scholarly journals Economic and Sustainability of Biodiesel Production—A Systematic Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-36
Author(s):  
Tamás Mizik ◽  
Gábor Gyarmati

As Earth’s fossil energy resources are limited, there is a growing need for renewable resources such as biodiesel. That is the reason why the social, economic and environmental impacts of biofuels became an important research topic in the last decade. Depleted stocks of crude oil and the significant level of environmental pollution encourage researchers and professionals to seek and find solutions. The study aims to analyze the economic and sustainability issues of biodiesel production by a systematic literature review. During this process, 53 relevant studies were analyzed out of 13,069 identified articles. Every study agrees that there are several concerns about the first-generation technology; however, further generations cannot be price-competitive at this moment due to the immature technology and high production costs. However, there are promising alternatives, such as wastewater-based microalgae with up to 70% oil content, fat, oils and grease (FOG), when production cost is below 799 USD/gallon, and municipal solid waste-volatile fatty acids technology, where the raw material is free. Proper management of the co-products (mainly glycerol) is essential, especially at the currently low petroleum prices (0.29 USD/L), which can only be handled by the biorefineries. Sustainability is sometimes translated as cost efficiency, but the complex interpretation is becoming more common. Common elements of sustainability are environmental and social, as well as economic, issues.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ritva Saari ◽  
Emily Höckert ◽  
Monika Lüthje ◽  
Outi Kugapi ◽  
Nuccio Mazzullo

The use of Sámi cultures in the Finnish tourism business has been problematic for many decades. The aim of this article is to explore how the notion of cultural sensitivity could help to find alternative approaches and new solutions to this situation, especially for Sámi tourism. For this purpose, a systematic literature review method was used to examine and describe how previous academic literature has approached the issue of cultural sensitivity in the Finnish context. While the concept has not been used in tourism research in Finland, previous discussions have focused on questions of respect, cultural sustainability, cultural carrying capacity, cultural representations and cultural identity in tourism contexts. Simultaneously, research in other fields of study has drawn attention to the importance of healing, reconciliation and recognition for Sámi cultures. Reviewing the social work and pedagogy literature indicates how the idea of cultural sensitivity can enrich the search for more responsible ways of thinking, doing and researching tourism. In sum, the article calls for future research, theoretical conceptualization and practical application of cultural sensitivity that emphasizes recognition of and respect for cultural differences.


Author(s):  
Monica Thiel

Purpose – Beginning with a multitude of differing definitions and theories of CSR and sustainability, an analysis of the effects and impacts of the social domain to remain an untapped resource to strengthen and merge the practice of sustainable development. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Utilizing a systematic review of literature between 1977 and 2013 about CSR and sustainability definitions and theories to reveal knowledge fragmentation in the use of the social domain and its implications within sustainable development. Findings – Identifies the gaps of the social domain in sustainable development and raises awareness to advance sustainable development beyond current sustainable development strategies, initiatives and practices. The pertinent publications from the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the systematic literature review were analyzed to determine how the social domain is used and interpreted in CSR and sustainability. Based upon the findings, four themes represent the social domain as socio-economics, stakeholders, societal well-being and social sustainability with suggestions for further research. Research limitations/implications – The systematic literature review searched one academic search engine and focussed on journals and books written in English. Originality/value – The contribution of the paper highlights, first, how an underdeveloped social domain can contribute toward multiple meanings of sustainable development and the social domain’s untapped capacity to develop a clearer standard definition of sustainable development and second, the potential to advance competitive advantage for corporations and governments.


PERSPEKTIF ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 728-738
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ainul Usama ◽  
Ulung Pribadi ◽  
Al Fauzi Rahmat

Public participation is the right and obligation of citizens to contribute to development by contributing to initiative and creativity. Public participation has also attracted a lot of attention from academia as a concept of public policy. The authors conducted a systematic literature review of published articles in the social sciences to enhance our understanding of public participation. Some of the main issues are explained in this area through the NVIVO 12 plus software that qualitative analysis tool. The main issues are community, development, government, information, and interests. This article raises several propositions on the matter. This article suggests some new topics for further research.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6137
Author(s):  
Tamás Mizik

Meeting the increasing global energy demand in a sustainable way is a major challenge for humanity. One of the solutions in the transportation sector is ethanol, which is currently the only economically viable direct fuel substitute. In addition to the first-generation technology, which provides the vast majority of production, better results can be continuously realized by using advanced technologies. This study aims to investigate the economic aspects and sustainability issues of ethanol production with a systematic literature review. During the selection process, 64 studies from a total of 16,141 identified articles were analyzed in-depth. There is a consensus that first-generation production methods cannot result in a long-term solution. However, advanced technologies are currently immature, and ethanol production is more expensive with them. The use of wastes/residues and coproducts can improve both the economic outlook and sustainability of the advanced technologies. Overall, the newer generations of technological advancements are constantly improving the environmental performance, whereas the economic performance is deteriorating. Considering low oil prices (0.36 USD/L), none of the ethanol production methods can be competitive on a purely cost basis. This increases the importance of coproducts (further processing and more valuable coproducts). Regarding sustainability, a complex analysis is essential, which must cover at least the environmental, social, and economic aspects. At the methodology level, a complex life cycle analysis seems to be the best tool, as it can take into account these relevant aspects (environmental, economic, and social).


