scholarly journals Strategies for the Mobilization and Deployment of Local Low-Value, Heterogeneous Biomass Resources for a Circular Bioeconomy

Energies ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 433
Author(s):  
Fabian Schipfer ◽  
Alexandra Pfeiffer ◽  
Ric Hoefnagels
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Market Creation ◽  
Biomass Resources ◽  
Legislative Framework

With the Bioeconomy Strategy, Europe aims to strengthen and boost biobased sectors. Therefore, investments in and markets of biobased value chains have to be unlocked and local bioeconomies across Europe have to be deployed. Compliance with environmental and social sustainability goals is on top of the agenda. The current biomass provision structures are unfit to take on the diversity of biomass residues and their respective supply chains and cannot ensure the sustainability of feedstock supply in an ecological, social and economical fashion. Therefore, we have to address the research question on feasible strategies for mobilizing and deploying local, low-value and heterogeneous biomass resources. We are building upon the work of the IEA Bioenergy Task40 scientists and their expertise on international bioenergy trade and the current provision of bioenergy and cluster mobilization measures into three assessment levels; the legislative framework, technological innovation and market creation. The challenges and opportunity of the three assessment levels point towards a common denominator: The quantification of the systemic value of strengthening the potentially last remaining primary economic sectors, forestry, agriculture and aquaculture, is missing. With the eroding importance of other primary economic sectors, including fossil fuel extraction and minerals mining, the time is now to assess and act upon the value of the supply-side of a circular bioeconomy. This value includes the support the Bioeconomy can provide to structurally vulnerable regions by creating meaningful jobs and activities in and strengthening the resource democratic significance of rural areas.

scholarly journals Strategies for the Mobilization and Deployment of Local Low-Value, Heterogeneous Biomass Resources for a Circular Bieconomy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabian Schipfer ◽  
Alexandra Pfeiffer ◽  
Ric Hoefnagels
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Market Creation ◽  
Market Structures ◽  
Biomass Resources ◽  
Legislative Framework ◽  
Biogenic Waste

The European Bioeconomy Strategy aims to strengthen and boost biobased sectors, unlocking investments and markets while rapidly deploying local bioeconomies across Europe and improving compliance with environmental and social sustainability goals. Current biomass provision structures and infrastructure might not be able to tap the sustainable potential of forestry-, agricultural residues and biogenic waste envisaged forming the biogenic feedstock base of the Circular Bioeconomy of tomorrow. Therefore, for the present paper, we assess mobilization strategies, their current status, opportunities, and barriers for local low value and heterogenous biomass resources. Based on discussions with bioenergy supply chain experts, we cluster mobilization measures into three assessment levels; the legislative framework, market structures and technological innovation. Scientific literature research on the respective keywords is performed, the European policy landscape mapped, and the results are enriched with anecdotal evidence, especially for recent and running projects and market developments that lack in published track records. We can identify research needs on all three assessment levels. Still, technological development and legislative frameworks are providing support for heterogeneous biomass mobilization. Market creation, however, represents a bottleneck. We provide novel perspectives, how physical- and virtual bio-hubs and crediting stake- and shareholder variety could create added-value based on sustainable primary economic activities and their cascading activities.

scholarly journals Solid Biomass Energy Potential as a Development Opportunity for Rural Communities

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3398
Author(s):  
Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski ◽  
Paweł Dudziec ◽  
Michał Krzyżaniak ◽  
Ewelina Olba-Zięty
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Energy Sources ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Development Opportunity ◽  
Biomass Resources ◽  
Administrative Units ◽  
Solid Biomass

Conventional energy sources often do not fully satisfy the needs of a modern economy, especially given the climate changes associated with them. These issues should be addressed by diversification of energy generation, including the development of renewable energy sources (RES). Solid biomass will play a major part in the process in Poland. The function of rural areas, along with a well-developed agricultural and forest economy sector, will be a key aspect in this as these areas are suitable for solid biomass acquisition in various ways. This study aimed to determine the solid biomass energy potential in the commune of Goworowo to illustrate the potential in the smallest administrative units of Poland. This research determined the environmental and natural conditions in the commune, which helped to identify the crucial usable solid biomass resources. The total energy potential of solid biomass resources in the commune of Goworowo amounted to 97,672 GJ y−1. The highest potential was accumulated in straw surplus (37,288 GJ y−1) and the lowest was in wood from roadside maintenance (113 GJ y−1). This study showed that rural areas could soon play a significant role in obtaining solid biomass, and individual communes could become spaces for the diversification of energy feedstock.

scholarly journals Sustainable Biomass Value Chains Based on Poplar Plantations in European Rural Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Meyer ◽  
Filipa Tavares Wahren ◽  
Norbert Weber ◽  
Ronald S. Zalesny ◽  
Martin Weih
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Poplar Plantations

scholarly journals Changes in Legal Regulations as a Way of Improving Water Management in Poland

