Emerging Markets

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1862
Author(s):  
Alexandros-Georgios Chronis ◽  
Foivos Palaiogiannis ◽  
Iasonas Kouveliotis-Lysikatos ◽  
Panos Kotsampopoulos ◽  
Nikos Hatziargyriou
Keyword(s):  
State Of The Art ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Energy Market ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Local Energy ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Open Research ◽  
Energy Community

In this paper, we investigate the economic benefits of an energy community investing in small-scale photovoltaics (PVs) when local energy trading is operated amongst the community members. The motivation stems from the open research question on whether a community-operated local energy market can enhance the investment feasibility of behind-the-meter small-scale PVs installed by energy community members. Firstly, a review of the models, mechanisms and concepts required for framing the relevant concepts is conducted, while a clarification of nuances at important terms is attempted. Next, a tool for the investigation of the economic benefits of operating a local energy market in the context of an energy community is developed. We design the local energy market using state-of-the-art formulations, modified according to the requirements of the case study. The model is applied to an energy community that is currently under formation in a Greek municipality. From the various simulations that were conducted, a series of generalizable conclusions are extracted.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Socio-Economic Benefits of Small-Scale Gold Mining in Malawi

Mining ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-34
Author(s):  
Tiyamike Haundi ◽  
Gift Tsokonombwe ◽  
Steven Ghambi ◽  
Theresa Mkandawire ◽  
Ansley Kasambara
Keyword(s):  
Gold Mining ◽  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Gold Rush ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
The Government

In the recent years, there has been a surge in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in various districts of Malawi. Reports of a gold rush have emerged in various districts, including Mangochi, Lilongwe, Balaka, and lately in Kasungu. There has been persistence by many indigenous communities participating in ASGM activities, yet little is being done by the government to formalize and support the sub-sector. The purpose of this study was to investigate the benefits of artisanal small-scale gold mining in Malawi and expose the shortfalls so that key stakeholders and policy makers are well informed. A quantitative approach which used semi-structured questionnaires was used and the data was analyzed using Microsoft excel and Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study shows that ASGM is characterized by people with low literacy levels, who use traditional tools (low-tech) and use methods fueled by lack of capital, and deficiency of basic knowledge of mining and geology. The study found that the government could achieve substantial socio-economic development from the sector by: (1) revising the current artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) legislation so that it embraces the customary practices whilst safeguarding the environment and improving the tax collection base; (2) providing support in form of mining related training and education to these communities; (3) leading in transfer of modern technologies for improved extraction; (4) supporting ASM cooperatives in securing credit facilities from financial institutions; and (5) closing the existing knowledge gap for ASM related issues through introduction of mining desk officers in district councils.

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