Author(s):  
Antonio Víctor Martín García ◽  
Bárbara Mariana Gutiérrez Pérez ◽  
Judith Martín Lucas ◽  
Alicia Murciano Hueso ◽  
Juan Carlos Aceros Gualdrón ◽  
...  

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 1473
Author(s):  
Marco Castellini ◽  
Stefano Ubertini ◽  
Diego Barletta ◽  
Ilaria Baffo ◽  
Pietro Buzzini ◽  
...  

Today one of the most interesting ways to produce biodiesel is based on the use of oleaginous microorganisms, which can accumulate microbial oil with a composition similar to vegetable oils. In this paper, we present a thermo-chemical numerical model of the yeast biodiesel production process, considering cardoon stalks as raw material. The simulation is performed subdividing the process into the following sections: steam explosion pre-treatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, lipid production, lipid extraction, and alkali-catalyzed transesterification. Numerical results show that 406.4 t of biodiesel can be produced starting from 10,000 t of lignocellulosic biomass. An economic analysis indicates a biodiesel production cost of 12.8 USD/kg, thus suggesting the need to increase the capacity plant and the lipid yield to make the project economically attractive. In this regard, a sensitivity analysis is also performed considering an ideal lipid yield of 22% and 100,000 t of lignocellulosic biomass. The biodiesel production costs related to these new scenarios are 7.88 and 5.91 USD/kg, respectively. The large capacity plant combined with a great lipid yield in the fermentation stage shows a biodiesel production cost of 3.63 USD/kg making the product competitive on the current market of biofuels by microbial oil.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (22) ◽  
pp. 7777
Author(s):  
Paulius Šūmakaris ◽  
Renata Korsakienė ◽  
Deniss Ščeulovs

Engaging firms to generate and adopt energy efficient innovation is crucial for balancing energy needs for sustainable development. In addition, a reduction in energy consumption can address environmental problems and lower production costs by reducing materials and/or energy costs and costs related to compliance with regulations. Considering the lack of systematic reviews focused on the determinants of energy efficient innovation, we address this gap and set forth to enhance the body of knowledge in the field of energy efficient innovation. To achieve the research aim, a systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis were conducted. This study offers two contributions. First, the study distinguishes the determinants of energy efficient innovation in three levels: micro-level, meso-level, and macro-level. According to the findings, the following determinants of energy efficient innovation are highlighted at the micro-level: (1) cost savings; (2) previous experience; (3) technological capabilities; (4) green capabilities; (5) innovation capabilities; (6) knowledge development; (7) organizational innovations; (8) financial resources; (9) investment in tangible assets. Meanwhile, the determinants are distinguished at the meso-level: (1) competitive pressure; (2) customer and provider pressure; (3) external knowledge cooperation; (4) social pressure; (5) voluntary agreements. Finally, the determinants are disclosed at the macro-level: (1) government subsidies; (2) current or future regulation. Second, the study provides insights on the determinants of energy efficient innovation and sets an agenda for future research. The study demonstrates the need for further investigations on the drivers of energy efficient innovation as compared to general eco-innovation.


2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 659
Author(s):  
Jane Marchi Madureira ◽  
Sinclair Mallet Guy Guerra

Um dos principais objetivos do Programa Nacional de Produção e Uso do Biodiesel (PNPB) tem sido desenvolver aagricultura familiar, através de incentivos fiscais às usinas produtoras de biodiesel que adquirem matérias-primas desse segmento. Este trabalho faz um breve levantamento das principais discussões em torno dos resultados sociais que o programa vem apresentando e conclui que mesmo o Estado mobilizando diversos agentes para atuarem em favor do eixo social, não há consenso em relação aos ganhos efetivos do programa no tocante a esse aspecto, tampouco desenvolvimento das regiões Norte e Nordeste como resultadoda implantação da política de biodiesel.Palavras-chave: PNPB, biodiesel, eixo social, agricultura familiar.NATIONAL PROGRAM OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION AND USE: divergences on the social results of the biodiesel policyAbstract: One of the major objectives of the National Program of Biodiesel Production and Use has been the development of the family farm, through tax incentives for the biodiesel producers, which acquire raw material from this segment. This paper makes a survey of the main debates about the social results that have been presented by the program, concluding that even the State using their means in favor of the social side, there is no consensus on the program achievements at this point, nor the development of the North and Northeast regions as a result of the biodiesel policy.Key words: PNPB, biodiesel, social axis, family farming.


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