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Edward Pierzgalski
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Spatial Planning ◽  
Legal Regulations ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Entire Society ◽  
Legislative Changes ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Extreme Care

Abstract The article presents 9 water alerts illustrating the state and problems of water management in Poland three years after the entry of the new Water Act into force on January 1, 2018. The alerts were developed by a group of experts critically assessing some of the introduced legislative changes. The alerts analyzed the main problems related to drought and flood protection as well as the specificity of water management in cities and rural areas. Postulates to improve the legal regulations in the field of water management and financing, its integration with spatial planning and educational needs in this regard were also presented. The content of 8 alerts is briefly discussed, and the problem of water–agriculture interaction is presented in more detail. The article indicates that legal regulations of water management are particularly difficult as they apply to the entire society, almost all economic sectors and the natural environment, and its preparation must be carried out with extreme care after many analyzes and debates.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study on Digital Transformation and Communication within the Moroccan Firms

2021 ◽  
pp. 92-101
Author(s):  
Houda Bassim
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Main Research ◽  
Know How ◽  
The One ◽  
Use Of Internet

Starting from the beginning of the third millennium, firms around the world in various economic sectors have been powerfully affected by the evolution process of digital technology and associated internet developments. The use of Internet and new digital technologies has been considered as a great revolution that will allow companies to benefit from new opportunities, in order to extend their activities and profitability, specifically through decreases in costs. While some companies have been investing rapidly in this new filed with the aim to take advantages of new opportunities, others seem to fail in following such developmental pattern. The main research question in the present paper is to understand perceptions of a sample of Moroccan firms operating in Casablanca, regarding the currently observed process of communication-based digital transformation worldwide. In this sense, our study turns to be exploratory, that is based on open interviews, within a focus group of professionals in the digital sector, rather than on collected data and effective orientations. Such exploratory analysis will be followed by upcoming empirical studies for a more comprehensive understanding of the profession. Our research paper aspires thereby to better grasping the process of digitalization of communication channels among the firms’ professionals, as selected. The ultimate target is to know how well firms are evolving in utilizing newly integrated digital tools, with respect to innovation and trademarks. To address this issue in an exploratory perspective, we have resorted to a focus group-based enquiry with six professionals of firms operating in Casablanca. The methodological framework relies upon qualitative data, as collected through the conducted interviews.      The major research finding of the present paper is that the pattern of digital transformation and communication seems to follow the one observed worldwide. Nevertheless, in spite of strong customers’ expectations, some hesitations and inadequate fundraising allocations partially explain the relative slowness of the process. In terms of policy implications, a suitable public-private partnership is still needed so as Morocco can foster digital transformation for economic and social development as well as improvements in the population’s standards of life, especially through investment in human capital for better attractivity-generating progress.

scholarly journals The VIADUC project: innovation in climate adaptation through service design

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 199-205
Author(s):  
L. Corre ◽  
P. Dandin ◽  
D. L'Hôte ◽  
F. Besson
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Climate Adaptation ◽  
End Users ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Adaptation To Climate Change ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Climate Services

Abstract. From the French National Adaptation to Climate Change Plan, the "Drias, les futurs du climat" service has been developed to provide easy access to French regional climate projections. This is a major step for the implementation of French Climate Services. The usefulness of this service for the end-users and decision makers involved with adaptation planning at a local scale is investigated. As such, the VIADUC project is: to evaluate and enhance Drias, as well as to imagine future development in support of adaptation. Climate scientists work together with end-users and a service designer. The designer's role is to propose an innovative approach based on the interaction between scientists and citizens. The chosen end-users are three Natural Regional Parks located in the South West of France. The latter parks are administrative entities which gather municipalities having a common natural and cultural heritage. They are also rural areas in which specific economic activities take place, and therefore are concerned and involved in both protecting their environment and setting-up sustainable economic development. The first year of the project has been dedicated to investigation including the questioning of relevant representatives. Three key local economic sectors have been selected: i.e. forestry, pastoral farming and building activities. Working groups were composed of technicians, administrative and maintenance staff, policy makers and climate researchers. The sectors' needs for climate information have been assessed. The lessons learned led to actions which are presented hereinafter.

Development of an Information System for the Assessment of different Bioenergy Concepts Regarding Sustainable Development

2010 ◽  
pp. 318-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meike Schmehl ◽  
Swantje Eigner-Thiel ◽  
Jens Ibendorf ◽  
Martina Hesse ◽  
Jutta Geldermann
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Supply Side ◽  
Demand And Supply ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Provide Decision Support ◽  
Biogas Plants ◽  
Indicator Systems

From an environmental, economic, social, and technical perspective, this chapter focuses on a sustainability assessment of concepts for the energetic use of biomass in order to provide decision support for different options of biomass use. In rural areas, bioenergy concepts are of particular interest in this context. These can for example be biogas plants which are operated by electric service providers, or a biogas plant owned by one farmer, or bioenergy villages. The topic relates to the development of suitable criteria and to the adaption of existing indicator systems to the special requirements of sustainable biomass use for energy. The results of this sustainability assessment consider the different biomass concepts’ advantages and disadvantages, which are illustrated by multi-criteria valuation methods. Furthermore, the sustainability assessment of bioenergy concepts has specific requirements with regard to an information system in terms of data and information’s demand and supply side.

District nurse advocacy for choice to live and die at home in rural Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 479-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frances M Reed ◽  
Les Fitzgerald ◽  
Melanie R Bish
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Life Care ◽  
District Nurse ◽  
District Nurses ◽  
Rural Australia ◽  
At Home

Background: Choice to live and die at home is supported by palliative care policy; however, health resources and access disparity impact on this choice in rural Australia. Rural end-of-life home care is provided by district nurses, but little is known about their role in advocacy for choice in care. Objectives: The study was conducted to review the scope of the empirical literature available to answer the research question: What circumstances influence district nurse advocacy for rural client choice to live and die at home?, and identify gaps in the knowledge. Method: Interpretive scoping methodology was used to search online databases, identify suitable studies and select, chart, analyse and describe the findings. Results: 34 international studies revealed themes of ‘the nursing relationship’, ‘environment’, ‘communication’, ‘support’ and ‘the holistic client centred district nursing role. Discussion: Under-resourcing, medicalisation and emotional relational burden could affect advocacy in rural areas. Conclusion: It is not known how district nurses overcome these circumstances to advocate for choice in end-of-life care. Research designed to increase understanding of how rural district nurses advocate successfully for client goals will enable improvements to be made in the quality of end-of-life care offered.

Analysis of Optimization about the Wall Temperature of the Biomass Fuel Hot Stove

2015 ◽  
Vol 713-715 ◽  
pp. 2981-2984
Author(s):  
Xi Yu Lin ◽  
Guo Min Fu ◽  
Wei Lv ◽  
Chao Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Amorphous Materials ◽  
Combustion Process ◽  
Combustion Efficiency ◽  
Biomass Fuel ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Mechanical Pressure ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Biomass Resources ◽  
Working Principle

<p>This paper introduces the structure and working principle of biomass fuel hot stove, and analyses the existing problems in the combustion process. Simultaneously, the paper proposes the optimization about the wall high temperature of the hot stove, which is the main issue in the hot stove.</p> <p>Biomass resources in China is very abundant.only the amount of resources of agricultural wastes (such as straw) each year is equivalent to 3.08 tons of standard coal. The biomass briquette is compressed with loose, amorphous materials, such as straw, rice husk, sawdust, wood chips, into a shaped, denser solid fuel with the method of mechanical pressure. It has the advantages of small size, high density, easy storage and transportation, combustion stability, long cycle, high combustion efficiency, low contaminant levels in ash and flue gas. It provides an effective way to solve the energy shortage in rural areas and straw burning problem fundamentally[1].</p>

scholarly journals Using Dairy Value Chains to Identify Production Constraints and Biosecurity Risks

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2332
Author(s):  
Jaswinder Singh ◽  
Balbir B. Singh ◽  
Harish Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Harmandeep Singh Josan ◽  
Nidhi Jaswal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Foot And Mouth Disease ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Biosecurity Practices

The dairy industry plays an important role in the economy and food security of India. A study of the dairy value chains was conducted in Punjab, India, to identify production constraints and biosecurity risks. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted during 2018–2019 with a total of 119 participants comprising veterinarians (41), paraveterinarians (15), veterinary academics (12), dairy farmers (46) and key informants (5). Input and output value chains were created, and potential risk nodes were identified that could facilitate the transmission of pathogens between animals, farms and villages. The majority of the participants were male (93%), middle-aged (68%) or worked in rural areas (75%). Most of the farmers self-cultivated their green fodder (82%), used the wheat straw from their own fields (60%) but purchased commercial feed (63%). Artificial insemination was used by 85% of farmers for cattle, but only 68% for buffaloes. Most of the farmers (76%) reported getting their animals vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease and hemorrhagic septicemia. Animals were sold and purchased without any health certification and testing in most cases. Adoption of biosecurity measures by farmers and the use of personal protective equipment by veterinary personnel were very low. We recommend conducting epidemiological studies to further characterize the identified risk nodes, training of veterinary practitioners and farmers to ensure adequate biosecurity practices and the appropriate use of personal protective equipment.

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